Caterpillar’s newest compact track loaders (CTLs) have been redesigned from the ground up to improve upon the best features of its D3 series. The four vertical lift models include the 5.5-tonne (6-U.S. ton) class 275 and the 6-t (6.5-U.S. t) 285, which is Cat’s largest track skid steer. Both come in XE variants with additional engine power and torque. The four new models boast enhanced rated operating capacity, lift and tilt breakout forces, stability, and operator comfort.
“We are excited to . . . expand the performance capabilities to more compact track loader models,” says Trevor Chase, senior product consultant and new product introduction lead for Caterpillar. “Their increased power, lift height, breakout forces, rated operating capacity [ROC], and multiple high-flow auxiliary hydraulic system options give customers a flexible, high-performance machine to get the job done.”
Cat CTLs With Greater Power
All Caterpillar CTLs use a new, simpler naming convention with model numbers ending in “5” and no letter denoting the series. The larger the middle number, the larger the machine.
The new 275/285 track loaders have an EU Stage V/Tier 4 Final-compliant Cat C3.6TA engine with 50% more torque compared to the engines powering the previous D3 series. The 275 and 285 are 82-kilowatt (111-horsepower) models with 501 Newton-meters (370 pounds-force feet) of torque. The more powerful 275 XE and 285 XE produce 100 kW (134 HP) and 551 Nm (406 lbf-ft).
The 275 and 275 XE have a lift height of 3,415 millimetres (134 inches), a 203-mm (8-in) improvement over their predecessor, plus a 37% increase in tilt breakout force. The two loaders’ 19% better rated operating capacity is 1,933 to 2,034 kilograms (4,261 and 4,484 pounds) at 35% tipping load when equipped with counterweight.
The new 285 and 285 XE, in a new, larger class size for Caterpillar, boast a lift height of 3,708 mm (146 in) and a tilt breakout force of 6,314 kg (13,920 lbs). With counterweight, the 285’s 35% tipping load ROC is 2,141 kg (4,719 lbs), and the 285 XE’s rated operating capacity is 2,185 kg (4,816 lbs).
More Stability In Cat CTLs
Caterpillar increased the stability of the 275 and 285 by mounting the engine and cooling system lower in the frame. The track skid steers have a new E-bar (equalizer bar) hybrid undercarriage with better stability for grading and heavy lifting. The manufacturer says the hybrid design supports massive loads and wields heavy attachments like a rigid undercarriage, but adapts to uneven terrain and obstacles like an oscillating track suspension.
Hydraulic Options For The Cat 275 & 285
Caterpillar raised the 275, 275 XE, 285, and 285 XE’s standard hydraulic pressure to 24,130 kiloPascals (3,500 pounds per square inch). Their hydraulic flow rate is 86 liters (23 gallons) per minute. The loaders’ closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system has a new ability to operate all Cat Smart Attachments as standard, including the Cat Smart Dozer Blade, grader blades, and a backhoe. The track loaders automatically recognise Cat Smart Attachments and change the control pattern of the joystick accordingly.
The 275 model in particular comes “High Flow ready” with an easy upgrade path to 129 liters (34 gallons) per minute with no change to hydraulic pressure. Owners of a 275 can unlock the higher flow rate with a High Flow software enabled attachment (SEA), which can be activated on the machine or remotely using the available Cat Product Link Elite wireless fleet management system.
As for factory options, all four new CTLs have a High Flow XPS package for 129 lpm (34 gpm) of flow at 28,000 kPa (4,061 psi). Finally, the 275 XE and 285 XE loaders’ High Flow XE option bumps auxiliary pressure to 31,000 kPa (4,496 psi) and flow to 150 lpm (40 gpm). Caterpillar notes the high auxiliary performance these hydraulic options bring to the midsize track skid steer market.
More Cab Room In The Cat 275 & 285
Cat made the cabin of the 275 and 285 loaders 70 mm (2.75 in) wider with 22% more interior space and 26% additional foot space. The manufacturer also added 46 mm (1.8 in) of ceiling height, 28 mm (1.1 in) more width between the joysticks, and 40 mm (1.5 in) to the seat’s hip room. Options for the seat include mechanical or air suspension, ventilation, and heating.
The cabin’s new HVAC system includes automatic temperature control and an overhead vent location to quickly cool the cab’s interior. The cabin has a larger top window and 59% more rear glass. These complement the lower position of the engine to augment viewable area by 15% overall.
It’s also easier to get into and out of the new Cat 275 and 285, which have low entry points. The cab door can be opened even if the lift arms are not fully lowered. In addition, the operator can now remove the door in two steps without tools.
Display Options For The Cat 275 & 285
The standard, 5-in (127-mm) LCD display in the 275 and 285’s cab supports Bluetooth connectivity and acts as the monitor for the rearview camera. It features creep, job clock, and maintenance reminder functions and supports 32 languages for greater flexibility in the labor market.
An 8-in (203-mm) advanced touchscreen option lets the operator control it—and all of the machine functions at its command—using the new joysticks. The monitor upgrade also offers improved radio control and supports side cameras. Both monitors support Cat Smart Attachments.
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Source: Caterpillar