Choosing the Right Compact Track Loader — A Buyer's Guide

Your operation depends on high-quality, versatile equipment to maintain safety and productivity. You must invest in quality tools to tackle demanding jobs. However, knowing where to start can be tricky in such a crowded marketplace. 

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This compact track loader guide can help you understand what to look for and how to narrow down your options. You can find durable equipment that meets your needs once you know what to look for. Check out our compact track loader tips to help you find the best machinery for your work. 

What Are Compact Track Loaders? 

Compact track loaders are small, durable machines used for many landscaping and construction tasks. They resemble skid steers, but they’re slightly different — they have tracks instead of wheels. Compact track loaders use their tracks to give them excellent traction when working in muddy or rough terrain. These machines feature a durable bucket in the front, which lets them perform dozens of jobs. Scooping, pushing, digging and lifting material is simple with this versatile equipment. 

Additionally, their compact size makes compact track loaders essential for working in tight spaces. You get efficient, agile power with these durable machines. Choose different attachments to expand their abilities and easily perform work on any job site. 

How to Choose a Compact Track Loader

Selecting a compact track loader means evaluating what you need to get work done safely and efficiently. With dozens of compact track loader options, you should know what you want before you start looking. Evaluate these factors to narrow down your options and choose the best compact track loader for the job.

• Model: Each compact track loader offers different features and capabilities, so decide what horsepower, maneuverability, lifting capacity and fuel efficiency you need. Once you know what you want, you can choose between a few models that mostly fit your criteria. Read reviews and compare features to get a model that works for your operation.
• Attachments: Attachments are another critical factor when choosing a compact track loader. Attachments like grapples, forks, augers and buckets will increase your compact track loader’s capabilities, maximizing your investment. Each one lets you use your equipment for a different task, letting you adjust your machine to your needs. 
• Size: Compact track loaders come in different sizes. Larger ones give you more power, while smaller models increase your maneuverability. Think about your work site and jobs. You need a machine that will fit in the space while still giving you the power you need. Find a balance between compactness and power to give you a machine that fits your qualifications. 

• Applications: Compact track loaders are highly versatile, but you still need the best fit for your primary tasks. Attachments can help you complete a range of jobs. However, you want a machine that can handle the work you need to get done. You should also consider future projects. Having a machine that can grow with your work will maximize your investment. 
• Safety: Remember to prioritize safety when shopping for a compact track loader. Look for equipment from reliable companies with the latest safety features like ergonomic controls and proximity sensors to prevent injuries and make your work sites productive. 
• Environment: You can also consider environmental impact. Choose models that meet emissions standards with fuel-efficient designs. These machines will help you save money on fuel while reducing emissions. Additionally, models with noise-reducing technology can cut down on disruptions. Explore eco-friendly compact track loaders for a greener, more sustainable operation.
• Cost: Budget is a top consideration for any business owner. Your compact track loader will have upfront and ongoing costs that will influence your decision. Break down fuel efficiency, initial expenses, maintenance costs and resale value when budgeting for a compact track loader. Additionally, look at financing and warranties to understand the total cost. Adding up every expense helps you see the full financial picture. 

Benefits of Choosing a Cat® Compact Track Loader

Cat® compact track loaders are excellent choices for any operation. Investing in high-quality equipment can maximize safety, efficiency and productivity on any job site. With construction, it’s essential to avoid downtime while protecting your team’s safety. Cat compact track loaders deliver above-and-beyond results without compromising safety. Check out some of the benefits a Cat compact track loader can give you. 

• Durability: Cat equipment is well-known for its expert construction and unmatched durability. Their industry-leading design delivers reliable performance in the most demanding conditions, letting you do the job right every time. Choose Cat compact track loaders for efficiency and power while enjoying excellent results for years.
• Advanced technology: Cat invests in the latest tech advancements for all their equipment. Cat compact track loaders use advanced hydraulics and electric controls to optimize your machine’s performance. Additionally, their ergonomic design keeps operators comfortable and safe during long stretches, reducing fatigue and boosting productivity. 
• Versatility: Choose a Cat compact track loader if you need equipment for digging, grading, lifting, hauling and pushing. With Cat, you get a lasting investment. Their machines hold up to heavy wear and tear, letting you use them for multiple jobs without compromising efficiency. 
• Comfort: Cat compact track loaders feature ergonomic controls, a spacious cab and adjustable seats for maximum comfort. Choose Cat for equipment that puts operator comfort and safety first. You’ll see better productivity when you invest in equipment that takes care of your team. 

Choose Gregory Poole for a Compact Track Loader

The edition of Farmers Weekly’s Ultimate Guide to telehandlers and telescopic wheeled loaders of all shapes and sizes features a number of new and updated models – as well as more battery-electric machines than before.

Avant

Sporting new in-house lithium-ion technology, the e513 and e527 mini telescopic wheeled loaders have replaced the e5 and e6 machines with batteries of greater capacity providing longer working time.

While the e513 is kitted out for up to three hours run-time, the e527 is designed for twice that.

Both machines have a lift capacity of 2.79t maximum, with a safe tipping load of 900kg to the 2.79m full height lift, and Avant’s Optidrive wheel motor hydrostatic transmission has a “diff lock” feature for added traction.

Case IH

Apart from the continuing hydrostatic drive Farmlift 526, a streamlined range of Case IH telehandlers deletes the manual Powershift transmission models to focus solely on versions with an auto-shifting gearbox, now called PowerDrive.

New operating modes and automated control features are selected through a membrane keypad or 7in colour LCD display in the cab.

Self-levelling of attachments is now regulated by two angle sensors and an ECU that instructs the tilt/crowd circuit to compensate, which eliminates the previous balancing cylinder.

And attachment functions now include active shake to “rattle” a bucket or fork to shift sticky materials, and a semi-auto “back-to-position” that enables the operator to set two target positions covering raise/lower, dump/crowd and extend/retract.

Joystick movement in certain situations can trigger disengaging the transmission and increasing engine revs for increased oil flow and a faster lift with the boom retracted.

Two models in the revamped range – the 3.6t, 6.1m lift Farmlift 636 and 4.2t, 7m Farmlift 742 – also get a 160-litre/min piston pump hydraulic package to go with their 146hp FPT engines when the others stick with a 140-litre/min and 133hp package.

JCB

The 3.8t, 6.23m lift Loadall 538-60 Agri is the second model in the range to get the faster and more powerful “Pro” specification, complete with a 50kph version of the DualTech VT transmission that combines hydrostatic and powershift elements.

The package previously available only with the 4.2t, 7.04m 542-70 Agri Pro also includes a 173hp iteration of JCB’s 4.8-litre DieselMax engine, uprated driveline components and 160-litre/min hydraulics.

Down the performance scale, the Loadall 525-60 Agri offers a lower-spec alternative to the hydrostatic-drive compact handler introduced to Agri Super spec.

A 25kph version of the Super’s 30kph transmission, 80-litre versus 90-litre/min gear pump hydraulics and some other kit changes result in a usefully lower list price.

New models previewed at Agritechnica and Lamma are absent from the guide until the high-lift Loadall 542-100 and Pro-spec 560-80 have been released for series production.

Kramer

A revamped cab design and a new multi-mode hydrostatic transmission features in Kramer’s latest 8-series four-wheel-steer telescopic loader range, which loses the KL36.8T but gains two models – the 2.1t lift KL33.8T and the 2.4t KL37.8T, both lifting to 4.62m.

Powered by 75hp and 100hp Deutz engines, respectively, the newcomers share a hydrostatic drive setup with modes that prioritise power, fuel economy, road travel and loading/handling work.

There is also a new cab for the range, which spans capacities from 2t to 3.9t lift capacities, that retains doors on both sides and has a joystick control console on the folding seat armrest.

An optional 7in display gives access to various functions and adjustments, such as joystick sensitivity and auxiliary oil flow, and the new Smart Steering features reduces arm twirling when going from lock-to-lock.

The display is also an option on a revised KT276 mini telescopic handler that can now have the Smart Attach system for remotely coupling hydraulic pipes – for a hydraulic motor or fork grab – through one of the attachment locking pins.

Kubota

Entering the ultra-compact telehandler market with the help of Tobroco-Giant, Kubota has a single model for now available to several spec levels, the most basic of which lacks a cab door, lights and other kit to minimise weight for road trailer transfers.

Also, the KTH is available with rear two-wheel steering only or with multimode four-wheel steering, with permanent four-wheel drive common to both.

Lift performance amounts to 1.5t max, 1.4t to the 4.8m full height, with an optional counterweight improving the lifting performance a tad.

Manitou

The long-serving MLA-T 533-145 is now the sole telescopic wheeled loader in Manitou’s range now that the smaller MLA-T 516-75H has been dropped, while the MLT 733-115 is no longer part of the telehandler line-up.

There is, however, a “regular” chassis version of the 3t, 6.85m MLT 730-115 V now available alongside the low-cab “CP” for operators who do not need the additional overhead clearance.

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The newcomer lifts a little higher and has 39cm rather than 28cm of ground clearance thanks to its marginally wider 24in rather than 20in tyres, and overall height is 20cm more than the CP’s 2.14m.

Both variants of the hydrostatic drive machine are available to Classic, Premium and Elite spec, the latter two including cab air conditioning as standard.

Merlo

A full-size cab as fitted throughout the Merlo telehandler range has been squeezed on to the chassis of the new compact TF27.6, which shares its lift and reach capabilities with the outgoing P27.6, but is purpose-designed for agriculture.

Its 95-litre/min gear pump hydraulics has flow sharing to allow up to three hydraulic movements of the boom and attachment at once, while a new single-range, high-torque hydrostatic driveline employs a 150cc motor for responsive acceleration and 40kph top speed.

Despite its 2.2m tall, 1.9m wide dimensions, the TF27.6 manages 2.7t maximum lift capacity, 1.8t to the 5.9m max height, with an improved load control system designed to give precise feedback of load position and stability.

Buyers can opt for a more advanced stability control system that includes an LCD display and the additional features of attachment recognition and load weighing.

Next up comes the TF30.7-100, another compact model and spiritual successor to the P32.6, which bridges the gap to the larger 3.3t TF33.7; lift capacity of the newcomer is 3t max to 5.4m, 2t to the 6.7m full height.

This 2m-wide model comes in both standard and low-height guise, the latter trimming 20cm off the 2.1m stature of the regular version, and added comfort with Merlo’s unique cab suspension is another option.

Flow-sharing load- and flow-sensing hydraulics are standard.

New Holland

Faster boom lift and lower – by up to 25% – is promised by a pump upgrade from 140- to 160-litre/min on top-spec Elite models in the New Holland full-size telehandler line-up.

Classic versions with the four-speed manual powershift have been ditched in favour of all models having an auto-shifting six-speeder, while the compact TH5.26 and TH6.28 continue unchanged with hydrostatic drive.

Electro-hydraulic attachment levelling, which does away with a compensation cylinder and is said to remain precise over time, has been introduced.

And functions such as “active bucket shake”, crowd/dump speeds and pre-set limits for boom and attachment movements are accessed through a new 7in InfoView colour LCD that also displays the rear-view images when a camera system is installed.

All the powershift telehandlers now come ready for PLM Connect machine monitoring telematics to be activated.

Schaffer

Distributor H Fulton Tractors has added a battery-electric telescopic wheeled loader to its Schaffer range for the UK, the compact machine having a lift capacity of 1.6t to 3.72m.

Its 21kW drive motor is mounted directly to the rear axle of the artic-steering handler, fuelled by a 31.3kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a run-time – depending upon on the tasks it takes on – of up to eight hours.

Using the Eco setting on lighter duties can extend that by 90mins, according to Schaffer, before the battery needs a top-up via the 3kW on-board charger or an 11kW wall box.

Among the manufacturer’s diesel-fuelled models, the 102hp or 129hp (4.2t max, 3.8t to 5.2m), and the heavier 143hp (4.2t to 5.4m) have gained a larger volume cab.

The right-hand door has been sacrificed to install a full-size moulded housing for switches, dials, electrical connectors, storage trays and a cup or can holder, and for a 10in colour touchscreen for the first time.

Several usage profiles for the hydraulics have been predefined for operators to select, with “fast mode” intended for loading straw bales or bulk materials; for example, while “slow mode” is for precise tasks such as moving pallets.

Optional assistance features include an automatic attachment shake function that needs only modest input from the joystick – to discharge sawdust from a bucket at a measured rate, for example, or to free sticky material from a muck fork.

Tobroco-Giant

The new G Tele comes in three variants – the 50hp Kubota diesel-fuelled HD with a 25kph hydrostatic transmission, the HD+ uprated to 30kph, and the GE Tele packing the Dutch manufacturer’s first battery-electric drive system in a telescopic wheeled loader.

All three of the compact machines have a lift capacity of a fraction under 1t, which de-rates to 600kg on the way to a 3.71m maximum lift height – 24% higher than the equivalent regular wheeled loader and 48% more than Tobroco-Giant’s X-Tra version.

Hydraulic lines are all enclosed in the two-stage boom, which is said to provide true parallel attachment lift and lower.

The E’s powerpack comprises a 7kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle, with three ranges helping regulate accelerator response and top speed, and 12kW motor looks after the hydraulics.

Energy comes from a 12.4kWh or 18.7kWh lithium-ion battery.

Weidemann

With its new Te, Weidemann has joined the electric telehandler set with an ultra-compact machine previously available only with a 45hp Yanmar diesel.

Its 18kWh or 28kWh lithium-ion battery packs are reckoned to give continuous run times of just over three and five hours, respectively, with the 33.1kW electric motor driving a permanently engaged mechanical four-wheel drive system.

Three hydrostatic “ranges” help modulate speed and acceleration, while a 21.2kW motor drives the 41.6-litre/min hydraulic pump, and a 3kW on-board charger takes care of energy replenishment.

Contrasting in scale and power, Weidemann has entered the high-lift telehandler sector with the 9.5m T capable of lifting 3.5t max or 550kg at full upward stretch.

A 3.6-litre 136hp Perkins diesel provides motive power for the two-range all-hydrostatic drive and 139-litre/min gear pump hydraulics.

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