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Cat 253 vs Cat 259D

The Cat 253 is the heavier machine, at 4.24 t against 4.01 t, and the Cat 259D has more power (53.8 kW against 53.5 kW).

The Cat 253 is ahead on: dumps higher. The Cat 259D is ahead on: more power, lifts or carries more, bigger fuel tank, narrower to transport.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 253 and the Cat 259D drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. Cat · compact track loader

    Cat 253

    Full specsPDF

  2. Cat · compact track loader

    Cat 259D

    Full specsPDF

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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

FigureCat 253Cat 259D
Operating weight4,238 kg4,013 kg
Gross powerHigher is better53.8 kW55.4 kW+3%
Dump height with standard bucketHigher is better2.313 m+1%2.283 m
Rated operating capacityHigher is better912 kg921 kg+1%
Fuel tankHigher is better94 L105 L+12%
Width over tracksLower is better1.76 m1.676 m+5%

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Dimensions

Overall length3.415 mNot published
Overall height2.098 mTop of cab; max overall height 3.84 mNot published
Width over tracks1.76 mVehicle width, 380 mm tracks1.676 m320 mm tracks; 1,755 mm with 400 mm tracks
Height to bucket hinge pin3.066 mMax lift; carry position 0.19 m3.075 m
Dump height with standard bucket2.313 mClearance at maximum lift and dump2.283 m
Dump reach at maximum height0.586 mNot published
Maximum reach, arms parallel to ground1.275 mNot published
Ground clearance (minimum)0.218 mNot published
Length, track on ground1.485 mNot published
Overall length, track1.94 mNot published
Angle of departure35°35°
Maximum dump angle52°52°
Ground contact lengthNot published1.499 m
Overall length of trackNot published1.999 m
Length without attachmentNot published2.767 m
Length with standard bucketNot published3.486 m
Overall height (to top of cab)Not published2.111 m
Maximum overall heightNot published3.915 m
Bucket pin height at carry positionNot published0.198 m
Reach at maximum lift and dumpNot published0.608 m
Ground clearanceNot published0.226 m
Turning radius from centre, machine rearNot published1.561 m
Turning radius from centre, couplerNot published1.392 m
Turning radius from centre, bucketNot published2.184 m
Maximum reach with arms parallel to groundNot published1.305 m
Rack back angle at maximum heightNot published87°
Bucket pin reach at maximum liftNot published0.238 m

Weight

Operating weight4,238 kg4,013 kg
Ground pressure36.8kPa41.1 kPa320 mm tracks; 33.4 kPa with 400 mm tracks

Engine

Engine modelCat C3.3B DIT (turbo)Cat C3.3B DIT (turbo)
Displacement3.3 L3.3 L
Gross power53.8 kW (72.1 hp)SAE J1995:201455.4 kW (74.3 hp)SAE J1995
Net power53.5 kW (71.7 hp)ISO 9249; SAE J1349 53 kW53.8 kW (72.1 hp)SAE J1349; 54.3 kW ISO 9249
Max torque265 NmAt 1,500 rpm, SAE J1995265 NmPeak, at 1,600 rpm, SAE J1995
Fuel tank94 L105 L
Cooling system14 L14 L
Engine oil11 LCrankcaseNot published

Performance

Rated operating capacity912 kg921 kg
Tipping load2,606 kg2,631 kg
Breakout force, lift cylinder2,097 kgfNot published
Breakout force, tilt cylinder2,451 kgfNot published
Top speed13.7 km/hTwo-speed; 9.5 km/h one-speed13.7 km/h
Rated operating capacity, 50% tipping loadNot published1,315 kg
Tilt breakout forceNot published2,284 kgf
Ground contact areaNot published0.96 m2320 mm tracks; 1.19 m2 with 400 mm tracks

Hydraulics

Pump flow76 L/minStandard flow, 30 gpm / 112 L/min high flow76 L/minStandard flow loader hydraulic flow
Max pressure230 barLoader hydraulic pressure 23,000 kPa230 bar
Hydraulic tank39 L39 L
Hydraulic system, with tank50 L50 L
Pump flow (high flow)Not published112 L/minHigh-flow option

Service capacities

Engine oil, with filterNot published11 L

Sources: Cat 253 Compact Track Loader specifications, cat.com · Cat 259D Compact Track Loader spec sheet AEHQ7122-02 (07-2017), Zeppelin (Cat dealer) copy of the Caterpillar PDF

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

0 m1 m2 m3 m
Cat 253Cat 259DSame scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 253 vs Cat 259D: questions

Which is bigger, the Cat 253 or Cat 259D?

By operating weight the Cat 253 is the biggest at 4.24 t, then the Cat 259D at 4.01 t.

Which has more power, the Cat 253 or Cat 259D?

The Cat 259D: Cat 253 53.8 kW (72.1 hp), Cat 259D 55.4 kW (74.3 hp) (gross power), a 3% difference.

Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 253 or Cat 259D?

The Cat 259D: Cat 253 912 kg, Cat 259D 921 kg (rated operating capacity), a 1% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 253 or Cat 259D?

The Cat 259D: Cat 253 94 L, Cat 259D 105 L (fuel tank), a 12% difference.

Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 253 or Cat 259D?

The Cat 259D: Cat 253 1.76 m, Cat 259D 1.676 m (width over tracks), a 5% difference.

Where do these figures come from?

Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.

Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?

Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.

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