At a glance
Key specifications
Overall dimensions
Measurement basis: 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.
Precision visual reference
Dimensions and working range
Published measurements for the stated configuration. Illustration not to scale.
Overall Size
Measurement basis: 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.
Working Range
Measurement basis: 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.
Reference details
Overall measurement views reviewed 2026-09-06. Illustrative artwork, not a scale drawing.
Current documented generation; confirm serial/PIN · North America
Canonical reference: heavyeq.ca/specs/compact-track-loaders/caterpillar/255/ · Printed from HeavyEQ.ca. Confirm the actual machine and current manufacturer documentation before transport or operation.
Year, generation & configuration
Model generation and configuration
- Generation / series
- Current 255 product page
- Applicable region
- United States / North American reference
- Year handling
- Confirm the serial/PIN and production year when matching an individual machine to this reference.
Model identity
Model family, generation & status
- Model family
- Caterpillar 255
- Generation / record
- Current 255 product page
- Product status
- Current model — status checked August 2026
- Regional scope
- United States / North American reference
- Verified predecessor: Caterpillar 259D3
Caterpillar's October 2023 product launch explicitly states that the new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3.
manufacturer explicit · North America · Caterpillar, New Cat 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders deliver industry-leading lift and tilt breakout forces · accessed September 5, 2026
United States / North American reference
Verified specifications
Values retain their cited source, verification status and original publication basis. Imperial is presented first while manufacturer-published dual units and configuration context remain attached to every value.| Specification | Imperial | Metric | Standard / configuration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rated operating capacity (35% tipping load) | 2,499 lb | 1,133 kg | 35% of tipping loadManufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Operating capacity (50% tipping load) | 3,570 lb | 1,619 kg | 50% of tipping loadManufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Tipping load | 7,140 lb | 3,238 kg | Manufacturer reference configurationManufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Lift breakout force | 5,895 lbf | 2,674 kgf | Manufacturer product pageManufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Length — with bucket on ground | 11 ft 3 in | 3,430 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Vehicle width — 320 mm tracks | 5 ft 5.9 in | 1,675 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Height — top of cab | 6 ft 11.3 in | 2,115 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Bucket pin height — maximum lift | 10 ft 4 in | 3,150 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verified | Caterpillar |
| Reach at maximum lift and dump | 1 ft 9.3 in | 540 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Clearance at maximum lift and dump | 7 ft 11.4 in | 2,424 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in | 212 mm | 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
What the specifications mean
Compare its 35% rating with another 35% rating. The separately published 50% number is not evidence of a larger machine, and bucket width differs from track width.
A vertical-lift compact track loader reference for loading and attachment work with explicit capacity bases.
Alternatives worth comparing
These are research paths, not interchangeable configurations or a ranked winner.John Deere 333 P-Tier Compact Track Loader
The foundry bucket and standard-track basis affect length and lift geometry. Confirm the stated rating basis before comparing headline capacity with a 35% CTL value.
ExploreKubota SVL75-3 Compact Track Loader
The page keeps 35% and 50% capacity values distinct. Match hydraulic option, bucket and counterweight before comparing the offered loader.
ExploreConfiguration intelligence
Configurations & specification differences
These observations are scoped to the cited generation and region. They are not a list of valid option combinations.
| Record | Verified observation | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Counterweight | The optional counterweight raises the 35% rated operating capacity to 1,194 kg (2,632 lb) and adds 125 kg (276 lb) to operating weight. | Current 255 product pageUnited States / North American reference |
| Hydraulic package | Caterpillar documents Standard Flow, software-enabled High Flow and High Flow XPS hydraulic levels; flow and pressure must stay attached to the selected package. | Current 255 product pageUnited States / North American reference |
| Undercarriage / tracks | The reference machine uses 320 mm (12.6 in) tracks; the 400 mm (15.7 in) wide-track option adds 54 kg (119 lb). | Current 255 product pageUnited States / North American reference |
| Cab / operator station | The published reference basis uses an open canopy; the enclosed cab adds 82 kg (180 lb). | Current 255 product pageUnited States / North American reference |
| Rated-capacity basis | Caterpillar publishes separate 35% and 50% tipping-load capacities. HeavyEQ keeps those rating bases as distinct technical identities. | Current 255 product pageUnited States / North American reference |
A brochure configuration is not an individual marketplace machine. Serial/PIN and build information are required for exact verification.
Used 255 inspection priorities
- Check track width and wear, loader linkage, coupler lock and actual auxiliary package; document counterweight state.
- Record the exact serial/PIN, installed options and inspection limitations. These are purchase inspection priorities, not claims of a model-specific failure pattern.
Configuration-aware inspection: these checks are triggered by machine category, installed configuration and technology package. Brochure-listed technology must be physically present, active, licensed and calibrated on the used machine.
Hours, condition and ownership cost
Hours are context, not a condition grade. Duty cycle, idle time, maintenance evidence, wear-system measurements, structural repairs and installed technology should be evaluated together.
Cost drivers to model
- Model attachment demand, transport and undercarriage wear against the work mix; do not derive production from rated capacity alone.
- Use the ownership calculator with quoted repairs, actual scheduled hours, utilization and transport costs; leave unknown assumptions visible.
Compatibility graph
Attachment considerations
Relationships below identify relevant classes only unless a stronger evidence state is shown. They never assert exact used-attachment fitment.
Cat Smart Attachments
Verify attachment recognition and control support, hydraulic flow and pressure package, electrical controls and software activation, attachment weight.
Evidence: Caterpillar first-party model recordOpen attachment researchBuckets and forks
Verify mounting interface, rated operating capacity basis, load centre and machine configuration.
Open attachment researchBefore confirming fitment
- generation and machine configuration
- mounting interface, coupler or pin geometry
- hydraulic flow, pressure, return and case drain
- attachment weight and machine capacity limits
- electrical controls or required machine options
Model-reference transport profile
Transport reference
Reference measurements retain their configuration and verification status. Confirm the actual transport setup before booking.
Measurement basis: 320 mm bar-tread tracks and published bucket-on-ground reference configuration.
Reference specifications can differ from the actual configured machine. Confirm dimensions and weight before booking transportation.
Use the equipment transport dimensions worksheet to record this 255's actual travel configuration, measured length, width and height, weight evidence and any detached components. Send the completed record to the carrier with the loading details.
Confirm or replace before a transport request
- actual weight
- actual travel length, width and height
- attachments and removable work tools
- bucket, blade or boom position
- loading condition
Source provenance
First-party sources and verification notes
Only manufacturer-authored records are linked publicly. Provisional measurements remain marked until a matching first-party record is confirmed.255 Compact Track Loader
United States · exact model technical page · accessed September 5, 2026 · status: Manufacturer verified
New Cat 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders deliver industry-leading lift and tilt breakout forces
North America · series marketing summary · accessed September 5, 2026 · status: Manufacturer verified
