Tech
Compact Utility Loaders Storm the Market, More Versatile Than Ever Before
Certain categories of equipment have basked in the sunshine of popularity in the past. Backhoes. Compact excavators.
It seems it’s now time for compact utility loaders. Their star status is spread across multiple markets, from landscape and hardscape to concrete and masonry to tree care and more.
The term “compact utility loader” is widely accepted but not universal. Ditch Witch refers to them as “stand-on skid steers.” Bobcat calls them “mini track loaders.” Other variations exist.
Whatever you call them, there’s no debate over their popularity with owner-operators, larger contractors, municipalities and rental houses.
Three emerging trends have propelled CULs to their headliner position: higher rated operating capacities, enhanced performance and an increasing array of tools they can wield.
Going bigger
Manufacturers are pushing the upper end of rated operating capacity for compact utility loaders.
“In many cases these stand-on models rival the smaller models of skid steers and compact track loaders,” says Kyle Cartwright, marketing manager at Toro. “But they offer the advantages of a CUL. These include a smaller footprint, better visibility, ease of getting on and off, and greater operator space and comfort.”
These traits make large CULs more user-friendly than other equipment, especially for small contractors and homeowners who rent them.
The Dingo TXL 2000 has a 2,000-pound ROC, the highest of any Toro model. It comes in telescoping or non-telescoping versions. The telescoping model claims another size record with its 123-inch hinge pin height and 46-inch reach. Sensors monitor the center of mass and stop forward telescopic motion if the machine’s mass is at risk of moving forward of center.
The Ditch Witch SK3000 has an operating weight of 7,600 pounds. It will accommodate buckets of 60 to 72 inches and has a 118-inch hinge pin height. Dimensions are 57.5 inches wide, 64.6 inches high and 137.6 inches long with a 66-inch bucket. Maximum ground speed is 5.8 mph forward and reverse. Ground pressure is 5.8 psi with 12.5-inch tracks.Atop the Ditch Witch lineup sits the SK3000 with its 3,100-pound ROC, “the most powerful stand-on skid steer on the market,” says Brant Kukuk, Ditch Witch compact equipment manager.
Powered by a Yanmar 4-cylinder engine rated at 58.9 gross horsepower, the SK3000 provides maximum hydraulic flow of 22 gallons per minute at 4,000 pounds per square inch. This performance is appealing in many applications, but especially in “residential construction, landscape and tree care jobs where moving hazards and space restriction often exist.”
Brett Newendorp, landscape marketing manager at Vermeer, notes that larger compact utility loaders are close in price to smaller skid steers, yet they offer the lower ground disturbance of compact track loaders at a much lower price than a CTL. And while the largest CULs are bigger than their predecessors, they’re still smaller than the smaller skid steer and compact track loaders with which they now compete.
“Their lighter weight and smaller size make them easier to transport,” says Newendorp. He also notes that the sum of traits of CULs makes them the darlings of the fast-growing entrepreneurial market.
The Bobcat MT100 has an operating weight of 3,390 pounds. Standard equipment includes removeable counterweights that can be mounted to either the undercarriage or the rear uprights to increase lifting performance. Hydraulic pressure is 2,900 psi. Width is 36 inches with narrow tracks and 41 inches with optional wide tracks. Height is 54.6 inches.Bobcat’s new MT100 with its 1,000-pound ROC is the company’s largest CUL. It replaces the MT85, which had an 850-pound ROC. By skid steer standards the MT100’s ROC is relatively small. But the MT100 offers a host of features to enhance its versatility.
Pete Atterberg, marketing manager, mini track loaders at Bobcat, says the MT100 hits a sweet spot for many owners. “It’s a powerful, reliable replacement for manual labor and wheelbarrows in tights areas where larger equipment won’t fit. It’s also a great option for operators looking to downsize to a more maneuverable machine.”
Higher performance
The MT100 exemplifies another strong trend in the industry: enhanced capabilities of small and midsize compact utility loaders.
Narrow tracks are standard on the MT100; wide tracks are an option. With standard narrow tracks the machine’s overall width is just 3 feet. Optimized roller spacing on the tracks improves ride quality and operator comfort. Ergonomic ISO joystick controls further enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.
Two attachment interfaces are available. The Bobcat Common Industry Interface combines over-center latches with pin-on design to make the MT100 compatible with a range of attachments. The proprietary Bob-Tach mounting system simplifies the use of Bobcat attachments. It also uses an over-center latch mechanism but features wear-compensating pins for consistent attachment fit over time.
Models in the middle of the Toro lineup all have wide and narrow track options. These include the Dingo TX 427, TX 525 and TX 1000.
Smaller models now come with Toro’s traction control handle. Smart Power senses engine load and adjusts the traction drive to prioritize auxiliary hydraulics and preserve attachment performance without bogging the engine in demanding conditions.
“While the evolution is toward stand-on models, some markets, especially rental, still prefer walk-behind operation,” says Cartwright. “For that reason, the TX 427 and TX 525 come standard as walk-behind models with stand-on platforms as options.”
Radial lift is used on the TXL 2000 and Toro’s three-wheeled CUL models, the Dingo 320-D, Dingo 323 and the electric e-Dingo 500. The TXL 1000 is vertical lift.
Kubota incorporated many design elements of its compact track loaders in developing its first CUL, the SCL1000. Controls are pilot operated. Standard features include keyless start with passcode protection, 12-volt charging port and a 4.3-inch LCD color dash monitor. Push-button control of auxiliary hydraulics is built into the loader control handle. Cushioned loader boom cylinders and an adjustable platform suspension system enhance operator comfort.Kubota’s first entry into the CUL market is the SCL1000. The unit was unveiled at ConExpo 2020 and was to have been available in the second half of that year. Unspecified production issues pushed back availability to a yet-unannounced date. Assuming those production setbacks don’t introduce design changes, here’s what we know about the SCL1000.
As the model name implies, the SCL1000 has a 1,000-pound ROC. A turbocharged Kubota diesel rated at 24.8 horsepower provides the power. Hinge pin height is 84.7 inches, among the highest of all CULs.
Reach of this vertical-lift machine is 25.9 inches at a 45-degree dump angle. Track width is 9.8 inches, not the 7-inch width typical on machines of this size.
The wider tracks exert just 4 psi of ground pressure for reduced ground disturbance. Clever design keeps the overall width of the SCL1000 at just 36 inches despite those wider tracks.
Kubota is releasing five attachments with the CUL: pallet forks, auger, high-capacity bucket, compact skid rake and a trencher. The attachments and the SCL1000 itself will be built by Kubota’s Land Pride division in Salina, Kansas.
Toolcarriers or loaders?
Given the increasing ROC of larger models and the versatility of smaller CULs, are compact utility loaders still loaders or have they become compact do-anything machines?
“While stand-on skid steers are certainly used as loaders, their uses go well beyond that in today’s market,” says Kukuk. He cites residential construction “where a new home needs everything from site work, retaining walls and utility installation to irrigation, landscaping and hardscaping. Contractors with a stand-on skid steer can accomplish many of these tasks with one machine rather than needing several application-specific machines.”
Kukuk notes that CULs are handy for shuttling materials around the site, and their small footprint is “especially helpful with urban lot lines becoming narrower. Plus the contractor saves on-site space and reduces transportation costs by relying on one versatile machine.”
Cartwright points out that the first Toro compact utility loaders were designed as toolcarriers and typically were fitted with buckets, forks, tillers, Harley rakes and other attachments. He says it’s only in the past few years that larger CULs with higher ROCs have positioned these machines as serious contenders in the loader market.
Newendorp says Vermeer CULs followed the path from being primarily toolcarriers to becoming capable loaders. “We developed compact utility loaders in the early 2000s mainly to meet the needs for support equipment for our directional drilling and trenching customers. Demand for loaders came from the landscape and forestry industries after the initial product development.”
Vermeer takes a hybrid approach to attachments. The company makes attachments such as tree and log grapples, trenchers and vibratory plows that are used in specialized markets they serve. More generic attachments, such as buckets and forks, are produced by other manufacturers and sold through Vermeer dealers.
The Vermeer CTX160 is powered by a Kohler diesel engine rated at 40 horsepower. The dual hydraulic system provides up to 16.7 gpm of auxiliary flow at 3,045 psi of pressure. Operating weight with the standard bucket is 4,120 pounds, and rated lift capacity is 1,600 pounds. Hinge pin height is 88.8 inches. Machine dimensions are 59 inches high, 42 inches wide (with 9-inch tracks) and 116 inches long (with the standard bucket).Atterberg cites the CUL’s list of attributes: simple operation, maneuverability, minimal ground disturbance and, perhaps most of all, ease of changing a range of tools and attachments. Such versatility, he says, makes the compact utility loader suitable for many markets.
“In construction, those needs include digging, trenching, sweeping and hauling material,” he says. “In landscaping and grounds maintenance, they include turf maintenance, fence installation, irrigation projects, digging holes for trees, stump removal and snow removal.”
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
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On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
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So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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