A Caterpillar compact track loader is a small, tracked machine built to dig, move, and grade material in tight spaces where a full-size excavator won't fit

Caterpillar makes several models in this category, with the most common being the 247B, 257B, 267B, and 287B — the numbers roughly indicate size, with 247B being the smallest. These machines have rubber or steel tracks instead of wheels, which spreads their weight and lets them work on soft ground without sinking or leaving deep ruts. A rotating cab sits on top, and you operate a hydraulic arm with a bucket or other attachment from inside.

The machine is called "compact" because it's narrow enough to fit through a standard residential gate or a construction site entrance, yet powerful enough to do real excavation work. You'll see them on landscaping jobs, small demolition sites, utility trenches, and anywhere a contractor needs to move dirt or debris but can't bring in a 20-ton excavator.

Key Takeaways

  • Caterpillar compact track loaders come in four main sizes, with the 247B being smallest and the 287B largest, each suited to different job scales.
  • Tracks instead of wheels let these machines work on soft or muddy ground without compacting soil or leaving ruts, which is why landscapers and site prep crews prefer them.
  • The rotating cab and hydraulic arm let one operator dig, grade, move material, and swap attachments without leaving the seat.
  • Operating one requires training and often a commercial driver's license or heavy equipment operator certification, depending on your state and employer.

How the tracks and hydraulic system work together

The tracks are the key difference between a compact track loader and a wheeled skid steer (which Caterpillar also makes). Each track is a loop of metal or rubber that wraps around the machine's frame. When the operator moves the control levers, hydraulic motors spin the track on each side independently — so you can turn left by slowing the left track and speeding the right one, or even spin in place.

This design spreads the machine's weight across a much larger surface area than wheels would. A 247B weighs about 4,000 pounds, but that weight is distributed along the entire length of both tracks. On soft ground, this means less sinking and less soil compaction — important when you're working in a residential yard or on a site where the ground is already wet. The trade-off is that tracks are slower than wheels and require more maintenance, since the track tension has to be checked regularly and the links can wear or break.

The hydraulic arm is powered by a pump driven by the machine's diesel engine. You control it with two joysticks or lever pairs from the cab. One lever controls the boom (the upper arm), and the other controls the bucket or attachment. The system is straightforward enough that most operators pick up the basics in a few days, but smooth, efficient digging takes practice.

Common attachments and what they're used for

The bucket is the standard attachment — a scoop that digs, carries, and dumps material. Most buckets hold between 0.25 and 0.5 cubic yards, depending on the model. For landscaping, you might swap the bucket for a grapple (a claw that grabs branches, rocks, or debris), a breaker (a jackhammer attachment for breaking concrete), or a auger (a drill for fence posts or small holes).

Grading buckets are wider and shallower than digging buckets, designed to spread and level material rather than scoop it. Forks let you move pallets or stacked material like a forklift. Some contractors use a broom attachment for sweeping gravel or a compactor for packing soil. The quick-coupler on the arm lets you swap attachments in minutes without tools, so one machine can do several different jobs in a single day.

Operator training and licensing requirements

Most states do not require a special license to operate a compact track loader on private property or a job site. However, your employer almost always will require training — either on-the-job instruction from an experienced operator or a formal heavy equipment operator course. Some employers require OSHA 30-hour certification or a card from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), though NCCCO primarily covers cranes and larger equipment.

If you're operating the machine on public roads to move it between job sites, you may need a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on the machine's gross vehicle weight rating and your state's rules. A 247B is usually light enough to avoid CDL requirements, but a 287B may not be. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and your employer before you assume you can transport it yourself.

Training typically covers pre-operation inspection (checking fluid levels, track tension, and hydraulic hoses), basic operation (starting, moving, turning, and stopping), safe digging technique, and how to avoid tipping or getting stuck. Most operators become reasonably competent within a week, but site safety rules and equipment-specific procedures vary by employer.

Fuel consumption and operating costs

A Caterpillar compact track loader runs on diesel fuel. A 247B typically burns 1 to 2 gallons per hour during normal digging work, though this varies with how hard you're pushing the hydraulics and how much idle time there is. A 287B uses more — roughly 2 to 3 gallons per hour. Fuel cost is usually the smallest part of operating expense; maintenance and wear parts are larger.

Track replacement is the biggest maintenance cost. Depending on the model and how hard it's worked, a set of tracks lasts 1,000 to 2,500 hours before they need replacement, which can cost $2,000 to $5,000 per set. Hydraulic hoses, seals, and the engine air filter need regular attention. Most contractors budget for a major service every 500 to 1,000 hours. Rental is common for short-term jobs — daily rates typically range from $150 to $300 depending on the model and your location, with weekly and monthly discounts available.

Caterpillar compact track loaders versus other small excavation equipment

A skid steer loader (also made by Caterpillar, under the Cat brand, and by Bobcat and others) is wheeled instead of tracked, lighter, and faster on hard ground. It's better for indoor work or paved surfaces because the wheels don't damage the surface. A compact track loader is better on soft ground, mud, or grass because it won't sink or leave ruts. Both fit through a standard gate and can do similar work with the same attachments.

A mini excavator (usually 2 to 5 tons) has a longer reach and digs deeper than a compact track loader, but it's slower at moving material and takes up more space. It's the better choice if you're digging a trench deeper than 4 feet or need to reach over an obstacle. A compact track loader is faster at moving loose material and better at grading or pushing dirt around.

A walk-behind skid steer (a small remote-controlled machine you stand behind) is cheaper to rent and fits in even tighter spaces, but it's much slower and can only handle light work. Choose based on the job: tight residential space with soft ground = compact track loader; paved surface or indoor = skid steer; deep trench = mini excavator; very small area = walk-behind.

Safety considerations when operating one

The most common hazard is tipping. A compact track loader has a high center of gravity, and if you dig too aggressively on a slope or swing the loaded bucket too fast, the machine can roll. Always keep the bucket low when moving, avoid steep slopes, and never dig under the machine or undermine the ground beneath the tracks. The cab has a rollover protective structure (ROPS), but it's not a may provide — prevention is better than relying on it.

Visibility is limited. The cab is small and the boom can block your view of the ground in front of you. Always have a spotter nearby if you're working in a confined space or near people. Never swing the boom toward anyone, and always assume someone might walk into your work area. Hydraulic hoses can fail and spray fluid under pressure, which can cause serious injury — never touch a hose that's leaking or under pressure.

Before you start each day, walk around the machine and check the track tension (it should be snug but not so tight it won't move), look for leaking fluid, and make sure the hydraulic hoses aren't cracked or bulging. A few minutes of inspection can prevent a breakdown or injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a compact track loader work on a slope?

Yes, but carefully. Tracks grip better than wheels on slopes, which is one reason contractors choose them. However, the machine can still tip if the slope is steep (over 30 degrees) or if you swing the loaded bucket uphill. Stay on slopes gentler than 20 degrees unless you have specific training and a spotter.

How much does a Caterpillar compact track loader cost to buy?

A new 247B costs roughly $40,000 to $50,000, and a 287B costs $60,000 to $80,000, depending on attachments and dealer pricing. Used machines are cheaper but may need repairs. Most contractors rent rather than buy because the cost per job is lower and you avoid maintenance.

What's the difference between rubber tracks and steel tracks?

Rubber tracks are quieter, easier on pavement, and better for landscaping work where you don't want to damage the ground. Steel tracks grip better on ice or very steep slopes and last longer on rough ground, but they're louder and can damage asphalt or concrete. Most landscaping and residential work uses rubber; demolition and heavy grading uses steel.

How deep can a compact track loader dig?

A 247B can dig about 4 feet deep, and a 287B can reach about 5 feet. The reach depends on the boom length and bucket size. If you need to dig deeper than 5 feet, a mini excavator is a better choice.

Do I need insurance to operate one on a job site?

Your employer is responsible for equipment insurance, but you may be required to carry personal liability coverage or be named on the company's policy. Ask your employer or the equipment rental company what coverage is required before you start work.