Innovative Iron Awards: Cat’s 285 and 285 XE GIANT-SIZED Compact Track Loaders (Video)
The off-highway equipment industry has made significant strides in 2024, introducing machines that are smarter, greener and more efficient and powerful than ever before. Compact Equipment‘s 2024 Innovative Iron Awards celebrate these advancements, highlighting equipment that sets new standards in performance, sustainability and operator comfort. See all the winners here. Below is our previous story on Caterpillar’s 285 and 285 XE compact track loaders — both of which are Innovative Iron Award winners in 2024. This story originally posted in mid-September 2024. Now, let’s once again celebrate…
The Cat 285 and 285 XE Compact Track Loaders
In our latest episode of Machine Heads, Compact Equipment’s video series exploring the newest and coolest compact construction equipment, we get an exclusive walk-around of the newly launched Cat 285 track loaders. Morgan Timiney, skid steer and compact track loader product specialist at Caterpillar, dives deep into the specs, features, and performance advantages of these giant-sized machines.
Caterpillar’s Next Generation line of compact track loaders has made a big splash, but none are making waves quite like the 285 and 285 XE (both of which will probably be released next year). These new models are the largest compact track loaders Caterpillar has ever built. They boast a massive 12.5-ft lift height — the highest in the industry. In the video, Timiney highlights this impressive lift capacity, making the Cat 285 track loaders stand out as industry leaders for applications that require height, reach and power.
The 285 XE Walkaround: E-Bar Undercarriage and More
One of the most notable features of the 285 and 285 XE is their dozer-style E-bar (equalizer bar) undercarriage. It’s designed to give the machine added stability when lifting heavy loads or working on uneven terrain. The E-bar comes directly from Caterpillar’s dozer lineup, providing both rigidity and oscillation, depending on the task at hand. According to Timiney, this undercarriage significantly enhances the machine’s stability, making it an ideal choice for dirt work such as grading and dozing. The E-bar undercarriage ensures that operators experience smooth operation and stability, even when handling the heaviest loads. This makes the 285 XE a game-changer for operators who need both power and precision on the jobsite.
Impressive Lift and Hydraulic Capabilities
Another feature that sets the 285 models apart is their rated operating capacities (ROCs). The 285 boasts an ROC of 4,719 lbs with a counterweight, while the XE model bumps that number up to 4,816 lbs. This increased lift capacity, combined with the machine’s 146-in. lift height, makes the 285 XE an ideal machine for industries that require heavy lifting at elevated heights.
Caterpillar’s latest CTLs also come equipped with a closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system with three flow options — standard, high flow, and high flow XPS. Operators the flexibility to run a wide range of attachments. The hydraulic flow can be adjusted post-purchase through a software-enabled attachment (SEA) upgrade. This adaptability means operators can modify their machines to suit their evolving jobsite needs without needing to purchase an entirely new unit.
Smart Attachments and Rear Hydraulics for the Cat 285 Track Loaders
Caterpillar’s next gen machines, including the 285 and 285 XE, can integrate Cat’s Smart Attachments. These attachments allow for advanced automation, like grade control and creep control, directly from the machine’s joysticks. One unique feature mentioned in the video is Caterpillar’s introduction of rear auxiliary hydraulics. Rear attachments such as a scarifier (see in video) and hydraulically operated winch (pictured above) can be used. These rear-facing attachments expand the machine’s capabilities, making it more versatile for land management tasks and increasing overall jobsite efficiency.
Watch the Full Episode Above
For a full breakdown of Caterpillar’s 285 and 285 XE compact track loaders, tune in to the latest episode. Timiney gives an in-depth look at the features that make these machines stand out in the compact equipment market. That includes everything from the dozer-style undercarriages to their cutting-edge rear hydraulic technology. Visit Compact Equipment’s YouTube channel for more Machine Heads videos. That’s where we’ll dive into the latest and greatest in compact construction equipment.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
