Let’s Deep Dive into the Industry’s Smallest Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loaders have steadily overtaken skid steers on jobsites across North America. The reason is simple: traction, flotation and versatility. Tracks allow operators to work year-round in soft ground and wet conditions where wheeled machines sink or spin. Skid steers still dominate in certain regions with hard surfaces, but compact track loaders or CTLs have become the default loader in most fleets. Within that growth is a niche — the lightest, lowest and narrowest compact track loaders on the market.

These pint-sized CTLs can squeeze through backyard gates, slip under barn overhangs and haul easily behind a pickup. They appeal to landscapers, rental yards, small contractors and even homeowners who want more than a stand-on loader but less bulk than a mid-frame machine. We looked at the smallest offerings from six leading brands — Bobcat, ASV, JCB, John Deere, Takeuchi and Wacker Neuson. Each brings a different take on compact design, but all share the same mission: to deliver full sit-in CTL performance in a package that fits where bigger machines can’t.

Bobcat: T450 and T550

Bobcat helped pioneer compact loaders of all sorts, and its smallest CTLs are popular for a select group for buyers. The T450 is the company’s smallest track loader, weighing 6,424 lbs and offering a 1,490-lb rated operating capacity (ROC). Its 55-hp non-DPF diesel engine keeps maintenance simple while meeting emissions standards. The radius-lift arm design provides good reach for dumping over walls and loading trailers. Standard auxiliary hydraulics deliver 16.7 gpm, making it ideal for everyday tools like augers, trenchers and sweepers. Bobcat’s Bob-Tach attachment system makes swaps quick. Operators can spec the T450 with selectable joystick controls or stick with traditional levers. The cab is surprisingly roomy for the size, with pressurization to reduce dust and noise. Visibility is solid thanks to the low-profile loader arms.

“It’s likely operators choose a machine in this size class due to either cost or space constraints,” explains Kyle Emanuel, product information specialist at Doosan Bobcat. “There’s a reason you want a T450 that’s 55 in. wide, or a T550 that’s under 6 ft wide. Size restrictions are a main reason why operators opt for this size class. You can get a lot done with these machines in small places at a reasonable price.”

For a little more power, Bobcat’s T550 steps up to 68 hp and 1,995-lb ROC. Operating weight is 7,557 lbs, still manageable on a bumper-pull trailer. The T550 offers slightly higher auxiliary flow at 17.1 gpm. With a lift height topping just over 9.5 ft, it handles pallet work and truck loading more easily than the T450. Both models are known for durable undercarriages and full-access service points. Contractors often choose the T450 for tight residential jobs and the T550 for heavier landscaping or farm chores.

“While there may be a slightly smaller selection of packages for these machines, they still offer a wide range of both factory and dealer installed options,” says Emanuel. “You can still equip them with a power Bob-Tach and a seven-pin attachment control, which allows the loader to recognize the attachment you’re using. Other available options include rearview cameras, two-speed travel, bucket positioning and MaxControl, which lets you operate the loader remotely via an iOS app. Additionally, a reversing fan kit, an automatic ride control kit and a Bluetooth radio can all be installed.”

ASV: RT-25 and RT-40

ASV builds the smallest sit-in CTL you can buy: the RT-25. At just 48 in. wide and weighing 3,755 lbs, it goes where few others can. The ROC is 665 lbs, enough for light material handling, snow clearing or backyard grading. Its 25-hp Perkins diesel pushes a top speed of 5.1 mph. The machine stands out as a safer alternative to walk-behind or stand-on units, offering rollover protection and an enclosed cab. The RT-25’s undercarriage is classic ASV Posi-Track. With 12 contact points per track, ground pressure drops to just 3.1 psi — gentle enough for lawns and golf courses. Operators can even spec smooth turf tracks. Auxiliary hydraulics flow 11.3 gpm at 3,000 psi, plenty for small augers, brooms or grapples.

“Our RT-25 is purpose-built as the industry’s smallest sit-in compact track loader. It delivers the maneuverability of smaller units, while providing the safety and comfort of a cab combined with many of the features that define ASV Posi-Track loaders,” says Peter Ovrebo, product management director at Yanmar Compact Equipment North America, which owns the ASV brand.

Stepping up, the RT-40 offers 38.2 hp, 931-lb ROC and 4,005-lbs operating weight. It runs the same Posi-Track system with 3.3 psi ground pressure and 10.8 in. of clearance. The turbocharged Yanmar diesel produces 93.6 ft-lbs of torque, giving the RT-40 surprising digging power. With an 8.4-ft lift height and 7.1-mph travel speed, it handles more demanding work without losing maneuverability. Both machines are easy to haul. A half-ton pickup and standard trailer can move them without special permits.

Serviceability is strong, with wide hood access and simple layouts. Rental houses like the RT-25 for first-time users, while contractors prefer the RT-40 for daily work.

“The Yanmar-powered RT-40 truly punches above its weight class,” Ovrebo says. “Like the RT-25, it brings power and productivity to limited-space work environments, but it does so with even greater machine performance. Plus, its Yanmar engine can be easily serviced at ASV dealers.”

JCB: 2TS-7T Teleskid and 215T

JCB’s smallest CTLs bring unique engineering to the category. The 2TS-7T Teleskid is the only small-platform CTL with a telescopic boom. It lifts more than 12 ft, reaches 7 ft forward and can dig below grade. That versatility lets one compact loader replace multiple machines. The 2TS-7T runs a 74-hp JCB engine and carries a 2,096-lb ROC. Standard hydraulics flow 18.5 gpm at 3,335 psi. Contractors pair it with forks, buckets and grapples for material placement tasks that would normally require a telehandler.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to matching the machine to the work,” says Lee Tice, product manager at JCB. “If the job requires nimble maneuvering, easy transport and versatility for a wide range of attachments, smaller CTLs deliver excellent value.”

The 215T is JCB’s smallest conventional CTL, with nearly identical specs: 74 hp and 2,105-lb ROC. Both models use JCB’s single-arm boom, a design that improves side visibility and allows a unique side-door entry. Operators never need to climb over attachments or under a raised boom to access the cab, a major safety advantage. Transport is simple. Both models fit on standard trailers and tow behind pickups.

Owners appreciate the lower purchase price and operating costs compared to larger CTLs. Limitations remain — no high-flow hydraulics and lower lift capacities than big-frame machines.

“While exact industry-wide numbers can vary by region, small-frame models like the JCB 2TS-7T and 215T typically make up around 15 to 20 percent of total compact track loader sales in North America,” says Tice. Still, the 2TS-7T’s telescopic boom makes JCB’s small CTL one of the most versatile compact loaders in the industry.

“Contractors often use it with pallet forks or buckets to load materials, place items over obstacles or access confined areas that would normally require a larger machine or a telehandler,” says Tice.

John Deere: 317 P-Tier

John Deere’s smallest track loader is the 317 P-Tier, a well-rounded compact model weighing 8,423 lbs. Its 65-hp engine delivers a 2,125-lb ROC and 7-mph travel speed. At 17 gpm and 3,450 psi, auxiliary hydraulics power common attachments like buckets, forks, augers and trenchers. The 317 P-Tier emphasizes operator comfort. A sealed, pressurized cab reduces noise and dust. Electrohydraulic ISO-pattern controls are standard, with settings that can be customized for responsiveness. Deere’s EH system also includes differential steering, which speeds the outside track during turns for nimble maneuvering.

“Smaller frame-sized compact track loaders are able to operate in even tighter spaces than the larger models, and their ability to make quick turns and maintain a smaller footprint than larger pieces of construction equipment give them a unique advantage,” explains Emily Pagura, product marketing manager with John Deere.

Visibility is solid, though Deere recommends the optional rearview camera for new operators. Transport is straightforward with a midsize trailer. While Deere offers larger CTLs with SmartGrade and Attachment Manager technology, the 317 P-Tier keeps things simple. Its strength lies in doing everyday loader work with reliability and good operator experience. Of course, there are still some cool upgrades.

“When equipped with the Joystick Performance Package, the 317 P-Tier has a few adjustable settings that an operator can customize, including the control pattern, response settings and changing the foot pedal from acceleration to deceleration,” says Pagura.

Takeuchi: TL6R

Takeuchi’s TL6R sits squarely in the small CTL class, weighing 7,485 to 7,780 lbs depending on cab or canopy. Its 65-hp engine produces nearly 6,000 lbs of breakout force and 8,650 lbs of traction. With a width just over 5 ft and height of 6 ft, 5.8 in., the TL6R excels in barns, poultry houses and other height-restricted sites. Rated operating capacity is 1,841 lbs, and auxiliary flow is 17.8 gpm at 2,988 psi.

“Smaller CTLs are great for landscaping projects like stump removal, fence installation or installing a retaining wall,” says Dylan Freeman, product manager at Takeuchi-US. “They can also be used to trench for irrigation systems or landscape lighting. Landscape professionals can benefit greatly from these smaller CTLs for all those applications, particularly those who do much of their work in backyards or other fenced areas.”

The cab is built for long hours. Pilot controls require little effort. A rearview camera and wide-angle mirror improve awareness. Takeuchi Fleet Management telematics comes standard for remote monitoring and maintenance planning. Contractors value the TL6R’s resale potential. Properly maintained, it holds value well in the used market, easing fleet rotation. Overall, this Takeuchi packs serious power in a low-clearance frame.

“The 6-ft, 5.8-in. height of the TL6R is intentional,” explains Freeman. “We designed the machine to be able to gain access under covered areas, like chicken houses or other small structures. This model is also our only track loader without a roll-up door. The hinge on the TL6R’s swing-out door is much more substantial compared to those on competitors’ models.”

Wacker Neuson: ST27

The ST27 is Wacker Neuson’s smallest CTL, but it’s no lightweight in performance. At 7,350 lbs operating weight, it offers a 1,890-lb ROC and a 74-hp Kohler diesel engine. Vertical-lift arms give it 120 in. of hinge pin height, solid for truck loading. The machine measures just 60 in. wide and under 80 in. tall. That compact size, combined with easy towing, makes it ideal for rental fleets and contractors with limited hauling capacity. Standard auxiliary flow is 19.4 gpm at 3,481 psi. The high-flow option pushes 30 gpm, allowing use of mulchers and heavy trenchers uncommon for this size class. Automatic two-speed travel is standard, shifting up or down based on operator input. It can also be disabled for manual control.

“Serviceability is one of our big-time differentiators,” says John Dotto, product application and training specialist with Wacker Neuson University. “A simple engine compartment layout, top mounted swing up cooler and pod-style cab are just a few features that contribute to a machine that is easy to understand, easy to work on and easy to keep clean.”

The cab is shared across Wacker Neuson’s CTL lineup, so even the ST27 feels roomy. EH joysticks and adjustable settings improve comfort. Visibility is strong, with low-profile loader arms and panoramic cab glass. For operators who want a nimble CTL with premium features, the ST27 delivers more than its small size suggests.

“Small CTLs are the ninja of the construction world,” says Dotto. “Being light, nimble and flexible make them deployable in almost any application. But don’t sleep on their power, because when balanced with the properly sized attachments, a small CTL is the ultimate force multiplier for a contractor.”

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.