Cat 259D3 vs John Deere 325G

Caterpillar

Cat 259D3

$72,000

4.6★ (540)

John Deere

$72,000

4.6★ (520)

Quick take: The John Deere 325G has a higher rated operating capacity (2,590 vs 2,000 lbs).

✓The 259D3 pairs a smooth suspended undercarriage with Cat's quiet sealed cab, and operators consistently rate it among the most comfortable CTLs to run all day.
✓Vertical lift geometry gives excellent dump height and reach for loading high-sided trucks, a clear advantage over radial-lift CTLs its size.
✓The C3.3B engine is a proven, reliable powerplant, and owners report strong pushing power and good fuel economy for the class.
✓Cat's dealer network provides fast parts, tracks, and service, and the 259D3's popularity means implements and used units are everywhere.
✓The XPS high-flow option (32 GPM) lets it run mulchers and planers, giving it real versatility for landscaping and site prep.
✓Ride control and the intuitive display make it productive and easy to operate, which rental customers and newer operators appreciate.
✓It holds resale value exceptionally well — the 259D3 is one of the most in-demand used CTLs, protecting owners at trade-in.
✓The suspended undercarriage is known for a smooth ride and good track life when kept off abrasive surfaces, per owner reports.

✗Cat parts and undercarriage components are pricey, and track replacement runs higher than many competitors, adding to ownership cost.
✗The 1-year base warranty trails Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value shoppers weigh against the higher price.
✗New pricing carries a steep Cat premium, and some buyers feel the capacity-to-price ratio favors Kubota or Case.
✗The DPF regen cycle draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty work that pauses production.
✗At 2,000 lb rated capacity (35%) it's not the strongest lifter in the medium class, and heavy operators eye the 289D3 or 299D3.
✗The feature-rich cab adds weight and cost, and a fully-equipped 259D3 gets expensive fast.
✗Some operators find the electronic controls and throttle response take time to adjust to versus simpler machines.
✗Mud and debris packing in the suspended undercarriage requires regular cleaning to protect components and track life.

✓The 325G hits the sweet spot of the G-Series lineup, and owners say the 2,590 lb capacity and 9,500 lb operating weight handle real production work while still trailering behind a one-ton pickup.
✓The vertical-lift boom with a 126-inch hinge-pin height loads tandem-axle dump trucks with room to spare, which loading-focused buyers specifically call out over radial rivals.
✓The Yanmar engine and simple, proven G-Series drivetrain have a reputation for racking up thousands of trouble-free hours, and the used market is full of high-hour examples still working daily.
✓Deere's massive dealer and financing network makes parts and service easy almost anywhere, especially for farm customers who already run green equipment.
✓The side-by-side cooling package cleans out easily and resists overheating in dusty, debris-heavy conditions that plague stacked coolers on other brands.
✓EH joystick controls with selectable response settings let operators tune the machine from smooth finish grading to fast production cycles.
✓The sealed and pressurized cab option is roomy and comfortable with a big swing-out door, and operators rate visibility to the bucket corners among the best in class.
✓Resale value is excellent because the 325G is one of the most in-demand used CTLs in the country, protecting owners at trade-in time.

✗The 21 GPM standard flow is on the low side for the class, so hungry attachments like mulchers effectively require the 32 GPM high-flow option.
✗The Yanmar's DPF emissions system draws recurring complaints about regen cycles interrupting work during light-duty idling.
✗Deere parts and dealer labor pricing is on the higher end, and owners note maintenance costs creep up over the machine's life.
✗Some operators find the EH controls take a learning curve and initially feel less direct than the pilot controls on older machines.
✗At 2,590 lb rated capacity it gives up some muscle to the Kubota SVL75-3 and Bobcat T76 in the same price bracket, which spec-shoppers notice.
✗The 325G has been superseded by the newer 325 P-tier naming, so buyers should confirm which generation they're being quoted.
✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Case and Kubota often undercut it on sticker.
✗Undercarriage and track wear costs are typical of the class but still significant, especially when run on abrasive or paved surfaces.