Caterpillar adds five machines to compact equipment line-up

The new Cat TUL100 compact utility loader is designed to deliver power and performance in tight spaces with reliability and durability. Image: Caterpillar

The new line-up comprises the TUL100 compact utility loader, 253 compact track loader, 301 CR micro hydraulic excavator and 302.4 CR and 302.6 mini excavators.

Three of the machines – the TUL100, 253 and 301 CR – were previewed at ConExpo in Las Vegas, US, earlier this year.

The TUL100 marks Caterpillar’s entry into the compact utility loader segment. It has a rated operating capacity of more than 454kg and is available in a 907mm-wide configuration for working in confined spaces.

A wider 1,054mm track configuration is designed to provide greater stability and reduce ground contact pressure.

Caterpillar has also introduced the 253 compact track loader, which has a rated operating capacity of 910kg and an operating weight of 4,238kg.

Building on the company’s existing 259D3, the 253 uses a new one-piece undercarriage with four independent axles mounted directly to the frame. Caterpillar said the arrangement has been designed to improve traction, stability and grading performance.

The machine is equipped with 380mm C-pattern tracks aimed at increasing ground engagement in mud and other soft underfoot conditions.

Three new excavators

At the smaller end of the excavator range, the new 301 CR micro hydraulic excavator has been developed for confined applications including indoor demolition, agriculture and landscaping.

The Cat 301 CR is said to deliver advanced machine performance for indoor, demolition, agricultural and landscaping applications. Image: Caterpillar

The machine can pass through openings measuring 762mm wide by 1,981mm high and uses a compact-radius design to minimise overhang.

Its expandable undercarriage is intended to improve stability and lifting capacity compared with the Cat 300.9D, which it succeeds.

Caterpillar has also added the 302.4 CR and 302.6 mini excavators in the 2.4- and 2.6-tonne classes.

The company said both have been developed around transportability, lifting stability, ground clearance and hydraulic performance, with the machines meeting most towing requirements in their respective markets.

Higher auxiliary hydraulic flow also allows them to operate attachments including hydraulic hammers and demolition tools.

Zach Waite, commercial director at Caterpillar Industry Solutions, said, “We focused on four key areas to help deliver customer value with these units – cost-effective transportability, stability when lifting heavy loads, high ground clearance for working on trails with the fixed undercarriage and an easy-to-operate, smoother, more efficient hydraulic system.”