Another day, another compact track loader story. Today’s tale will revolve around Develon’s newly launched DTL26 and DTL30 compact track loaders. We saw these CTLs at Conexpo, and they are smaller, mid-sized units compared to Develon’s large 115.3-horsepower DTL35. These new models are now available at dealerships across North America.

Develon is making a big note of keeping both the DTL26 and DTL30 below the 74-horsepower threshold. That eliminates diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system needed on higher horsepower engines. From the press release:

“Our customers are looking for opportunities to reduce their operating costs and simplify their maintenance checklists,” says Andy Jeong, product manager at Develon. “By eliminating the requirement for DEF, we’ve removed a significant pain point for our customers. They no longer have to worry about fluid storage in extreme temperatures or the added expense of an extra consumable. It’s about providing a machine that is ready to work the moment the operator presses a button.”

Fleet managers lose another fluid to buy, store, and monitor. Also, there’s less to think about — like worrying about frozen DEF on cold mornings. What else do these two new mid-sized CTLs bring to the market?

The DTL26 and DTL30 by the numbers

These two new units fall in the mid-sized loader category. The DTL26 delivers a 2,600-pound rated operating capacity, while the DTL30 boosts that to 3,000 pounds (both at 35 percent of tipping load). Both machines use Develon’s 71.4-horsepower D24 diesel engine. Buyers can also equip either loader with optional 27-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics to power demanding attachments like cold planers, brush cutters, and trenchers. The machines also share a long list of automated operating features intended to speed up repetitive work — creep control, return-to-dig, bucket shake, and auto self-leveling. That kind of tech also helps newer operators become productive faster, while also reducing fatigue.

Big ole cabs

Develon is claiming one of the widest cabs on the market for these machines. In the press release, the company described it as “an expansive workspace that reduces physical strain and enhances visibility via a standard rearview camera and a minimized A-pillar design.” An 8-inch touchscreen display serves as the control center for machine functions and operating information. Both the DTL26 and DTL30 are available in either cab or canopy configurations, though most premium technology features remain exclusive to enclosed-cab models. Cab buyers can also equip the machines with these features:

• Heated air- or mechanical-suspension seats
• High-capacity air conditioning
• Polycarbonate swing-out door
• Optional 270-degree Around View Monitor camera system
• Ultrasonic proximity sensors for additional jobsite awareness

Additional options overall include

• High-flow auxiliary hydraulics
• Hydraulic quick coupler
• 300-pound counterweight
• Torsion suspension system
• Triple-flange idlers or fixed-frame undercarriage
• Reversible cooling fan for dusty conditions

The compact equipment race keeps accelerating

Compact track loaders are the hottest category in the compact equipment market. Brands from Yanmar to Landcros to Develon’s own sister brand Hyundai have all added or announced units in the last month or two. Overall, there are nearly 20 brands selling compact track loaders in North America in 2026, with more to come. We’ll keep you updated as these brands continue to fill out their CTL portfolios.