Takeuchi TL12V2 vs Cat 265

Takeuchi

Takeuchi TL12V2

$95,000

4.6★ (420)

Caterpillar

$95,000

4.7★ (190)

Quick take: The Takeuchi TL12V2 has a higher rated operating capacity (4,107 vs 2,823 lbs); the Takeuchi TL12V2 has more engine power (111 vs 74 hp).

✓At 4,107 lb capacity the TL12V2 is one of the highest-lifting CTLs on the market, and heavy operators say it out-muscles machines that cost more.
✓The 111 hp Kubota V3800 engine delivers strong, reliable power, and owners praise it for pulling hard through the toughest dirt and material work.
✓Takeuchi invented the compact track loader, and the TL12V2's rugged undercarriage has a reputation for durability and long track life under commercial use.
✓Vertical lift with a 134-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers effortless, a real advantage for aggregate work.
✓Takeuchi pricing typically undercuts a comparably-spec'd Cat 299D3 or Bobcat T86, so value-focused buyers get flagship capability for less.
✓The cab is comfortable with good visibility, and owners appreciate the straightforward, durable controls over long production days.
✓Resale value is strong because Takeuchi's durability reputation keeps used demand high among owner-operators and contractors.
✓The high-flow option and strong hydraulics let it run demanding attachments, adding versatility to its heavy-lift capability.

✗Takeuchi's dealer network is smaller and more regional than Bobcat or Cat, so parts and service access varies a lot by location.
✗At over 13,000 lb it's a heavy machine that requires a serious truck and trailer, limiting mobility for smaller operators.
✗Undercarriage and track costs on a machine this size are significant, especially on abrasive ground.
✗Because dealers are independent, warranty and service experience can be inconsistent depending on the specific dealer.
✗The attachment and used-implement ecosystem is smaller than Bobcat's, so sourcing tools locally can be harder.
✗Some operators note the cab and controls, while durable, feel less refined than the latest Cat and Bobcat interiors.
✗Its size and weight make it overkill and less nimble for tight residential work versus a medium-frame CTL.
✗The premium price for a flagship machine, while lower than Cat, is still a major investment that tests smaller-operator budgets.

✓The 43% torque increase over the 289D3 is the headline upgrade, and operators report the 265 pushes through heavy grading and cold-planing work that used to bog the old 74 hp machines down.
✓The High Flow XPS option delivers 34 GPM at 3,500 psi, letting the 265 run mulchers and planers that previously required stepping up to a 299D3-class machine.
✓The 132-inch bucket pin height with vertical lift makes loading full-size dump trucks genuinely easy, and dual-direction self-leveling keeps pallets flat both raising and lowering.
✓The sealed, pressurized one-piece cab is dramatically quieter and cleaner than the D3 generation, and the optional heated/ventilated air-ride seat draws consistent praise for all-day comfort.
✓The C2.8TA stays under 75 hp so there's no DEF system to maintain - owners doing forestry and brush work especially value one less fluid and one less failure point.
✓Stability is noticeably improved over the 289D3 thanks to the longer track frame and 10,492 lb operating weight, and operators say side-slope mowing feels far more planted.
✓The 8-inch touchscreen with rearview camera, Bluetooth, and switchable ISO/H-pattern joystick controls modernizes the operator station to match or beat Bobcat's R-Series.
✓Factory 'High Flow ready' plumbing on standard machines means the hydraulic upgrade is a software enablement rather than a shop retrofit, protecting resale flexibility.

✗List pricing starts around $95k and well-optioned units push past $105k, a jump that has plenty of loyal Cat owners cross-shopping the Kubota SVL97-2 on price alone.
✗At 10,492 lbs before attachments it demands a heavy-duty trailer and a properly rated tow rig, and more than one owner has been surprised at the scales.
✗It keeps the 74 hp rating for emissions reasons, so despite the torque gains, buyers who want raw horsepower for high-production mulching still need the 111 hp 275/285.
✗Early-build machines saw touchscreen and sensor software glitches that required dealer flash updates, a sore spot for buyers who expected day-one Cat reliability.
✗The electronics-dense platform is harder to self-service than the D3s, effectively tying owners to Cat dealer diagnostics for anything beyond routine maintenance.
✗Undercarriage and track replacement costs on a machine this heavy are substantial, and owners note the wider tracks that improve flotation also wear faster on pavement.
✗The next-gen used market is still thin, so trade-in valuations are inconsistent dealer to dealer compared to the well-established 289D3.
✗Options add up fast - XPS hydraulics, advanced display, and premium seat can tack five figures onto the invoice, and several owners wish more of it were standard at this price.