Caterpillar is one of the best-known names in the world of machinery. So if you’re comparing your options, don’t be surprised if you find a Caterpillar skid steer for sale! The company currently lists eight models on its official website. Here is everything you need to know to help you make the best choice for your work site.
What is a Caterpillar Skid Steer?
Caterpillar is one of the leading manufacturers of construction machinery and equipment across the globe. The company was founded in 1925 and is now a Fortune 100 Company. You can rely on Caterpillar products to be high-quality, reliable, and long-lasting.
Caterpillar skid steers are machines designed to offer great power and multifunctionality in a compact space. These machines, also known as skid loaders and wheel loaders, are common on construction, landscape, and heavy worksites. They are highly maneuverable and lightweight in comparison to other job site machinery.
Skid steers can be four-wheel or treaded, which depends on the specific model. Integrated front and back axles give synchronized control. Operators can move each side’s wheels independently for maximum versatility. The wheels on one side spin faster than the other to create a skidding effect which is where the machine’s name arose.
What Skid Steers Does Caterpillar Make?
Caterpillar manufactures an array of skid steers suitable for all kinds of job sites and industry projects. Different models are more appropriate for jobs requiring distinct weights, measurements, and hydraulic power. All Caterpillar skid steers are designed to operate with a large toolkit to ensure no job is left undone or done improperly.
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 226D3
Power: 67.1 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 1,550 lbs
Operating Weight: 5,849 lbs
The 226D3 is a comfortably operating four-wheel skid steer with an emphasis on high performance. An industry-leading pressurized sealed cabin offers maximum protection and comfort on the job site. Peak torque of 1,500rpm means this skid steer can handle whatever you throw at it. This is a skid steer that is handling heavy work and making it ultra efficient!
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 232D3
Power: 67.1 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 1,900 lbs
Operating Weight: 6,514 lbs
The 232D3 is a four-wheel skid steer offering a heavy-duty 850 CCA battery, a Cat C2.2 turbo diesel engine, and industry-leading hydraulics. The electronic torque management system delivers the best in power and performance. Most amazing is its integration of SMART technology, which improves attachment recognition, safety, and efficiency. The 232D3 might well be called the future of construction machinery!
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 236D3
Power: 74.3 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 1,800 lbs
Operating Weight: 6,567 lbs
The 236D3 four-wheel skid steer offers intelligent leveling, dual-direction self-leveling, work tool positioning, and more. Its security system and rearview camera improve job site safety and machine security during or outside use. Tailored controls offer increased operational flexibility. This machine is the perfect way to ensure that you have ultimate visibility and maneuverability on the job site, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 242D3
Power: 74.3 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 2,200 lbs
Operating Weight: 7,138 lbs
The 242D3 is a four-wheel skid steer loader with 15 percent more cab space than comparable models. Caterpillar’s new line of buckets offers 30 percent additional capacity. This model comes with industry first including smart technology for attachment recognition, automated complex attachments, grade assist, and more.
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 246D3
Power: 74.3 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 2,200 lbs
Operating Weight: 7,478 lbs
The 246D3 is a four-wheel model sporting a radial lift design and mid-lift reach. This skid steer has top-of-the-line digging performance and truly impressive drawbar power. Designed to combine greater comfort with power and utility, the 246D3 offers an advanced display and improved load retention. It features integrated SMART technology to help operators work more efficiently and precisely, with better tool attachment recognition and tailored controls.
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 262D3
Power: 74.3 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 2,700 lbs
Operating Weight: 8,296 lbs
The 262D3 four-wheel skid steer is part of Caterpillar’s new top-of-the-line models that are revolutionizing the industry. With a much wider door for easier operator entry, smart technology integration, and excellent hydraulics, the 262D3 brings together the industry best in comfort, maneuverability, and performance. The cab is 30 percent larger than previous models, offering more visibility and ease of control, as well as an improved seal to keep the space quiet.
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 272D3
Power: 98 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 3,450 lbs
Operating Weight: 9,133 lbs
The 272D3 is one of Caterpillar’s toughest, highest performing skid steer models. Its long wheelbase and vertical lift design enable extended reach over many other models. This skid steer is popular for loading trucks. Its stability and hydraulic lifting power make it ideal for handling heavy materials to keep up with the most intense work in the industry. The 272D3 is ideal for job sites with more vertical space!
Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader 272D3 XE
Power: 110 HP
Rated Operating Capacity: 3,700 lbs
Operating Weight: 9,573 lbs
272D3 XE skid steer loaders are top-of-the-line machines offering incredible operating weight and capacity. This model sports a powerful engine with high output hydraulics, a vertical lift design with high lift forces, and is stellar for loading trucks or handling heavy material. This model provides the maximum industry performance suited for even the toughest job sites.
FAQ
How Long Do Caterpillar Skid Steers Last?
Caterpillar skid steers, like most others, last about 5,000 hours on average. You may find that the machine needs parts replaced after about 3,000 hours, especially if it is a track skid steer. With excellent maintenance, some skid steers can last as much as 10,000 hours. However, you will find that the value tanks significantly after about 3,000 to 3,500 hours, which is important to note if you plan on trying to resell.
What’s the Largest Caterpillar Skid Steer?
The largest skid steer that Caterpillar currently manufactures is the 272D3 XE. This powerful machine features a 110-HP engine with a high output hydraulic system. The vertical lift design and strength make it possible to reach higher and further than ever before, which can make your work more efficient. Everything about this skid steer is large, from the 30 percent bucket size increase to the 15 percent of extra cab space.
How Much do Caterpillar Skid Steers Cost?
If you are planning on buying a brand new Caterpillar skid steer, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. New models generally cost an average of $55,000. However, it is common to buy construction equipment secondhand, letting it be recycled between worksites until it has reached its limit. If you are looking at secondhand models, the prices may vary significantly. Depending on the model, where you look, and the condition it is in, you may find skid steers for as little as $4,000 or as much as $30,000.
Where Are Caterpillar Skid Steers Made?
Caterpillar has an enormous presence in North America, with manufacturing facilities across the United States. Machinery is produced at Caterpillar locations in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Most of Caterpillar’s skid steer models are manufactured at the Caterpillar facility in Sanford, North Carolina.
What Engine is in a Caterpillar Skid Steer?
Caterpillar skid steers are powered by a unique combination of naturally aspirated diesel power and turbocharged diesel power. These engines are funneled directly through a series of hydraulic pumps outside the machine and to the hydraulic arm. Some Caterpillar skid steer models may use engines manufactured by Mitsubishi.
Finding the Right Caterpillar Skid Steer for Sale
Finding the right Caterpillar skid steer for sale might take some time as you compare models, uses, and offers. But you can’t go wrong with this company’s equipment. It has led the industry for close to 100 years and its quality is unmatched. It is just a matter of finding the perfect piece of machinery for your needs!
