Caterpillar Skid Steers — 2016 Spec Guide
Eight Models (Including Two New Ones) from the Famed GLObal Brand
Caterpillar launched its first skid steer loader models in 1999, releasing four radial-lift loaders that were the result of customer-driven, ground-up, internal design, says the company. Today, Caterpillar offers eight skid steer models, both radial and vertical in design. Last fall, Cat released two new small chassis skid steer models, the radial-lift 226D and vertical-lift 232D. These smaller models offer customers the comfort, control, visibility and security features of the larger D Series models, just in a smaller package. Radial lift provides a compact and simple linkage design that provides good reach at mid-lift height and good performance in many applications — digging, dozing and/or finishing grading/back-filling. The radial-lift design also provides a lower weight and lower cost machine configuration than a vertical-lift model.
All machines come standard with a hydraulically driven demand fan, separating the engine speed from the cooling fan speed. This is critical in the toughest conditions when the engine lugs down and the machine needs the fastest fan speed for cooling. The hydraulically driven cooling fan, combined with the high-capacity cooling system, allows customers to work all day. The standard hydraulic fan also features Demand Fan functionality, which matches fan speed with the machine’s cooling needs, delivering improved fuel efficiency, lower noise levels, better cold weather heater performance and maximum available engine horsepower for optimal machine performance, says Cat.
The Cat High Flow XPS hydraulic system offers increased flow (up to 33 gpm) as well as higher pressure (up to 4,061 psi), which provides more speed and more torque to the work tool. The largest Cat skid steer model, the 110-gross-hp 272D2 XHP, provides even higher flow (up to 40 gpm) with higher pressure up to 4,061 psi. These high-flow, high-pressure auxiliary hydraulic systems provide productivity in applications utilizing high torque tools such as cold planers, wheel saws or mulching heads.
With the introduction of the D Series models, Cat improved sight lines to the work tool, sides of the machine and tracks/tires via a new loader arm design. Visibility is further enhanced by an industry first, integrated rear view camera offering. The optional enclosed cab provides a clean and quiet operator environment via a one-piece, modular design for maximum sealing and pressurization. A standard security system provides protection from unwanted operation and theft. Additional control features are incorporated into the optional, 5-in., heads-up, LCD, in-cabin monitor that provides the operator the capability to customize up to 12 different parameters.
Advice to Buyers
“Customers should evaluate the machine they are considering for ease of access to routine maintenance items and daily checks,” explains Kevin Coleman, senior marketing engineer with Cat. “Take note of how easily you can check, maintain and, when necessary, replace items such as the fuel filter and water separator, the engine air filter and the hydraulic filter. Also examine the access for checking and adding fluids, such as engine oil and hydraulic oil. These should be able to be completed without having to search for fluid level gauges and/or removing bolts and covers.”
For more information, visit cat.com
