Caterpillar
Cat 272D3
The Cat 272D3 is Caterpillar's largest wheeled skid steer, with a 98 hp C3.8 engine and vertical lift. Available with a high-flow XPS hydraulic system, it's built for heavy loading and demanding attachment work.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓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.
Cons
- ✗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.
Compare the Cat 272D3
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