Video: A Deep Dive into Caterpillar’s Skid Steer Lineup

In the latest episode of Machine Heads, Wayne Grayson sits down with Dante Thomas, program manager of customer solutions for compact construction equipment at Caterpillar. The discussion dives deep into the state of skid steers in 2025 — a category that’s far from obsolete despite CTLs dominating the compact loader market. Skid steers remain essential on jobsites with hard surfaces, in snow removal, in rental fleets and in ag settings. Grayson and Thomas break down why, while recapping everything we need to know about Cat’s skid steer offerings.

Skid Steers Still Matter

Today’s market leans heavily toward compact track loaders — around 80 percent tracks to 20 percent wheels — but that doesn’t mean skid steers are on the way out. Demand has stabilized, and some sectors are even seeing renewed interest. Skid steers shine in paved environments where maneuverability, lower costs and travel speed matter. Snow and ice removal? Wheeled loaders often outperform tracks thanks to their higher ground pressure. Add in faster travel speeds, lighter weight for easier transport and lower maintenance costs — and you’ve got a compelling case to stay on wheels.

Cat’s New Skid Steer Lineup: Simplified and Supercharged

Caterpillar recently rolled out a refreshed skid steer lineup with simpler names and upgraded features. Meet the 2025 models, which are all vertical lift.

• 250 — Entry-level and compact, the 74-hp Cat 250 features a lift height of 124 in., 3 in. more than the 242D3 + a 36 percent increase in tilt, 26 percent increase in lift breakout forces and 21 percent increase in ROC compared to that previous model.
• 260 — This 74-hp unit sports more rated operating capacity (3,160 lbs) and operating weight (8,523 lbs). Offering a max lift height of 132 in., the Cat 260 has 7 in. more lift height than the 262D3 and 27 percent increase in tilt forces.
• 270 — Large frame skid steer with a 100-hp engine, the Cat 270 skid steer is a vertical-lift design, delivering extended reach and lift height for quick and easy truck loading. It has 35 percent more torque than the previous model.
• 270 XE — High-spec powerhouse with serious hydraulic flow, Cat’s new 270 XE boasts a 121-hp, diesel engine, rated operating capacity of 4,015 lbs and an operating weight of 10,847 lbs.

Legacy D Series models like the 226D3, 232D3 and 262D3 remain available and offer solid performance with familiar features. In fact, when looking at Caterpillar’s lineup, the 242D3 and 262D3 have been the company’s most popular selling skid steers to date.

Meet the 270 XE

The 270 XE is the standout — a wheeled loader built for high-performance attachments. It delivers 40 gpm at 4,500 psi, making it perfect for demanding tools like planers, saws and snowblowers. Cat packed the cab with a touchscreen display, ergonomic controls and more horsepower (121-hp 3.6TA Cat engine). With 6.4 in. more lift height than the 272D3, the 270 and 270 XE deliver a maximum lift height of 133.5 in., plus 11 and 5 percent increases in tilt and lift breakout forces, respectively.

Comfort and Tech Take the Lead

Modern Cat skid steers offer pressurized cabs, refined controls and optional rearview cameras. Dante explains how these machines now match operator expectations for comfort, tech and productivity. Features like creep control, customizable joysticks and Bluetooth-connected touchscreens make these loaders more versatile than ever.

Bottom Line

If you’re working on hard surfaces or need a faster, more economical loader, don’t count skid steers out. As Dante explains in the interview, Cat’s new models are built to meet today’s performance demands with simplified naming, upgraded hydraulics and cutting-edge tech. Watch the full interview above or on our YouTube channel. Just make sure you subscribe to the latter.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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