If you run jobs from San Diego to Sacramento, the new crop of compact track loaders packs more punch than ever – yet one machine still stands taller in the yard.
Caterpillar’s 259D3 continues to edge out Bobcat’s T66, Kubota’s SVL65-2, John Deere’s 317G, and Takeuchi’s TL8R2 on the two things contractors care about most: all-day uptime and resale value.
Below, we break down the performance numbers and dig into other features so you can decide where the rubber meets the road.
Baseline Specs & Job-Site Muscle
| Model | Net/Gross hp | ROC @ 35 % tip | Operating Wt. | Notable Feature |
| Cat 259D3 | 73.2 / 74.3 hp | 2,010 lb | 8,987 lb | Suspended undercarriage for less track shock |
| Bobcat T66 | 74 hp | 2,450 lb | 8,840 lb | 5.8 psi ground pressure—good for turf work |
| Kubota SVL65-2 | 68 hp | 2,100 lb | 8,105 lb | Sliding front door for “run-with-the-door-open” airflow |
| John Deere 317G | 65 hp | 2,125 lb | 8,423 lb | Vertical-lift boom with pallet-friendly reach |
| Takeuchi TL8R2 | 74 hp | 2,105 lb | 8,807 lb | Re-routed driveline cuts hose exposure |
What the Numbers Tell Us
On paper, Bobcat posts the highest rated operating capacity, but Cat’s D3 nudges ahead on power-to-weight and breakout torque, translating to faster cycle times when you’re backfilling utility trenches in Fresno clay.
The D3: Cat Goes Big
“They’re the more machines – more comfort, more performance, more power,” said Kevin Coleman on the World of Concrete show floor in Las Vegas, January 29 2024
Coleman’s claim isn’t marketing fluff. Third-party parts supplier FridayParts notes that Caterpillar compact track loaders had their steel thickness upgraded and electrical connectors sealed on the D3 series, boosting real-world reliability scores compared with the outgoing D-model lineup.
Other Competitive Features
- Operator Comfort: Bobcat’s clear-side cab earns praise, but Cat still provides 15% more shoulder room and Bluetooth radio standard. The pressurized cabin helps maintain total comfort while operating.
- Ground Pressure: Deere’s 317G rides light at 5.9 psi, yet Cat maintains better flotation once you hang a mulcher up front.
- Telematics & Support: All brands offer app-based monitoring, but Quinn Cat’s statewide dealer network in Central and Southern California puts trained techs and parts delivery right where you need it.
2025 Verdict
In 2025’s under-75 hp class, every manufacturer delivers respectable muscle. Yet when you weigh horsepower-per-pound, track longevity, and California dealer coverage, the Cat 259D3 remains the safest bet for maximizing uptime and resale. Or, as Coleman’s Vegas quip reminds us, Cat gives you “more of everything” where it matters.
Bottom line: If your crews want a loader that shows up every morning ready to grind, Cat’s D3 series leads the pack.