Whenever we talk about what separates human beings from the rest, we are bound to touch on a wide variety of elements, but one we cannot go without mentioning is our willingness to grow under all circumstances. This unwavering commitment towards becoming better has brought the world some huge milestones, with technology emerging as quite a major member of the group. The reason why we hold technology in such a high regard is, by and large, predicated upon its skill-set, which guided us towards a reality that nobody could have ever imagined otherwise. Nevertheless, if we look beyond the surface for one hot second, it will become abundantly clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired from the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component, in fact, did a lot to give the creation a spectrum-wide presence, and as a result, initiated a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, the next thing this revolution did was to scale up the human experience through some outright unique avenues, but even after achieving a feat so notable, technology will somehow continue to bring forth the right goods. The same has turned more and more evident in recent times, and assuming one new construction-themed ends up with the desired impact, it will only put that trend on a higher pedestal moving forward.

Caterpillar has officially announced the launch of its next generation 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders. According to certain reports, the 255 model is given a Cat C2.8T engine, whereas the 265 loader will be powered by Cat C2.8TA. Both the engines, however, maintain horsepower across a wider rpm range and feature torque increases, bringing gains worth 13% for 255 and 43% for 265 in regards to working performance. Talk about improvements from the previous iterations, the 255 loader delivers almost 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC), if compared to an older 259D3 model. As for 265, it scales up the height facet, in comparison to the 289D3, by a sizeable 7.6 inches. This increase means it offers a maximum lift height of 11 ft. (3.35 m) for truck loading. Not just that, the 265 further features 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force. Another detail we must mention here is how Caterpillar has bolstered the standard hydraulic system pressure to 3,500 psi, meaning you can now seamlessly operate all Cat Smart Attachments, including the Cat Smart Dozer Blade. In case that’s not enough, both the loaders are also outfitted as “High-flow ready”. Available through a software enabled attachment, the functionality allows on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow to 30 gpm at the standard system pressure. Complimenting the same is a High Flow XPS factory option, which enhances auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while simultaneously increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gal/min for the 255 loader, and upto 34 gal/min for the 265.

Moving on to improvements made in and around the cab, both Compact Track Loaders bring an estimated 22% more overall volume and 26% more foot space. Next up, there is an 2.75-in. (70-mm) increased interior width, an extra 1.5 in. (40 mm) of hip room, and 1.1 in. (28 mm) more width between the joysticks. There is also a range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options, including a seat that is both ventilated and heated. Referring to the temperature-related functionalities, the loaders have a new auto temperature control plus vent outlet for the purpose of enabling the HVAC system to cool the cab’s interior. Enhancing the prospects here is an option to have either a 5-in. (127-mm) standard LCD monitor or an 8-in. (203-mm) touchscreen monitor. The standard monitor will come decked up Bluetooth connectivity, and dedicated support for rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, maintenance reminders, and over 32 languages. On the other hand, given the technological prowess in play, the touchscreen monitor is able to conceive a high level of control, deliver radio control, and support the multi-camera 270˚ option. Furthermore, the new joysticks provide integrated control of the touchscreen monitor, thus making it possible for the operator to instigate adjustments without removing hands from the controller. Caterpillar delivers at our disposal an even greater amount of cab convenience through a low entry point, which allows the operator to open the cab door without the lift arms being fully lowered to the frame stops. Following a simple two step process, you can also remove the door altogether, and guess what, you won’t need any specialized tools to do so. Throw in a 59% larger rear window; alongside bigger top window that provides a 15% increase in viewable area, and you have one more reason to feel good about the brand-new loaders.

“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.

In a bid to let the customer generate an augmented piece of value, both 255 and 265 loaders put on the offer Caterpillar’s Cat Product Link Elite system, which tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization so to inform you on fault code details. Rounding up the highlights is this system’s ability to assist you with remote flash and troubleshooting.