Don’t let the nomenclature fool you - Cat’s all-new 285 is the company’s largest compact track loader ever.
Cat replaced the 299D3 with the new 275 and added the 285 to its lineup to meet customer demand for increased lift capacity, lift height and tilt and breakout forces.
The 13,669-pound machine has a 4,719-pound rated operating capacity at 35% of tipping load, a tilt breakout force of 13,920 pounds, and a 146-inch lift height, enough to easily clear standard dump trucks. For comparison, the 299D3 had a lift height of 134.4 inches.
In the above video, Trevor Chase, Cat senior product consultant, gives us a comprehensive walkaround tour of what Cat calls its “XXL CTL.”
Additional new models in the lineup include the 255, 265, 275, 275 XE and 285 XE.
Inside the 285
The 285 is powered by a 111-horsepower Cat C3.6TA diesel engine. That same engine cranks out 134 horsepower on the XE version. “These Cat engines offer more torque over a wider range of rpms,” says Chase. “You’re getting more power going to the tracks.”
Operators will notice larger lift arms and cylinders compared to D3 machines. Cat says this gives the next-generation CTLs the ability to do heavy work at height. An all-new equalizer bar undercarriage, featuring a pivot shaft in the rear and an equalizer bar in the front, also helps to improve stability under load.
“With the e-bar undercarriage design, you get the best of both worlds,” says Chase. “It allows it to still be able to move over uneven footing but still maintain a lot of those benefits you get with a torsion bar suspension. You still get ride comfort…material retention…and also you get better track life.”
By moving the fuel tanks to the sides, the engine and cooling package have been placed lower in the frame. This improves stability and visibility out of the rear of the machine without sacrificing ground clearance. New sideview cameras also allow operators to see down the track and around the side of the machine via the optional advanced monitor in the cab. All components are easily accessible for routine maintenance.
The all-new larger cab – common from the 250 skid steer to the 285 CTL – features more width, ceiling height, foot space and seat travel for increased comfort. A low entry and exit egress make it easier to get in and out of the machine. The door and windows can be easily removed for cleaning or open-air operation. A heated and ventilated premium seat, advanced joysticks and an 8-inch touchscreen advanced monitor are available upgrades.
New attachments available for Cat’s largest CTL model include a scarifier and a rear winch.
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