Cat 272D3 vs Cat 299D3
Quick take: The Cat 272D3 costs $16,000 less; the Cat 272D3 has a higher rated operating capacity (3,650 vs 3,560 lbs); the Cat 299D3 has more engine power (106 vs 98 hp).
| Spec | Cat 272D3 | Cat 299D3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $82,000 | $98,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (380) | 4.7★ (560) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 3650 lbs | 3560 lbs |
| Engine HP | 98 hp | 106 hp |
| Operating Weight | 9133 lbs | 11266 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 6900 lbs | 10171 lbs |
| Lift Height | 133 in | 133 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 23 GPM | 24 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C3.8 | Cat C3.8 |
| Tracks | No | Yes |
| Vertical lift | Yes | Yes |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 yr / 1000 hr | 1 yr / 1000 hr |
Pros & cons
Cat 272D3
- ✓At 98 hp and 3,650 lb capacity the 272D3 is Cat's biggest wheeled skid steer, and heavy operators praise its raw power for loading and pushing.
- ✓The high-flow XPS hydraulic system delivers strong flow and pressure for demanding attachments like planers and cold planers.
- ✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab is class-leading for quiet, dust-free comfort, which operators single out for long production days.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 133-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers effortless, ideal for aggregate work.
- ✓The C3.8 engine has a strong reliability reputation and pulls hard, and owners report dependable high-hour service.
- ✓Cat's global dealer network delivers fast parts, service, and financing, which fleet owners rely on for uptime on a high-value machine.
- ✓Resale value is strong thanks to the Cat brand and the machine's popularity in demanding applications.
- ✓Ride control and the advanced display make a big, powerful machine manageable and productive for operators of varied skill.
- ✗Cat parts and dealer labor are among the most expensive in the industry, and owners feel maintenance costs on a big machine add up fast.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty is short versus Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value buyers weigh against the price.
- ✗As a wheeled machine it lacks the flotation of a CTL, making it less suited to soft or muddy ground than the 299D3.
- ✗New pricing carries a steep Cat premium, and some contractors feel the capacity-to-price ratio favors New Holland or Case.
- ✗The DPF emissions system draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty work that pause production for regen.
- ✗At over 9,000 lb it needs a heavy truck and trailer, and its size reduces versatility on tight residential sites.
- ✗The feature-rich cab and high-flow package push the price up quickly, so a well-equipped 272D3 gets expensive.
- ✗Tires wear quickly under heavy loads on abrasive surfaces, and a full premium set is a steep recurring cost.
Cat 299D3
- ✓The 299D3 is Cat's flagship CTL, and owners praise the 106 hp engine, 3,560 lb capacity, and track flotation as a true heavy-production do-everything machine.
- ✓The XE version's high-flow, high-pressure hydraulics deliver industry-leading hydraulic horsepower, and mulching and land-clearing crews specifically choose it for that.
- ✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab is class-leading for quiet, dust-free comfort, which operators value on long, demanding days.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 133-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers effortless for aggregate and demolition work.
- ✓The suspended undercarriage smooths rough ground, and the C3.8 engine's strong power makes it feel unstoppable in heavy dirt work.
- ✓Cat's dealer network keeps parts, tracks, and service readily available, minimizing downtime on a high-value, high-utilization machine.
- ✓Resale value is exceptional — the 299D3 is one of the most in-demand used CTLs, commanding strong money to offset the high price.
- ✓Ride control and the advanced display make a very powerful machine manageable and productive for a wide range of operators.
- ✗The 299D3 is one of the most expensive CTLs on the market, and the XE package adds even more to an already premium price.
- ✗Cat parts and undercarriage costs are among the highest in the industry, and track replacement on a machine this size is expensive.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty trails Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value buyers weigh against the steep cost.
- ✗The DPF regen cycle draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty work that pauses production.
- ✗At over 11,000 lb it requires a heavy-duty truck and trailer, limiting mobility for smaller operators.
- ✗The feature-rich cab and XE hydraulics push the price up dramatically, so a well-equipped 299D3 is a major investment.
- ✗Its size and weight make it overkill and less nimble for tight residential work versus a medium-frame CTL.
- ✗Mud and debris packing in the suspended undercarriage requires regular cleaning to protect components and track life.