Building on its D3 series compact track loaders, Caterpillar said its new 255 and 265 compact track loaders are a ground-up redesign of the previous series. The first next-generation models in the compact track loader line, the 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, lift and tilt performance, stability, operator comfort and technology.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” said Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
Cat said its next-generation compact track loaders are identified by the ending model number 5 and this simplified nomenclature uses the middle number to represent machine size.
New performance
The new 255 and 265 loaders are powered by Cat C2.8T and Cat C2.8TA engines, which offer 74.3 horsepower. The new engines maintain horsepower across a wider RPM range and boast significant torque increases – gains of 13 percent for the 255 and 43 percent for the 265. A redesigned engine compartment mounts the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability.
The new 255 loader delivers class-leading lift height, and compared to the 259D3, delivers 36 percent more tilt breakout, 26 percent higher lift breakout force and a 24 percent increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). Height to the B-pin for the 265, compared to the 289D3, increases by 7.6 inches, resulting in a maximum lift height of 11 feet. The 265 also delivers 19 percent higher tilt breakout force and 22 percent higher lift breakout force.
Cat increases the standard hydraulic system to 3,500 psi. New for these next-generation machines, the closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system allows the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat smart attachments, including the Cat smart dozer blade, with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
For machines equipped with standard flow, both models are shipped from the factory outfitted as “high flow ready.” Users easily activate the high flow functionality via a new software-enabled attachment (SEA), permitting on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow to 30 gpm at the standard system pressure. The high-flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gal/min for the 255 and 34 gal/min (for the 265.
Reengineering of lower machine components results in a stronger and stiffer undercarriage for improved machine stability and less pitching when filling the bucket with material. Its torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces. The 255 loader offers a new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option.
Improved cab
Both the Cat 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders feature a larger cab design with 22% more overall volume and 26 percent additional foot space. With a 2.75-inch increased interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches and allows for an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks for improved operator comfort.
Seat options include a ventilated and heated high-comfort seat. New auto temperature control plus vent outlet positioning above the operator helps the new HVAC system to quickly cool the cab’s interior.
Next-generation loaders are equipped with either a 5-inch standard LCD monitor or an 8-incj advanced touchscreen monitor. The standard monitor features Bluetooth connectivity and supports functionality for rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, maintenance reminders and 32 languages. The advanced touchscreen monitor provides a higher level of control over standard monitor functionality, delivers advanced radio control, and supports the multicamera 270-degree option and 32 language choices. The new advanced joysticks provide integrated control of the advanced touchscreen monitor so all machine function control and adjustments can be made without the operator removing their hands from the controls.
The redesign allows the operator to 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. Visibility is improved via the lower engine mounting, a 59 percent larger rear window and bigger top window that provides a 15 percent increase in viewable area.
Advanced technologies
Both the standard and advanced monitors offer the ability to run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe. These attachments are tied to the joysticks, and the machine automatically recognizes the type of attachment and the required joystick pattern for controlling it.
The available Cat product link elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA high-flow feature.
