The popularity of practically all types of compact construction equipment is on the rise. Fueled by the versatility these smaller, lighter pieces of machinery offer, the global market for compact construction equipment is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate — or CAGR — of more than six percent over the next five years.

If you’re in the construction industry, this fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise since compact equipment is easier to transport and operate. Plus, when smaller residential spaces require unique construction solutions, compact equipment is a reliable answer that gets the job done in even some of the tightest and most demanding spaces.

But while the term “compact construction equipment” appears to be gaining a firm foothold in today’s construction terminology, choosing the best compact track loader for your needs can still be a process fraught with questions. Industry standards have not been defined for the parameters of compact and mini pieces of construction machinery. However, if you’re evaluating who makes the best compact track loader — or CTL — you can also be faced with an avalanche of competing product information that doesn’t provide the straightforward answers you need to make an informed decision. That’s why we put the following comparison together below. After carefully reviewing the CTL performance of our competition, we determined how our Cat compact track loaders stack up.

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Compact Track Loader Comparison — Cat vs. the Competition

If you’re in the market for a high-quality piece of compact construction equipment built to last, you want to know what your options are. To inform your decision, we compared our Cat compact track loader against our competition across the following key performance indicators:

• Suspended undercarriage: Unlike our competition that uses a hard mount for their undercarriage, the standard undercarriage assembly on all Cat compact track loaders is suspended. So while the competition gives you a rough, unforgiving ride, the Cat machine offers excellent traction across difficult terrain while maintaining a smooth ride, great load retention, and extended track life.

• Hydraulic fan: While our competition uses a fan driven by the engine’s crankshaft that needs high engine RPMs to cool in tough conditions, our standard fan, which works on hydraulic demand, can provide superior cooling even when the enginw is lugging. This means with a Cat compact loader, you can enjoy increased fuel-efficiency along with better cooling and decreased overall noise output.

• Serviceability: Every minute your CTL needs servicing is time you’re not making money off it. Our Cat machines come with standard service points grouped together for ease, efficiency, and maximum uptime. In contrast, the competition’s machine needs several tools and the removal of major components just to access air, oil, and fuel filters.

• Security: Our Cat compact track loaders set the standard for security. All our CTLs come equipped with a control monitor, featuring our anti-theft security technology that helps prevent unauthorized operation. And if you choose our optional Advanced Display, you can program in up to 50 unique operator codes — complete with each operator’s parameters and preferences. The competition provides no anti-theft system — nor do they offer any solution similar to our advanced operator interface.

• Visibility: From frameless front doors to minimal lift arm profiles, Cat CTLs offer operators outstanding lines of sight, while the competition’s bulky lift arms limit the visibility of key areas on the machine and around the worksite. In addition, our machines come with a standard rearview convex mirror and the option to add a rearview camera for even more visibility. The competition, on the other hand, has no rearview camera option — nor rearview mirrors as a standard piece of equipment on their models.

• Operator environment: Operator comfort is as important to us as the performance of the machine. That’s why our Cat compact track loaders are built around a one-piece pressurized and sealed cab for a quiet, clean operator environment. Also, our machines feature air vents you can position and the option of heated, high-back seats with lumbar support and fully adjustable armrests. The competition’s machine has no option for a heated seat with lumbar support, and you can’t position their air vents for maximum cooling/heating comfort.

• Quality components: We’ve assembled our Cat compact track loaders from high-quality Cat components, including sealed electrical connectors, Cat ToughGuardTM hoses, and even our own hydraulic oil rated for 6,000 hours of operation. Under the hood of our competition, you’ll find a crowded assembly of mixed components that can easily complicate even the simplest forms of troubleshooting.

• Broad product line: Whether you decide on a compact track loader, skid steer, or multi-terrain machine, Caterpillar offers the choice of 16 models on three different traction platforms. Don’t get stuck settling for a machine that doesn’t fit your needs. With a Cat machine, you can always get a great match for your applications.

• Superior safety: To keep work-related accidents and repairs to a minimum, we pack our Cat CTLs with loads of safety features our competition simply doesn’t offer. Cat machines come with our patented exhaust airflow mixing and the option of a rearview camera and hydraulic accumulator — none of which the competition offers. We build the machines with outstanding lines of sight and safe operation in mind.

• Dealer capabilities: From our 24/7 Online PartStoreTM to our highly trained technicians and customer support staff, who’ll be available for the life of your machine, there’s simply no matching the convenience, resources, and service you get from a qualified Cat Dealer such as Mustang Cat. While the competition wants to sell you a product, we provide you with a high-quality machine — plus all the technology and knowledge you need to make it a sound, long-term investment.

Buy A Cat Compact Track Loader From Mustang Cat

At Mustang Cat, we have a Cat compact track loader for practically every application you can imagine. Plus, as a family-owned business serving the construction equipment needs of Houston and the surrounding area since 1952, we’ll be here for you when you need us.

To learn more about our full line of compact construction equipment, contact us today.