Cat 259D3 vs New Holland C337

Caterpillar

Cat 259D3

$72,000

4.6★ (540)

New Holland

$72,000

4.3★ (220)

Quick take: The New Holland C337 has a higher rated operating capacity (3,700 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 Super Boom vertical lift delivers class-leading dump height and reach, and owners say the C337 loads and stacks better than CTLs costing thousands more.
✓The 3,700 lb rated capacity is genuinely large-frame muscle, and farmers moving hay bales and heavy pallets specifically choose it for the strength.
✓The 131-inch hinge-pin height makes loading high-sided trucks and tall hoppers effortless, a real production advantage.
✓New Holland pricing undercuts Bobcat and Cat large-frame CTLs, so value-focused buyers feel they get a lot of capability for the money.
✓The FPT engine pulls strongly, and owners doing heavy loading report the machine handles demanding work without straining.
✓The cab is roomy and comfortable with good visibility, and the low-effort controls hold up well over long days.
✓The 24 GPM standard flow plus high-flow option covers a broad range of attachments for versatility.
✓For pure loading and material-handling productivity, owners rate the Super Boom geometry among the best in the large-frame CTL class.

✗New Holland's construction dealer network is sparse in many areas, and owners cite parts and service access as the machine's biggest weakness.
✗Resale value trails Bobcat, Cat, and Deere CTLs, so owners take a larger depreciation hit despite the lower price.
✗Some owners report electronic and sensor gremlins on FPT-engined machines that need a knowledgeable dealer to sort out.
✗The Super Boom linkage adds pivot points and grease points that require diligent maintenance on a heavy machine.
✗Undercarriage and track costs are significant on a machine this size, especially on abrasive ground.
✗The attachment and used-implement ecosystem is thinner than Bobcat's, limiting options in some markets.
✗Fit-and-finish is seen by some operators as a notch below Cat and Bobcat refinement.
✗At 74 hp, some operators feel the C337 is under-powered relative to its high capacity for the heaviest dirt work.