The Caterpillar 259D is a modern compact track loader (CTL) designed to deliver high-performance lifting, digging, and material-handling capability in a compact, stable, and track-based chassis.
With rubber tracks and a fully suspended undercarriage, the 259D combines the compact footprint and maneuverability of a skid steer with the traction, flotation, and ground-pressure advantages of a tracked loader. This makes it especially well-suited for construction, landscaping, agriculture, utility work, and any tasks requiring mobility, power, and minimal ground disturbance.
Loader Performance
| Tipping Load |
5800 lb (2631 kg) |
| Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) (35% Tipping Load) |
2030 lb (921 kg) |
| Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) (50% Tipping Load) |
2900 lb (1315 kg) |
| Rated Operating Capacity w/ Optional Counterweight |
3100 lb (1406 kg) |
| Breakout Force (Tilt Cylinder) |
5035 lb (2284 kg) |
Built around a turbo-diesel engine and a hydrostatic drive, the 259D is engineered to meet modern emission standards while providing strong breakout forces, solid lift capacity, and reliable hydraulics suitable for a wide range of attachments. Whether used for grading, loading, lifting, digging, or snow removal, the 259D is positioned as a versatile, all-around loader that balances power, stability, and agility in a compact package.
Dimensions
| Length with Bucket on Ground |
137.3 in (3486 mm) |
| Length w/o Bucket |
108.9 in (2767 mm) |
| Overall Width Over Tracks (12.6 in / 320 mm shoe) |
66 in (1676 mm) |
| Overall Width Over Tracks (15.7 in / 400 mm shoe) |
69 in (1755 mm) |
| Height To Top Of Cab |
83.1 in (2111 mm) |
| Max Overall Height |
154.1 in (3915 mm) |
| Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift |
121 in (3075 mm) |
| Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position |
7.8 in (198 mm) |
| Reach At Max Lift And Dump |
23.9 in (608 mm) |
| Clearance At Max Lift And Dump |
89.9 in (2283 mm) |
| Maximum Reach - With Arms Parallel to Ground |
51.4 in (1305 mm) |
| Bucket Pin Reach at Maximum Lift |
9.4 in (238 mm) |
| Rack Back Angle at Max Height |
87° |
| Maximum Dump Angle |
52° |
| Departure Angle |
35° |
| Ground Clearance |
8.9 in (226 mm) |
| Turn Radius from Center - Machine Rear |
61.5 in (1561 mm) |
| Turn Radius from Center - Coupler |
54.8 in (1392 mm) |
| Turn Radius from Center - Bucket |
86 in (2184 mm) |
Undercarriage
| Overall Length of Track |
78.7 in (1999 mm) |
| Length Of Track On Ground |
59 in (1499 mm) |
| Ground Contact Area (12.6 in / 320 mm shoe) |
1483 in2 (0.96 m2) |
| Ground Contact Area (15.7 in / 400 mm shoe) |
1848 in2 (1.19 m2) |
| Ground Pressure (12.6 in / 320 mm shoe) |
6.0 psi (41.1 kPa) |
| Ground Pressure (15.7 in / 400 mm shoe) |
4.8 psi (33.4 kPa) |
Engine Details
| Number of Cylinders |
4 |
| Engine Make |
Caterpillar |
| Engine Model |
Cat C3.3B DIT |
| Displacement |
203 cu in (3.3 L) |
| Bore |
3.7 in (94 mm) |
| Stroke |
4.7 in (120 mm) |
| Gross Horsepower |
74.3 hp (55.4 kw) |
| Net Horsepower |
73.2 hp (54.6 kw) |
| Power Measured @ |
2400 rpm |
| Peak Torque |
195 lb ft (265 Nm) |
| Torque Measured @ |
1500 rpm |
| Aspiration |
Turbocharged and aftercooled |
| Emission Standards |
US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage IIIB |
Operational Specs
| Operating Weight, 12.6 in (320 mm) tracks |
8846 lb (4013 kg) |
| Operating Weight, 15.7 in (400 mm) tracks |
8945 lb (4057 kg) |
| Counterweight |
74.7 lb (33.9 kg) |
| Max Operating Lift Capacity |
3100 lb (1406 kg) |
| Operating Voltage |
12 V |
| Alternator |
80 amps |
| Battery |
12 V, CCA 880 heavy duty battery |
| Work Lights |
2x Rear Tail Lights, 2x Adjustable Front and Rear Halogen Lights, Dome Light, Gauge Backlighting |
| ROPS |
ISO 3471:2008 |
| FOPS |
ISO 3449:2005 Level I / Level II |
| Noise Level (interior) |
83 dB(A) |
| Noise Level (exterior) |
103 dB(A) |
Powertrain
| Type |
Hydrostatic transmission |
| Number of Gears |
Electronic Torque Management, standard two-speed travel and an electronic hand/foot throttle with decel pedal capability |
| 1 Max Travel Speed |
5.9 mph (9.5 km/h) |
| 2 Max Travel Speed |
8.5 mph (13.7 km/h) |
| Suspension |
Independent Torsion Axles (4) |
Hydraulic System
| Hydraulics |
Standard |
High Flow |
| Pump Flow |
20 gal/min (76 L/min) |
30 gal/min (112 L/min) |
| Relief Valve Pressure |
3335 psi (23000 kPa) |
3335 psi (23000 kPa) |
| Hydraulic Power |
39 hp (29 kw) |
58 hp (43 kw) |
Service Refill Capacities
| Fuel Tank Capacity |
27.7 gal (105 L) |
| Engine Oil Capacity (w/ filter) |
3.0 gal (11 L) |
| Cooling System Capacity |
3.7 gal (14 L) |
| Hydraulic System Capacity (w/ tank) |
13.2 gal (50 L) |
| Hydraulic Tank Capacity |
10.3 gal (39 L) |
Core Highlights and What Makes the 259D Stand Out
- Powerful and efficient engine: The 259D is powered by a Cat C3.3B DIT turbo-diesel engine, delivering ~ 74.3 hp (55.4 kW) gross and ~ 73.2 hp (54.6 kW) net, with turbocharging and aftercooling for responsive, reliable power under load.
- Strong lift and breakout performance: Rated operating capacity (50% tipping load) is ~ 2,900 lb (≈ 1,315 kg), tipping load ~ 5,800 lb (≈ 2,631 kg), and tilt-cylinder breakout force ~ 5,035 lb (≈ 2,284 kg), giving confidence in moving heavy loads, materials, or attachments.
- Compact yet stable undercarriage: The Cat 259D features a suspended undercarriage with track-on-ground length ~ 59 in (1,499 mm) and ground contact area (on 400 mm / 15.7 in track) up to ~ 1.19 m², giving excellent flotation and low ground pressure (as low as ~ 4.8 psi / 33.4 kPa).
- Versatility and attachment compatibility: As with all Cat CTLs, the 259D supports a broad range of attachments: buckets, forks, grapples, snow blowers, augers, brooms, and more. The loader’s hydraulic and powertrain configuration makes it flexible for earthmoving, lifting, material handling, snow removal, landscaping, and utility tasks.
- Modern operator comfort and safety: The Caterpillar 259D’s cab has protection features (ROPS/FOPS), sound-insulation, ergonomic controls, and optional comfort features (air-ride seat, pressurized/sealed cab). Hydraulic system options (standard or high-flow) and two-speed travel contribute to adaptability and efficiency for different job types.
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