The Caterpillar 257B is a versatile compact Multi-Terrain Loader (MTL) built to combine the agility and tool-attachment flexibility of a skid-steer loader with the traction, flotation, and low-ground-pressure advantages of a tracked undercarriage. The Cat 257B is part of Cat’s B-Series MTL/CTL line, designed for demanding work in construction, landscaping, agriculture, material-handling, and utility applications - especially in environments where terrain can be rough, soft, or uneven.
Loader Performance
| Model |
CAT 257B |
257B High Flow |
| Tipping Load |
4622 lb (2096 kg) |
4648 lb (2108 kg) |
| Rated Operating Capacity, 35% Tipping Load |
1615 lb (732 kg) |
1627 lb (738 kg) |
| Rated Operating Capacity, 50% Tipping Load |
2310 lb (1047 kg) |
2324 lb (1054 kg) |
| Bucket Width |
66 in (1676 mm) |
66 in (1676 mm) |
| Breakout Force, Tilt Cylinder |
3732 lbf (16.6 kN) |
3732 lb (16.6 kN) |
| Breakout Force, Lift Cylinder |
3683 lbf (16.4 kN) |
3656 lbf (16.3 kN) |
With a powerful yet compact turbo-diesel engine, a robust hydraulic system, and a suspension undercarriage to absorb ground shock and maximize traction, the Cat 257B delivers a balance of power, mobility, stability, and versatility. Its vertical-lift loader linkage, full range of Cat attachments, and proven lift and breakout performance make it a go-to machine for jobs ranging from loading and lifting to digging, snow removal, grading and material handling.
Dimensions
| Length with Bucket on Ground |
137 in (3490 mm) |
| Length without Bucket |
106 in (2701 mm) |
| Length of Track on Ground |
59 in (1499 mm) |
| Vehicle Width |
66 in (1676 mm) |
| Overall Length of Track |
75 in (1899 mm) |
| Height to Top of Cab |
80 in (2022 mm) |
| Max Overall Height |
156 in (3963 mm) |
| Hinge Pin Height at Max Lift |
119 in (3018 mm) |
| Hinge Pin Height at Carry Position |
9.3 in (234 mm) |
| Clearance at Max Lift and Dump |
90 in (2278 mm) |
| Reach at Max Lift and Dump |
31 in (790 mm) |
| Max Reach with Arms Parallel to Ground |
54.6 in (1388 mm) |
| Rack Back Angle at Max Height |
86.9° |
| Maximum Dump Angle |
50° |
| Departure Angle |
37° |
| Ground Clearance |
10 in (257 mm) |
| Turning Radius from Center — Left |
58.2 in (1479 mm) |
| Turning Radius from Center — Right |
66.8 in (1696 mm) |
| Turning Radius from Center — Full |
60.8 in (1545 mm) |
Undercarriage
| Track Type |
Rubber Track |
| Track Width |
15 in (381 mm) |
| Length of Track on Ground |
59 in (1499 mm) |
| Overall Length of Track |
75 in (1899 mm) |
| Ground Contact Area |
1770 in2 (1.14 m2) |
| Ground Pressure |
4.36 psi (30 kPa) |
Engine Details
| Number of Cylinders |
4 |
| Engine Make |
Caterpillar |
| Engine Model |
CAT 3024C T |
| Displacement |
134.3 cu in (2.2 L) |
| Bore |
3.3 in (84 mm) |
| Stroke |
3.9 in (100 mm) |
| Gross Power |
62 hp (46 kw) |
| Net Power |
57 hp (43 kw) |
| Power Measured @ |
3000 rpm |
| Peak Torque |
185 lb ft (251 Nm) |
| Torque Measured @ |
1800 rpm |
| Aspiration |
Turbocharged |
| Emission Standards |
US EPA Tier 2 + EU Stage II |
Operational Specs
| Operating Weight |
7559 lb (3428 kg) |
| Operating Weight (Cat 257B High Flow) |
7651 lb (3470 kg) |
| Counterweight |
81.5 lb (37 kg) |
| Operating Voltage |
12 V |
| Alternator |
85 amps |
| Battery |
12 V, CCA 850, heavy-duty, 70 Ah, 65 BCI |
| Operator Sound Level (ISO 6396) |
89 dB(A) |
| Exterior Sound Level (2000/14/EC) |
104 dB(A) |
Powertrain
| Type |
Hydrostatic transmission |
| Control |
Pilot Operated Hydrostatic Transmission Control, LH |
| Max Travel Speed |
7.1 mph (11.4 km/h) |
| Parking Brake |
Wet Multi Disc Parking Brakes |
Hydraulic System
| Pump Type |
The dual axial piston hydrostatic pumps (closed-loop) |
| Pump Flow Capacity (Standard) |
15.6 gal/min (60 L/min) |
| Pump Flow Capacity (High Flow) |
26.0 gal/min (100 L/min) |
| Hydraulic Power (Standard Flow) |
30.4 hp (22.7 kW) |
| Hydraulic Power (High Flow) |
50.6 hp (37.7 kW) |
| Relief Valve Pressure |
3335 psi (23000 kPa) |
Service Refill Capacities
| Fuel Tank Capacity |
20 gal (77 L) |
| Engine Oil Capacity (w/ filter) |
1.8 gal (7 L) |
| Cooling System Capacity |
2.6 gal (10 L) |
| Hydraulic System Capacity (w/ tank) |
14.5 gal (55 L) |
| Hydraulic Tank Capacity |
9.2 gal (35 L) |
Caterpillar 257B Core Highlights
- Powerful, compact engine: a 4-cylinder, 2.2-L turbocharged diesel (Cat 3024C-T) delivering ~ 57 hp net, enough to handle heavy work yet compact enough for tight job sites.
- Track advantage + low ground pressure: rubber-tracked undercarriage with a wide contact area reduces ground pressure, improves traction and flotation on soft or unstable ground, and increases stability compared with wheeled loaders.
- Vertical-lift loader linkage: offering excellent reach and lift geometry for loading trucks, dumping, or stacking; makes the machine versatile for many attachments.
- Strong hydraulic system: standard hydraulic flow ~ 60 L/min (15.6 gpm) and optional high-flow system (100 L/min), providing enough hydraulic power for demanding attachments (brooms, grapples, augers, snow blowers, etc.).
- Solid lift and breakout capacities: rated operating capacity around 1,615 lb (732 kg) at 50% tipping load (some specs 1,615 lb / 731 kg) and tipping load around 4,620 lb (approx. 2,095 kg), enabling confident handling of heavy materials.
- Compact dimensions and manageable footprint: width over tracks about 66 in (≈ 1.68 m), length with bucket ~ 3490 mm, ground clearance ~ 257 mm; compact enough for urban/residential work, yet stable and capable.
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