Top Compact Track Loaders Ranked by Capacity

Overview

The Case TR270 (2015–2025) is a compact track loader built for grading, loading, material handling, and attachment work on mixed ground conditions. It delivers 50.71 kilowatt net power, 314 Nm torque, a 1,224.7 kg lifting capacity, and a 3,750 kg operating weight, making it a practical choice for contractors, landscapers, farms, and site crews.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The turbocharged 4-cylinder FPT F5HFL463 A*F001 engine produces 50.71 kilowatt net power and 314 Nm of torque, giving the Case TR270 dependable power for grading, loading, pushing, and attachment work. Its 122.63 lpm hydraulic pump flow and 210.29 bar relief pressure support strong tool performance, while the 2.5 m dump height keeps it practical for daily material handling.

In Cabin

The compact 2.01 m cab height and 1.67 m overall width help the TR270 work in confined spaces without feeling oversized. The operator layout is best suited to close-control loader work, where clear sightlines to the bucket, attachment, and front work zone matter more than long-haul comfort.

In Comparison

Cat 249: Good compact track loader with strong support and proven site performance.
Cat 257: Comparable tracked-loader option with solid traction and loader capability.
Case TR270: Stands out for balanced size, useful hydraulic flow, and practical radial-lift performance.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Case TR270 offers strong compact track loader value within the AED 69,000–160,000 range. It is a practical pick for buyers who need tracked stability, reliable lifting capacity, and hydraulic performance for daily site work.

Overview

The Takeuchi TL250 (2008–2012) is a compact track loader designed for heavier loading, grading, backfilling, cleanup, and soft-ground work. It delivers 73.08 kilowatt gross power, 325.39 Nm torque, 1092.02 kg lifting capacity, and a 0.76 cu m bucket capacity, making it practical for contractors, farms, land-clearing crews, and site teams that need solid tracked-loader performance.

Expert rating: 3 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The turbocharged V3800DI four-cylinder engine produces 73.08 kilowatt gross power and 325.39 Nm of torque, giving the TL250 strong output for grading, backfilling, loading, and cleanup work. Its 88.95 lpm hydraulic pump flow, 206.84 bar relief pressure, and 0.76 cu m bucket capacity support steady loader cycles, while the 0.33 bar ground pressure helps maintain traction on soft or uneven ground.

In Comparison

JCB 300: Larger compact track loader with stronger production capability and better modern support.
JCB 320: More powerful machine suited to heavier-duty loading and attachment work.
Takeuchi TL250: More value-focused, with strong hydraulic flow, good bucket volume, and practical tracked performance.

Final Verdict

Rated 3 stars, the Takeuchi TL250 is a capable used compact track loader within the AED 71,000–129,000 range. It suits buyers who need traction, lifting ability, and hydraulic strength more than newer-model comfort or refinement.

Overview

The Bobcat T870 (2011–2018) is a compact track loader designed for heavy loading, grading, backfilling, and demanding material handling work. It delivers 74.57 kilowatt gross power, 2,365.49 kg lifting capacity, and low 0.32 bar ground pressure, making it a strong option for buyers who need serious tracked-loader performance.

Expert rating: 4 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The turbocharged Tier 4 engine produces 74.57 kilowatt of gross power, giving the T870 strong output for loading, grading, backfilling, and site handling work. Its 2,365.49 kg lifting capacity, 0.94 m dump reach, 87.06 lpm hydraulic pump flow, and 0.32 bar ground pressure make it useful for heavier daily loader work while keeping stable contact on soft or uneven ground.

In Comparison

JCB 250: Practical compact track loader with good general jobsite capability.
JCB 300: Stronger JCB option with more focus on higher-capacity work.
Bobcat T870: Heavier and stronger on lift, with low ground pressure and stable tracked performance.

Final Verdict

Rated 4 stars, the Bobcat T870 is a strong compact track loader within the AED 125,000–277,000 range for buyers who need high lifting capacity, strong power, and stable tracked performance for demanding site work.

Overview

The Volvo MCT135 (2018–2023) is a practical compact track loader designed for site cleanup, material handling, grading, and general contractor tasks. It delivers 55.18 kilowatt gross power, a 1,360.78 kg lifting capacity, and a 3,913 kg tipping load, providing balanced performance across mixed loading and support work.

Expert rating: 4 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 55.18 kilowatt engine output, 1,360.78 kg lifting capacity, 3,913 kg tipping load, and tracked undercarriage give the MCT135 reliable performance for loading, grading, cleanup, and routine contractor work on mixed ground.

In Comparison

Cat 289: Well-known compact track loader with strong contractor appeal and dependable site performance.
Cat 299: Practical competitor with similar traction and loading usefulness.
Volvo MCT135: Known for balanced lifting performance, practical dump geometry, and useful day-to-day versatility.

Final Verdict

Rated 4 stars, the Volvo MCT135 offers strong compact-track-loader capability within the AED 105,000–147,000 range.

Overview

The Komatsu SK1020 is one of those compact track loaders that makes its case through hydraulics and site speed more than badge hype. It is an older machine, yes, but it brings enough lift, a very healthy hydraulic setup, and strong travel speed to stay useful for contractors who want a practical CTL for real work.

Performance & Efficiency

With 52.2 kW of power, a 907 kg lifting capacity, and a big 130.2 L/min hydraulic flow figure, the SK1020 looks most attractive to buyers who actually plan to use attachments properly. That closed load sensing hydraulic setup is a real selling point here, helping the machine feel more capable than basic loader numbers alone suggest. Add in a 16.09 km/h top speed and it becomes clear this machine was built to stay productive, not crawl around like it has all week to get there.

Maintenance & Ownership

The Komatsu 4D98E-1FD is a straightforward naturally aspirated diesel, which helps keep the ownership story more honest and less dramatic than some more complex machines. Still, on a CTL from this era, condition matters more than brochure charm. Tracks, rollers, hydraulic response, and general wear will decide whether you bought a useful contractor machine or an expensive lesson in optimism.

In Cabin & Interior

The cab is practical and work-first. At 2.1 m to the top of cab, it stays manageable enough for normal contractor access, and the overall layout is more about function than comfort. It will not feel premium, but that is not really the point here.

Safety Features

Safety comes mainly from predictable compact-track behavior, decent machine weight, and a stable working stance. Ground clearance of 0.21 m is on the modest side, so rough or messy ground needs more respect than some buyers will want to admit. The machine is capable, but it still expects the operator to bring a brain to work.

In Comparison

Caterpillar 257
A more familiar soft-ground CTL with stronger market recognition and easier resale logic.

Caterpillar 247
Another mainstream comparison point with a broader comfort zone for buyers who prefer familiar nameplates.

Komatsu SK1020
The more hydraulically interesting option for buyers who want site speed and attachment strength in a value-focused used machine.

Verdict

Rated 3 stars, the Komatsu SK1020 is a useful compact track loader for contractors who care about hydraulic performance, decent lift, and fast movement more than polished modern comfort. It makes the most sense as a value-driven used buy for grading, loading, cleanup, and attachment work, provided the machine’s condition is genuinely right.

Overview

The Gehl RT175 is a sensible compact track loader for crews that want a modern, no-nonsense machine for daily site work. It is not trying to be the strongest loader in the yard, but it does bring enough power, hydraulic flow, and compact maneuverability to handle landscaping, light material movement, and contractor support without drama.

Performance & Efficiency

With 51.01 kW of net power and a 793.79 kg lifting capacity, the RT175 is best suited to lighter pallets, bucket work, cleanup, mulch, soil, and routine contractor support. Hydraulic flow of 70.02 L/min is solid for general attachments, and the 12.23 km/h travel speed is adequate for everyday site movement without making the machine feel lazy.

Maintenance & Ownership

The Yanmar 4TNV98-ZNTBL is a known engine platform, and the naturally aspirated setup helps keep things straightforward. With a 92.35 L fuel tank and simple overall layout, the RT175 makes sense for buyers who want manageable ownership and practical daily use more than maximum output.

In Cabin & Interior

The cab is compact, straightforward, and built around usability. At 2.1 m to the top of cab, it stays manageable on most sites, and the turning radius of 1.58 m helps in tighter work areas. It is more about getting the job done cleanly than pampering the operator.

Safety Features

Safety here comes mainly from compact size, predictable control, and decent visibility for routine contractor work. The 1.65 m width and balanced layout help in tighter sites, though the 0.43 bar ground pressure means it is less turf-friendly than some flotation-focused machines.

In Comparison

Caterpillar 239
A more mainstream compact track loader with broad contractor familiarity and a strong resale story.

JCB 260T
A comparison point that leans more toward heavier-duty contractor work.

Gehl RT175
The straightforward, compact option for buyers who want practical day-to-day usability without chasing maximum output.

Verdict

Rated 4 stars, the Gehl RT175 is a practical compact track loader for landscaping, cleanup, light loading, and general contractor support. It works best for buyers who want a modern, manageable machine that handles routine work well without pretending to be a heavyweight loader.