Caterpillar to Enter Mini Track Loader Market
Every so often, Caterpillar does something unexpected. Remember the on-highway trucks and the home generators and tools of "Caterpillar Home and Outdoor Power?"
Well, we do.
This time, Cat has used Conexpo to preview a mini track loader, its first foray into a well-established market segment (Toro, Vermeer, Bobcat, Kubota, Ditch Witch, New Holland, Wacker Neuson, Boxer, Case).
Caterpillar calls them compact utility loaders. The flagship TUL100 has a rated 1,000-pound operating capacity and 36- and 42-inch track width options to work in tight spaces.
"You might be asking yourself, 'Why is Caterpillar getting into the game?'" says Dustin Adams, product commercial marketing manager for Cat compact track loaders and skid steers. "The reason is our customers are asking for it. They are looking for a mini compact track loader in the 1,000-pound operating capacity."
Adams says the unit will be offered in three configurations. "The first is going to be a narrow track, narrow coupler," Adams says. "The second is going to be a wide track, narrow coupler, and the third is going to be a wide track, wide coupler."
The narrow track will be 36 inches and the wide track will be 42 inches.
Cat mini track loader power, attachments
Powered by the 24-horsepower Cat C1.1 turbo diesel engine, the TUL100 features a robust hydraulic system for exceptional performance.
Versatility is at the core of this new compact utility loader design, so it will offer a wide range of attachments, including augers, power box rakes, trenchers, buckets, and forks.
A choice of coupler options will help ensure contractors have the right tool for the task.
Multifunction joysticks
Intuitive multifunction joysticks and customizable settings allow operators to fine-tune machine performance for a range of skill levels. The TUL100 has an approximate operating weight of 3,600 pounds and a maximum lift height of 7 feet.
Fleet managers will be happy to know the units will be available with Cat VisionLink telematics, as the loader is meant to fit seamlessly with the rest of the fleet.
"We will start production the second half of 2026 and these will be available the first half of 2027," Adams says.
About the Author
Frank Raczon
Frank Raczon has covered and influenced the equipment industry for 35 years, including 15 years as senior editor of Construction Equipment, and marketing, advertising, and public relations work with the industry's top manufacturers. In addition to authoring "Caterpillar: Modern Earthmoving Marvels" (Motorbooks, 2015), he has won numerous awards in his career, highlighted by nods from the Construction Writers Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the Business Marketing Association, and BtoB magazine. Raczon has also won a number of awards from publishing peer groups such as ASBPE and TABPI.