From shed foundations to road and yard forming and repetitive loading and jobbing these compacts are an ideal addition to any farm operation
Plenty of farmers took up a model from the Caterpillar® D3 series compact track loader range when they were first released with 8 models in 2020, along with 8 wheel models. See launch story here.
Now, further upgrades to the range see the release of mid-size 255 and 265 models, part of the next-generation compact track loaders range offering a substantial re-design of the original series.
These handy compacts are simply ideal for a whole raft of shed and yard work and also well-adaptable for working out in paddocks.
Improvements have been made to overall functions, engine performance, along with additional lift and tilt capabilities, stability and overall operator comfort.
And while Caterpillar engineers reckon the just-launched mid-size 255 and 265 compact track loaders make the most sensible choice yet, that sentiment is backed up by Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller who was one of the first to test a 255 and decided to keep it for himself.
And while Jack Miller is comfortable riding at 300kph on a racetrack, the quiet and solid Cat® 255 compact track loader will be used to keep do whatever he needs his Townsville far north Queensland property.
Jack knows his machinery, pointing out instantly the advantage of the extra dump clearance on his Cat® 255 compact track loader, and that’s a big advantage when you can also add in the increased bucket break-out force and load capacity.
One of the first jobs that Jack tackled was levelling out his test track, in no time the bumps had disappeared once the optional GB124 grader blade did its work.
Jack was quick to point out how working with the grader blade on his 255 was much easier with the aid of the Next Gen 205mm (8-inch) touch screen as it clearly showed the angle of the blade, making it much easier to get everything level.
Jack was quick to point out how intuitive the instrument placement was inside the cabin.
This familiar CAT® layout came with a high level of operator comfort and a safe and confident feeling from the low centre of gravity and easy access to controls.
The Cat® 255 pretty much exceeded Jack’s expectations right across the board from the power available and with more lift height and a larger cab of the model it replaces the 259D3. Engine power is now rated at 55kW (74hp) with an operating weight of 4345kg.
Jack described the Cat® 255 Compact Track Loader as a ‘game changer’.
Cat® 255 and 265 compact track loader
Caterpillar engineers believe reckons the just-launched mid-size 255 and 265 compact track loaders make the most sensible choice yet for farm operations.
The Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.
They are ideal for getting deep inside a shed where many other machines simply cannot access or can work just as efficiently levelling off a rutted roadway, forming a foundation or for repetitive loader work.
This is where compact track loaders have fitted in nicely as a vital part of a farm’s machinery arsenal as they are made to perform any jobbing tasks on properties.
These latest release 255 and 265 next-generation compact track loaders represent a substantial re-design of the previous series.
Cat engineers have kept the DNA of the D3 series while re-imagining the possibilities of loader performance using customer feedback to lead the way.
There is a substantial improvement to overall operating functions and engine performance, along with added lift and tilt capabilities and more stability built-in including added operator comfort and a technology leap.
Both the 255 and 265 next-generation compact track loaders are the first of several next-generation models to come – offer vertical lift loader dynamics.
To identify whether it’s the first or a next-generation compact track loader is by the ending model number 5. This simplified next-gen signature further expands with the middle number representing machine size with the big numbers designating larger machines.
Both models are powered by a turbo-charged Cat C2.8 engine with an output of 55kW (74hp) peak and high levels of power maintained across a wider band of revs.
Significant torque increases are also highlighted – 13% more for the 255 and 43 per cent for the 265 – resulting in improved working performance when handling heavy loads and throughout all aspects of work cycles.
While the redesigned rear compartment mounts the engine and cooling package lower in the frame for improved stability.
The 255 loader is designed to deliver class-leading lift height and compared to the 259D3 it replaces has 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24 per cent increase in rated operating capacity at 2.5-tonnes.
While there is also improved performance for the next-generation 265 updates, when compared to the 289D3 it replaces.
Height to the B-pin increases by 193mm, resulting in another class-leading maximum lift height of 3.35m (11ft), along with a 19% greater tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Hydraulic system pressure has been uprated to 3,500psi and the upgraded closed-centre auxiliary hydraulic system allows the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments and are automatically recognised to set up the appropriate control joystick pattern.
These include the Cat Smart Dozer Blade with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
As standard these machines are equipped with 23-litre/min standard-flow auxiliary hydraulics for powering attachments.
For an operator that wants more flow, there is a software-enabled upgrade available to purchase to increase the rate to 113-litre/min at the same standard system pressure for both models by adding the high-flow XPS option.
For the entry-level 255 the High Flow XPS option offers customers class-leading auxiliary hydraulic performance not available previously in a mid-size chassis machine.
While there is also a further high-flow XPS option available at factory build level, with a higher pressure that increases hydraulic flow to 129-litres/min for the 265.
Cat engineers have worked on the undercarriage, and as a result on the 255 and 265, they have produced a stronger and stiffer version with less pitching when filling the bucket.
This combines with a torsion suspension designed to improve operator comfort while also reducing track wear and helping to keep any loose material from spilling from a piled-high bucket.
More internal cab room
Engineers have managed to create more operator space in the Cat 255 and 265 compact track loader cabs.
As a result, the larger cab design offers 22% more overall volume and 26% additional foot space when compared with the previous series.
Operators can get in and out of larger cab more easily partly due to a lower entry point.
And once aboard are reckoned to have better visibility to the rear due to the lower engine and cooling pack installation and a 59% larger rear window.
They will also appreciate a significant increase in space for the operator’s feet, 70mm more interior width, and 46mm of increased footwell to roof height.
Along with joysticks moved 28mm further apart – all of that adds up to much-improved operator comfort in 255 and 265 next-generation models.
Operators seeking an even higher comfort level can opt for mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options available, including a high-comfort ventilated and heated version.
While much improved air circulation from the HVAC air conditioning package has been added to help quickly cool the cab’s interior.
Cat 255 and 265 compact track loaders are equipped with either a 130mm (5-inch) standard LCD monitor or a 200mm (8-inch) touch-screen display depending on the technology package selected.
The 130mm (5-inch) standard LCD monitor provides for more functions akin to the unit in Cat D3 machines, such as Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view camera-ready wiring, creep, job clock, and regular maintenance reminders.
While Cat’s more advanced display, the 200mm (8-inch) touchscreen supports the multi-camera 270-deg option and function navigation from the updated machine and loader control joysticks.
Technology upgrades
The Cat 255 and 265 next-generation compact track loaders are the first to be fitted with several advancements over previous models, including what is described as the next level of integrating a machine with technology.
Working from either the standard or advanced monitor, they both offer the ability to run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
These attachments are tied into the joysticks, where the machine can automatically recognise the type of attachment and the required pattern required for its automated control.
The optional Cat Product Link Elite system takes care of just about everything.
Including machine hours, location, asset utilisation, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is also remotely accessible via VisionLink®.
In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities across 24 hours and has the objective of being able to offer an immediate solution and quickly enable remote activation as further backup.
Current owners of first-generation models will take up all early order spots and upgrade to a next-generation model as they are best positioned to realise the additional resources these new models bring.
The chance to work in a bigger and more comfortable cab throughout the working day and technology upgrades will improve overall performance.
Operators will notice further advantages in its vertical lift design to deliver extended reach and lift height for quicker load turnarounds and the torsion suspension undercarriage system that provides class-leading traction and stability in a wider range of applications.
See why the Cat® 255 and 265 compact track loaders are the most outstanding farm loader releases for farm jobbing on this link.
Cat® 255 and 265 compact track loader specifications
