Hastings Deering is bringing the next generation of Cat® compact track loaders and skid steers to Australia, with these new models taking a step up in power, performance and comfort
The next generation of Cat skid steers and compact track loaders is delivering on the theme of more power, more performance and more comfort, with upgrades in engine power and torque, lift and tilt breakout forces, stability, operator comfort and technology.
Available through Hastings Deering – the official Cat dealer for Queensland and the Northern Territory – the 255, 265, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE compact track loaders (CTLs) and 250, 260 and 270 skid steer loaders (SSLs) offer greater capabilities and, with the 285 models, Cat’s largest CTL to date.
“The next generation CTL and SSL models are being released with exciting customer-driven features and product designs,” Hastings Deering product & business development manager – building construction industries Michael Craig says.
“Significant improvements include a larger operator’s station, upgraded in-cab technology, industry-leading lift and tilt performances and class-leading lift height, all powered by a high torque Cat engine.”
All next generation Cat CTL and SSL models feature a redesigned engine compartment that places the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability.
The new generation of machines have new engines – the Cat 2.8T (250, 255, 260 and 265 models) and the Cat 3.6TA (270, 270 XE, 275, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE models) – which replaces the Cat D3.

Step up
On the CTL side, the 255 is a 4.3-tonne machine offering 74.7hp (55.7kW) and an operating capacity of 1.1 tonnes, stepping up to the 4.8-tonne 265 which has 74.2hp (55.3kW) and an operating capacity of 1.3 tonnes.
For customers looking for an operating capacity of two tonnes, the 275 XE is a 5.7-tonne CTL with 134hp (100kW) and the 285 model has 111hp (82kW) engine, rising to 134hp (100kW) for the XE version.
On the SSL side, the three new models run from the 3.6-tonne 250, which comes with a 55kW engine and an operating weight of 1.2 tonnes, through the 3.8-tonne 260 with a 1.4-tonne operating weight, to the 111hp (82kW) 4.7-tonne 270, which has a 1.7-tonne operating weight.

Performance boost
With a vertical lift design, these next generation machines feature significant increases in lift height, breakout forces and ROC to elevate loader flexibility and performance.
The Cat 250 SSL features a lift height of 3,150mm – 76.2mm more than the 242D3 – a 36 per cent increase in tilt, 26 per cent increase in lift breakout forces and 21 per cent increase in rated operating capacity (ROC).
The 255 CTL delivers 36 per cent more tilt breakout, 26 per cent higher lift breakout force and a 24 per cent increase in ROC compared to the 259D3.
Offering a maximum lift height of 3,353mm, the 260 SSL has 193mm more lift height than the 262D3, a 27 per cent increase in tilt, 24 per cent increase in lift breakout forces, and a 17 per cent increase in ROC.
Height to the B-pin for the 265, compared to the 289D3, increases by 193 mm, resulting in a class-leading maximum lift height of 3.35m for easier truck loading. The 265 also delivers 19 per cent higher tilt breakout force and 22 per cent higher lift breakout force.
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With 162mm more lift height than the 272D3, the 270 SSL delivers a maximum lift height of 3,391mm plus 11 per cent and 5 per cent increases in tilt and lift breakout forces, respectively.
The 275 CTL has a lift height of 3,415mm – 203.2mm higher than the 299D3, plus a 37 per cent increase in tilt breakout force and 19 per cent increase in ROC.
Expanding the Cat CTL line into the biggest size class, the 285 is an exciting addition to the loader line, says Craig.
“A newly designed undercarriage incorporates the E-Bar on the 275 and 285 models, which is designed to deliver increased dynamic stability in a range of different applications,” Craig says.
“It provides increased stability for grading and handling heavier loads as well as providing the benefits of an oscillating undercarriage when encountering uneven terrain or obstacles.
“The 285 ushers experience a new level of performance never before offered in the Cat CTL family. The performance increases are over and above the already impressive 275 and 275 XE models.
“The 285 delivers a higher lift height of 3.72m, and 40 per cent more tilt break out and 36 per cent more lift breakout force compared to the 275 and 275 XE.
“The 285 is equipped with a 110.5hp (82.4 kW) engine that delivers 12.8 per cent more horsepower and 50 per cent more torque vs. the 299D3.”

Increased cab size
All next generation Cat SSLs and CTLs feature a larger cab design with 22 per cent more overall volume and 26 per cent additional foot space.
With a 70mm increase in interior width, the cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 46mm and allows for an additional 40mm of hip room and 28mm more width between the joysticks to improve operator comfort.
Next generation loaders are equipped with either a 127mm standard LCD monitor or a 203mm advanced touchscreen monitor, depending on the selected technology package. The advanced touchscreen monitor provides a higher level of control over standard monitor functionality, offers advanced radio control, and supports side cameras and 32 language choices.
A range of mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available for these next generation machines, including a high-comfort seat that is both ventilated and heated.
Entering and exiting next generation loaders is much easier thanks to their low entry points. The operator can now open the cab door without the lift arms being fully lowered to the frame stops. A simplified two-step door removal process allows operators to quickly remove it without tools.
The machines’ lower engine mounting, 59 per cent larger rear window and bigger top window providing 15 per cent increased viewable area combine to improve operator visibility.

Technology advancements
These SSLs and CTLs offer the next level of integrating machine and technology. Both standard and advanced monitors provide the ability to run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
Attachment operation is integrated into the joysticks, and the machine automatically recognises the type of attachment and the required joystick pattern for controlling it.
Available Cat Product Link Elite tracks machine hours, location and asset utilisation, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health with data remotely accessible via VisionLink. Additionally, Product Link Elite provides Remote Flash and Remote Troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
For more information, visit: www.hastingsdeering.com.au
