Caterpillar
Cat 270
The Cat 270 is the flagship of Caterpillar's next-generation wheeled skid steer line, replacing the 272D3 with a 111 hp C3.6TA engine and 333 lb-ft of peak torque. It lifts 3,557 lbs to a 134-inch pin height, and a higher-output 270 XE variant sits above it for maximum hydraulic attachment work.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓The 111 hp C3.6TA with 333 lb-ft of torque is a major step over the 272D3's 98 hp, and operators running planers and wheel saws say it holds RPM under loads that stalled the old machine.
- ✓High Flow XPS delivers 34 GPM at up to 4,061 psi, making the 270 one of the most hydraulically capable wheeled skid steers ever offered by any brand.
- ✓The 3,557 lb ROC ties with class leaders, and the near-134-inch pin height loads tandem dumps with sideboards without piling material at the tailgate.
- ✓On pavement it does what no CTL can - milling, sweeping, and demolition work all day with cheap, fast tire changes instead of thousand-dollar track replacements.
- ✓The sealed pressurized cab with heated/ventilated air-ride seat and 8-inch touchscreen is a night-and-day upgrade over the 272D3's operator station.
- ✓Standard Product Link telematics plus the rearview camera and switchable control patterns make it easy to drop rental and fleet operators into the seat with minimal training.
- ✓Stability under heavy loads is excellent thanks to the 10,441 lb operating weight and long wheelbase, and operators note far less bounce at speed than smaller frames.
- ✓The 270 XE upgrade path means high-production buyers can stay on the same platform, parts, and dealer relationship when they need even more hydraulic output.
Cons
- ✗The 111 hp engine brings full Tier 4 Final aftertreatment - DEF, DPF, and regens - which the 74 hp models avoid, adding running cost and potential downtime.
- ✗At 10,441 lbs it's heavier than some compact track loaders, so the traditional 'wheeled machines are easy to tow' advantage largely disappears at this size.
- ✗Well-optioned quotes push toward six figures, territory where buyers start comparing against CTLs and even small wheel loaders instead of other skid steers.
- ✗Wheeled traction limits it to firm ground - owners doing dirt work concede the 275 CTL walks away from it the moment conditions get soft or wet.
- ✗Early-adopter reports include touchscreen and software quirks consistent with the rest of the next-gen rollout, requiring dealer flash updates to settle.
- ✗Its size and turning footprint make it clumsy in tight urban jobsites where a 260-size machine with the same 34 GPM XPS option covers most needs.
- ✗The electro-hydraulic complexity means diagnostics live behind Cat's service tools, and independent mechanics can do less on it than on the outgoing D3s.
- ✗Resale is unproven for the new flagship, and the small pool of used next-gen machines makes pricing a moving target for early buyers.
Compare the Cat 270
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