Caterpillar Track Loaders Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide
Standard Torsion Suspension Undercarriages for Maximum Comfort and Productivity
Just two years after Caterpillar entered the compact equipment market with its skid steer loader family in 1999, its first rubber track loaders were released. The loaders entered the market touting standard torsion suspension rubber track undercarriages. Today, Caterpillar offers seven rubber track compact track loader models in the lineup, including both radial-lift linkage and vertical-lift linkage models.
Cat compact track loaders offer low ground pressure and ground disturbance, so they can work in environments where skid steer loaders can’t. The rubber track loader model line is comprised of machines ranging from 67 to 110 gross hp. All Cat compact track loader models feature a fully independent, torsion suspension undercarriage. The torsion suspension undercarriage system delivers improved traction and flotation by allowing the undercarriage to move and react to the underfoot conditions to keep the maximum amount of track on the ground. The undercarriage suspension system also distributes the machine load to greatly reduce shock and vibration throughout the machine to provide greater load retention and a more comfortable ride, even when operating at higher travel speeds.
Cat also offers a High Flow XPS hydraulic system, providing increased flow (up to 32 gpm) as well as higher pressure (up to 4,061 psi), which delivers more speed and more torque to the attachment. The largest Cat rubber track model, the 110-gross-hp 299D3 XE, provides even higher flow (up to 40 gpm) with higher pressure up to 4,061 psi. These high-flow, high-pressure auxiliary hydraulic system options provide productivity in applications utilizing high torque tools such as cold planers, wheel saws, heavy-duty brush cutters or mulching heads. In addition, Cat offers the 299D3 XE Land Management configuration that delivers a purpose-built machine solution for customers involved in demanding vegetation-management applications.
The D3 Series compact track loader models offer the operator sight lines to the work tool, sides of the machine and tracks via loader arm and cab designs focused on visibility. Visibility to the sides and rear of the machine is further enhanced with a standard rearview mirror. The rearview camera, standard on most models, provides a wide-angle picture of the hard-to-see areas behind track loaders. The optional enclosed cab is a one-piece, modular design with excellent sealing and pressurization that provides an exceptionally clean and quiet operator environment. The D3 Series models are even more comfortable, delivering an additional 3 in. of knee room for the operator. A standard security system provides protection from unwanted operation and theft. Additional control features are incorporated into the heads-up, full-color LCD monitor that provides the operator the capability to customize up to 23 different parameters.
Each of these parameters, which include language choice, display preferences and machine performance adjustments, are retained for each individual operator code. Also standard with each D3 Series compact track loader is Smart Technology. Smart Technology allows the machine to recognize the new line of Smart Attachments and convert the machine’s existing joysticks to the intuitive controls needed to easily operate these attachments. Smart Attachments include the Smart Backhoe, Smart Grader Blade and Smart Dozer for fast and easy grading and excavation tasks.
Advice to Buyers
“Consider access for daily service and routine maintenance items,” says Kevin Coleman, product specialist for Caterpillar. “Check the operator’s manual for the location of these items and the frequency at which they are to be serviced, then simulate servicing those items. Daily checks and fill items, such as engine oil, should be easy to accomplish without having to reach into areas where components may be hot. Routine maintenance items, like cleaning and replacing the engine air filter, should be quick and simple without requiring bolts or panels to be removed.”
