Caterpillar has announced the release of 16 new D3 Series skid steers and compact track loaders.
An industry first, the D3 Series models also support a line of new Smart Attachments. The advanced machine technology recognizes certain attachments and tailors the controls and operator information to match the tool and the task.
The new D3 Series compact track loaders deliver improved operating stability while handling heavy loads, grading or truck loading.
Changes to the undercarriage frame and torsion axles reduce machine pitching and rocking, while still offering a comfortable ride.
As well, all Caterpillar D3 Series compact track loaders feature standard two-speed travel to improve performance at the jobsite.
The machines are geared to deliver high torque digging performance as well as high top-end speed for travel.
Entering and exiting the new D3 Series loaders that are equipped with an enclosed cab is now easier thanks to a wider opening cab door. As well, the distance between joystick pods has increased by 76 mm, offering extra space for the operator inside the cab to deliver a more comfortable experience.
The D3 Series Skid steer lineup includes:
- 226D3: 67 hp/operating weight: 2,653 kg
- 232D3: 67 hp/ operating weight: 2,955 kg
- 236D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 2,979 kg
- 242D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 3,238 kg
- 246D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 3,392 kg
- 262D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 3,763 kg
- 272D3: 98 hp/operating weight: 4,143 kg
- 272D3 XE: 110 hp/ operating weight: 4,342 kg
The D3 Series compact track loader lineup includes:
- 239D3: 67.1 hp/operating weight: 3,372 kg
- 249D3: 67.1 hp/operating weight: 3,552 kg
- 257D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 3,672 kg
- 258D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 4,076 kg
- 279D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 4,579 kg
- 289D3: 74.3 hp/operating weight: 4,848 kg
- 299D3: 98 hp/operating weight: 5,200 kg
- 299D3 XE: 110 hp/operating weight: 5,333 kg
- 299 XE Land Management: 110 hp/operating weight: 5,790 kg
The Cat 279D3 and 289D3 loaders boast a 13.6 km per hour top-end ground speed, a 20 per cent increase over their D Series counterparts.
The Cat 239D3 and 249D3 models are now built with 2-speed transmission as standard, versus the previous single speed, increasing travel speed by 9 per cent and aligning these models with the rest of the two-speed equipped CTL model range.
D3 Series control
The D3 Series Cat SSL and CTL models deliver Smart Technology that provides a higher level of integration between the machine and new Smart Attachments. The attachment technology will allow the D3 Series models to automatically recognize Smart Attachments and convert machine controls to align with the operational and informational needs of that attachment.
Cat D3 Series SSLs and CTLs offer advanced control features that include “return-to-dig” and “work tool positioner” to assist operators with repetitive tasks like grading, digging and loading.
The items are now bundled together with the dual direction self-level feature, allowing more operators to take advantage of features that automate machine functions to complete tasks with less user interaction and expertise.
New XE badge
Alongside the D3 Series introduction, the previous XHP performance model identifier used with the 272 and 299 models has been replaced with an XE badge. The 272D3 XE and 299D3 XE models represent the highest performance and most advanced technology available to customers in the Cat SSL and CTL line.
Also included in the D3 series CTL family is the new purpose-built Cat 299D3 XE Land Management CTL. The 299D3 XE Land Management is built for demanding vegetation-management applications, such as mulching, brush cutting, vegetation control and mowing.
Ensuring optimum performance when powering high-production hydromechanical attachments like mulching heads, this machine boasts a turbocharged 110 hp Cat C3.8 engine that combines with 150 litres per minute high-flow/high-pressure auxiliary hydraulic system, producing a hydraulic horsepower rating of 94 hp.
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To provide longer intervals of uninterrupted work, the 299D3 XE Land Management has a 220 litre fuel capacity, which is 80 per cent larger than the tank on standard 299D3 XE model and is sized to provide an estimated run time of 11 to 12 hours.
Its one-piece sealed and pressurized cab keeps the operator’s environment clean and quiet, which is especially important for customers working the long shifts in the challenging conditions of these applications.
Additional seals, covers and other special parts are standard for the 299D3 XE Land Management machine to restrict debris and other materials from entering the engine compartment and lower frame while large removable panels provide easy access to aid in routine cleaning. A turbine-type pre-cleaner ejects dust, dirt, and debris from engine-intake airflow before it reaches the filter.
The 299D3 XE Land Management model also comes factory-equipped with components that provide guarding to protect front and rear LED work lights, work-tool coupler area, work-tool electrical harness connections and auxiliary-hydraulic quick-disconnect fittings from impact and debris that are often hazards in land-clearing applications.
The cooling system’s hydraulically driven fan operates only when required to save fuel, while the reversing fan feature clears intake screens of debris, so the system runs cooler when operating in high ambient temperature applications.
