The Hottest New Compact Track Loaders of 2024
Compact track loaders continue to be one of the hottest categories in off-highway construction equipment. These loader-tool carriers, essentially skid steers outfitted with an undercarriage and tracks, have surged in popularity within the American marketplace over the last decade due to their versatility, performance across diverse terrains, pushing power, stability and more comfortable ride.
“These machines truly excel in nearly any application due to their versatility and productivity capabilities, but a few specific applications that come to mind are agriculture, landscaping and site development,” says Emily Pagura, product marketing manager at John Deere. “They cover a wide range of tasks, such as prepping sites, backfilling, truck loading, grading, moving landscaping materials, removing snow and more.”
To serve all these markets, manufacturers are launching new track loaders almost every month. In this article, we’ll spotlight some of the latest compact track loaders or CTLs to emerge on dealer lots in the last year plus. Don’t get us wrong. There are plenty of other great track loader units and brands on the market right now. But these are the cool new kids on the block and include completely new brands to the industry like Kioti and Develon. With the track loader market continuing to expand, staying ahead of new units and their tech is crucial for anyone looking to upgrade or expand their machine operations. Let’s start our research with…
John Deere’s P-Tier Track Loaders
John Deere first teased its new P-Tier skid steers and track loaders at CONEXPO-CON/AGG last year (that giant tradeshow that only happens every three years). Earlier this summer, John Deere debuted three new P-Tier compact track loader models — the 331, 333 and 335. These are built on the legacy of its large frame G-Series machines. These are the largest CTLs in Deere’s lineup. They boast a brand-new one-piece cab design, loads of premium options, pressure compensating load sensing (PCLS) hydraulics and just an overall increase in operating power. These units are also tech heavy.
“The 333 and 335 P-Tier compact track loaders can be equipped with SmartGrade including 2D grade control or 3D SmartGrade with Topcon,” says Pagura. “Operators utilize an 8-in. premium touchscreen display interface, available on the full lineup of P-Tier models. When the premium display is selected, a range of standard features and benefits are included within the software. Also, the new models feature multiple styling upgrades. The new operator station is sealed, pressurized and isolated from the frame to help improve operator comfort and productivity. This means that outside noise will be lowered, and the cab interior is better protected from the elements.”
Redesigned cabs also include creature comforts like heated/vented seats, hands-free Bluetooth technology, JDLink telematics and Deere’s new vision system solution — called Surround View — that enables increased visibility from the cab around the sides and rear of the machine. Powered by 118-gross-hp diesel engines, the new 334 P-Tier and 335 P-Tier boast 42 gpm high-flow capabilities and a 4,000-max-psi auxiliary pressure rating. The 331 P-Tier will bring a power increase to 98 gross hp packed into a proven compact frame. A rated operating capacity of 3,150 lbs allows this 331 to precisely place pallets or muscle heavy materials, says Pagura.
“Plus, [the 331 P-Tier] can capably maneuver around a wide range of jobsites and also transport easily,” she notes. “The 331 P-Tier is also equipped with the electrohydraulic [EH] ISO-pattern joystick controls that allow customized machine operations based on operator preference. These come standard.”
These units also see the introduction of P-Tier machines. Under this new system, there are three tiers of Deere machines: G, P and X. G-Tier machines are economy machines. X-Tier are top-of-the-line, state of the art units (usually battery or hybrid-electrics). And, P-Tier machines sit in between. They are machines that have advanced features, but are focused mainly on providing big performance, efficiency, comfort and service life to the widest group of customers.
Find out more about some of the largest skid steers on the market.
Cat Next Generation Track Loaders
Cat is currently in the process of revamping its D3 Series CTL lineup. Late last year Caterpillar announced its 255 and 265 compact track loaders. These are the first two units in Cat’s next generation redesign. This fall, Cat announced another four new track loaders (six total), all vertical lift, along with Cat’s biggest track loaders ever (the 285 and 285 XE), which boast 12.5-ft lift heights (one of the highest in the industry), unique dozer-style undercarriages, impressive rated operating capacities (4,816 lbs on the 285 XE) and the option of the industry’s-only scarifier attachment off the back. Right now, only the 255 and 265 are available to buy or rent on dealer lots.
“As you look at some comparisons of what other manufacturers offer, we believe that we’re in a special class,” says Dante Thomas, skid steer loader and compact track loader marketing manager at Cat. “We talk a lot about more power and more performance, but we’ve also made a lot of changes in what we call the comfort space in the cabin. The operator station is the operator’s office, and we have added more space up and down, left and right, front to back.”
The theme of these next gen units is “more.” These new track loaders bring lots more performance specs, features and technologies. The four biggest next generation CTL models (275, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE) feature a new E-bar (equalizer bar) undercarriage. This provides increased stability for grading and heavier loads. The E-bar undercarriage comes from Cat dozer DNA. It delivers the benefits of a rigid-style undercarriage design when lifting heavy loads or using heavy attachment. Simultaneously, it provides the benefits of an oscillating undercarriage when encountering uneven terrain or obstacles.
“We wanted the machine to feel planted as it is lifting and raising bigger loads higher,” explains Jayesh Menon, new product introduction manager with Cat. “A big part of being comfortable has to do with expecting it to be stable. The equalizer system was our way of trying to be able to provide the comfort, the stability and the performance that these machines can deliver.”
Smaller track loaders (like the 255 and 265) still use a torsion axle suspension system. Moving to the engine bay, all next generation Cat track loaders feature a redesigned engine compartment. Units place the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability and a better view. All units also utilize Cat engines. This boasts significant torque increases compared to previous units — 13 percent for the 250 and 260, 35 percent for the 270 and 50 percent for the 275 and 285.
There are three aux flow options on all next gen track loaders — standard, high flow and high flow XPS (the latter a Cat exclusive). The Cat 250, 260, 270 and 275 machines equipped with standard hydraulic flow are shipped from the factory outfitted as “high-flow ready,” activated simply via a software update.
All units can operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided, and there is the option for rear hydraulics off the machine to run a winch or scarifier. All next generation CTLs feature a larger cab design with 22 percent more overall volume and 26 percent additional foot space. These cabs are equipped with either a 5-in. standard LCD monitor or an 8-in. advanced touchscreen monitor; the latter supports a multicamera rear and sides camera system. A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available for these next generation machines as well.
“We’ve also introduced new joysticks that bring a lot of functionality,” says Thomas. “We are very excited, and again there’s a lot more to talk about. There are hundreds of changes.”
Kubota’s SVL75-3 and SVL50x Compact Track Loaders
The 75-hp class of compact track loader is the most popular in America. “These size machines are used in almost every equipment-related application — residential, commercial, road construction, landscaping and hardscaping, material handling, agriculture, municipal snow removal … the list goes on and on,” says Jerry Corder, Kubota product manager for construction equipment. So, it made perfect sense last year when Kubota released its 74.3-hp SVL75-3 — a redesign of the popular SVL75-2.
The “dash 3” includes lots of enhancements, including a new one-piece sealed cab that significantly improves sound insulation and keeps water, dust and debris out of the cab. The cab also has an assisted, low-effort lift, so one person can raise the cab for service needs. New in-cab features include a standard 7-in. touchscreen with a jog dial incorporating keyless start, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable track response settings and an integrated reversing camera. The reversing camera allows for a 176-degree field of view and can see objects 10 ft away from the rear of the machine. The new cab also contains backlit switches, labeled grip buttons and a redesigned HVAC layout with additional and repositioned vents in the cab.
“We also have a reconfigured engine bay that improves component access for service and routine maintenance,” explains Corder. “With the radiator to the top of the engine deck, we now have an optional hydraulic reversing fan that helps to keep the area clean and ensures optimal airflow to the cooling system. We even have redesigned loader arms for a higher hinge-pin height and a higher crosspipe to improve rearward visibility.”
The new SVL75-3 is powered by a 74.3-hp Kubota engine and has a working range that includes a rated operating capacity of 2,490 lbs at 35 percent or 3,557 lbs at 50 percent. This unit has 6,191 lbs of breakout force and a hinge pin height of 122.7 in. Updated features include faster two-speed travel and the Advanced Auto Downshift system from Kubota compact excavators that automatically downshifts from high to low gear while making turns. Another added feature includes the Advanced Multifunction Valve, which enhances simultaneous loader arm/aux attachment operation.
Let’s not forget about the Electronic Travel Torque Management System. This enables operators to work faster and with more power. It does this by constantly monitoring the load of the machine to optimally control hydraulic pump output according to the load, reducing engine stalls.
“Continuing on, we’ve added a standard in-engine pre-cleaner, and there’s also a lock for your fuel fill, which seems like a minor thing, but in some parts of the country is very important to maintain your fuel,” said Corder.
Bringing even more excitement, Kubota just announced the launch of the new SVL50x compact track loader at Equip Exposition last week. This marks its entry into the smallest cabbed compact track loader category on the market. Featuring a 48-in.-wide frame, the new SVL50x is the smallest compact track loader in Kubota’s lineup. It is also one of the smallest on the market. This is also Kubota’s first unit with EH controls, radial lift and a suspension undercarriage. It will be available at dealerships beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
Develon’s DTL35 Compact Track Loader
Develon is the newest entrant into the track loader market, and the company is bringing its expertise in bigger earthmoving machinery to the compact realm. Formerly known as Doosan construction equipment, Develon offered visitors at CONEXPO last year a preview of its new DTL35 compact track loaders, which is finally available at dealerships in North America this fall. The 115.3-hp CTL is the company’s first entry in the product category. The DTL35 is on the larger frame size of track loader, making it a high-performance grading and excavating machine.
“This unit is over 12,000 lbs, so it’s going to be a pretty heavy CTL,” explains Dylan Freeman, product manager of compact track loaders at Develon North America. “It’s going to be one of the most powerful machines in its class — 115.3 horse, 3.4-liter engine — which is the same engine we use in the DD100 dozer. We’ve got experience with the engine. It’s done well in demanding dozer applications, so it will fit well in our new CTL.”
The DTL35 boasts plenty of power and range with an operating weight of 12,785 lbs, rated operating capacity of 3,807 lbs, lift height to the hinge pin of 129.1 in., vertical-lift design and optional high-flow auxiliary hydraulics up to 40 gpm (at 4,061 psi). Two rubber track patterns are available, and both include a wide and narrow version. The DTL35 track loader will come standard with a torsion suspension undercarriage, providing a smooth ride for operators and durability for use on construction jobsites. Also focused on controlled operation, standard ride control reduces shocks and vibrations, which enhances stability for the bucket and minimizes spillage when the compact track loader navigates rough terrain. Two-speed travel is standard — with a lower speed of 6.1 mph and a higher speed up to 9.2 mph. There’s also auto return-to-dig functionality engineered into the joysticks.
“We use electro-over-hydraulic controls, tailorable for sensitivity,” says Freeman. “Through your monitor on the right-hand side, you can also set individual profiles for personal preferences. Those types of things. You have radio controls, rear view cameras and ride control. This is an advanced unit. We also have other features like standard bucket shake, which is somewhat unique. We carried that over from our dozers. Then other features like self-leveling allow you to keep that bucket in the level position no matter what the position of the booms are.”
The rearview (backup) camera comes standard, but there is an optional around view monitor (AVM) camera system with ultrasonic proximity sensors, displaying a 270-degree view of the machine’s surroundings. Another option is the reversible fan, which protects against dust and debris, keeping the compact track loader’s engine cleaner and cooler. Moving into the cab, the DTL35 has a 3-ft-wide spacious interior, a large polycarbonate swing-out door and a roof panel with an unobstructed view of what’s overhead.
“We’ve got an air suspension and heated seat on this unit,” says Freeman. “We’re excited about that. Also, I’d like to call attention to our dedication to providing attachments for the unit as well. We’re looking at having 13 different attachments for it at initial launch, including brush cutters, snowblowers and grapples. We will have another phase of attachments launching later in 2024.”
The DTL35 is also equipped with My Develon fleet management, a new digital platform for managing construction equipment, which comes standard.
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Manitou’s 1950 RT Compact Track Loader
When you think Manitou Group, thoughts quickly reference material handling and aerial work platforms. You may well be surprised to learn that last year Manitou celebrated the grand opening of its Madison, South Dakota, expansion project. This coincided with the company’s 50th anniversary of manufacturing skid loaders. Manitou bought the Gehl and Mustang brands way back in 2008. Last year the company took those brands to new dimensions. At CONEXPO, Manitou Group presented a brand-new range of skid steers and compact track loaders for both its Manitou and Gehl brands, manufactured at that Madison facility.
Its first three compact track loaders — the 2100 VT, 2300 VT and 2750 VT — launched last year. Those units are promised to deliver significant improvements in safety, comfort, productivity, simplicity and serviceability over previous Manitou skid steers and CTLs. All models are vertical lift and feature a new lift arm design meant to improve visibility. The operator experience has also been improved with an update on Manitou’s patented folding door. Breakout forces and tank capacities are increased for greater productivity and longer operating times. This all comes with the same focus on lower total cost of ownership (TCO) that Manitou is known for.
Earlier this year, at The ARA Show, Manitou introduced another unit — the 1950 RT. The 1950 RT delivers an extremely compact footprint at 74 hp with increased operating capacities. This includes a rated operating capacity of 1,950 lbs and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics.
“There’s demand for CTLs with a small footprint and horsepower levels that don’t require more extensive emissions solutions — while still delivering increased performance,” says Nathan Ryan, product line manager for skid steers and CTLs at Manitou. “The 1950 RT provides those added operating capacities without significantly increasing the size of the machine compared to more traditional small-framed loaders.”
This unit has a tip load of 2,787 lbs (50 percent), fuel tank capacity of 19 gal and standard flow auxiliary hydraulics of 19 gpm at 5,511 psi or optional high-flow of 30 gpm at 6,092 psi. The 1950 RT is built with numerous track widths and tread patterns to aid in stability. Added counterweights further boost the power and strength of the machine. The radial-lift arm design makes the machine excellent for ground engaging work.
The machine also includes features that help reduce and manage the total cost of ownership of the machine. This includes the IdealTrax track auto-tensioning system, a swing-out cooler and the Manitou EasyManager fleet management platform (telematics).
“We deliver premium features and added capacities in a footprint that is easy to transport, easy to maneuver on tight jobsites and easy to operate,” says Ryan. “And it’s extremely easy to use and maintain for rental businesses and contractors where power and simplicity is favored without significantly increasing the size of the machine.”
Kioti’s TL750 Compact Track Loader
Kioti Tractor launched its very first compact track loader at the end of 2023 — the TL750. It also launched its construction division. Kioti is marketing the TL750 as robust, comfy and high-quality with everything you need comes standard. That includes two-speed, LED lights, 14-pin electric connector, rearview camera, overhead sliding door and a powerful 74-hp Kioti diesel engine that migrated from its tractors. Since launch…
“The reception from customers has been really good,” says Justin Moe, product manager, construction division, Kioti Tractor. “We’ve been seeing a lot [of that satisfaction] with our track loaders come down to three or four key points. One was the hydraulic pilot controls. Customers are really liking those. The next one is that overhead style door. That’s obviously popular in the market. Another thing we have is that wide cab. Compared to a lot of other models you see in the industry, our cab is exceedingly wide, especially with the foot space. And then our serviceability. With the service door open and the cab tipped, I mean you could almost crawl through the machine.”
Designed to lift, push and power through rigorous demands, the TL750 has a 10.8-ft height to hinge pin and vertical-lift path. Among the top of its class in lift height, operators can easily dump materials into trucks and high-sided hoppers. For a premium touch and feel, hydraulic pilot joystick controls offer the ultimate in maneuverability. They delivering superior featherability and finite control. The solid-mounted undercarriage on the TL750 keeps the machine on the ground. It improves grading performance, while the track design reduces the chance of de-tracking. For improved machine maintenance, the swing-out rear radiator allows the operator to better reach common service items by removing two bolts. The easy-to-lift cab and quick access to fittings and valves further simplify serviceability. A three-year, 3,000-hour warranty comes standard.
“What I’ve noticed, at least talking with customers and dealers, the engine definitely differentiates us,” says Moe. “But that serviceability, like I had brought up before, is one of the biggest differentiators we have seen out in the market. We have such wide-open access to all the main key components. Our dealers absolutely love it. Coupled that with our own engine, and we control vertical integration of our parts and engine components.”
The TL750 features a wide cabin. It’s available with the standard open station design or an optional enclosed cab with HVAC for added comfort. The unit boasts a high-back suspension seat and LCD digital display. The standard roll-up style door allows for easy entrance and exit, regardless of the position of the bucket or attachment. The standard rearview camera integrates into the LCD digital display. This offers on-demand rear view when traveling in reverse or with the push of a button. The TL750 also offers both premium LED front and rear work lights and self-leveling as standard. Also, there’s more to come.
“We do have some things in the pipeline right now,” confirms Moe. “So currently we don’t have ride control for our track loaders, however, we do have it for skid steers. We are integrating ride control into our track loaders, and I’m working on getting that for our next model year. In the future, we plan to come out with high flow for our units. I’m really excited about those two.”
ASV’s RT-65 and VT-75 Posi-Track Loaders
ASV is the American originator of the compact track loader category. Today, it still retains one of the best lineups in the industry. The company recently added to this brand equity with the introduction of two new units. These are the RT-65 and VT-75 Posi-Track compact track loaders.
ASV’s RT-65 is a brand-new, radial-lift machine with new hydraulics, engine, controls, wiring, pumps, hoses, frame and more. These improvements maximize power from the compact track loader’s 67.1-hp Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine (Yanmar owns ASV) and optional 26.7 gpm of high flow. A highly efficient hydraulic system and direct drive pumps transfer more flow and pressure directly to the attachment. This results in a 2,000-lb rated operating capacity and 5,714-lb tipping load.
The vertical-lift VT-75 is also powered by a Yanmar engine (74.3 hp), excelling in at-height work, loading trucks and many other tasks in construction and landscaping applications. The 8,310-lb compact track loader boasts a 10-ft, 5-in. lift height combined with a 2,300-lb rated operating capacity and 6,571-lb tipping load.
“The VT-75 truly allows our ASV customers to do more,” said Peter Ovrebo, product management director — North America, Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. “It fits right into the heart of the construction market where operators can make the best use of it. With the combination of its high rated operating capacity, loading capabilities, reliable Yanmar engine and ASV performance, it’s a valuable asset for operations big and small.”
Both units utilize ASV’s well-known Posi-Track rubber track undercarriage, providing operators with traction and mobility all year round. The system includes a suspension made up of two independent torsion axles per undercarriage. These provide a smooth ride over all types of terrain and contribute to a high speed of 9.1 mph for both units, with a ground pressure of 4.5 psi.
Operators can do more with the VT-65 and VT-75. A work-tool positioner, return-to-position and self-leveling technology bring autos to operators. Both units capitalize on auto two-speed technology, which provides a seamless transition between low- and high-speed modes. Speed-sensitive ride control adds to that by improving material retention at higher speeds.
These two models are also Max-Series loaders, which means a premium operator experience including 360-degree visibility with a glass-heavy cab and a roof escape hatch. A 7-in. color display consolidates various switches as well as improves access to monitoring tools, the view of the optional backup camera and the ability to keep track of service schedules and history. Overall, these are two new cool additions to ASV’s growing lineup.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
