Key Takeaways

• The Cat 275 has more horsepower (111 hp vs. 74 hp), more torque, and roughly 65% higher rated operating capacity than the 255
• The Cat 255 is about 2,800 lb lighter, giving it an edge in tight spaces and general-purpose work
• Choose the 255 for landscaping, snow removal, and confined-site work; choose the 275 for heavy construction and high-volume material handling
• Both are available new at Butler Machinery’s ND and SD locations — pricing depends on configuration, so confirm with your local branch

 

Which one do you need?

If you’re cross-shopping the 255 and 275, you already know what a compact track loader does. The question is which of these two machines fits the work in front of you. Both are Cat compact track loaders. Neither is the “better” machine in general. One is built to be more agile, the other to move more weight. The right call depends on what you’re loading, where you’re working, and how much machine you need on-site every day.

 

Cat 255 vs. 275 CTL: side-by-side specs

Horsepower and Engine Power

The 275 wins on raw power, and it’s not close. It runs a Cat C3.6 TA engine putting out 111 hp gross, against the 255’s Cat C2.8T at 74 hp gross, a 50% jump. Torque tells the same story: 370 lb-ft on the 275 versus 221 lb-ft on the 255. If your work involves heavier attachments, such as mulchers, tillers, or high-flow hydraulic tools, that torque difference is what keeps the machine from bogging down under load. The Cat 275 compact track loader is the pick when the attachment is doing serious work, not just moving material.

Rated Operating Capacity

Same story here. The 275 carries a rated operating capacity of 4,156 lb at 35% tipping load, compared to 2,499 lb on the 255, roughly 65% more lift. At 50% tipping load, it’s 5,937 lb versus 3,570 lb. If you’re loading trucks, moving pallets, or running forks all day, that capacity gap adds up fast across a shift. The Cat 255 compact track loader still handles day-to-day material movement fine. It just runs out of headroom sooner on the heaviest lifts.

Operating Weight

Here’s where the 255 gets its edge back. At 9,578 lb, it’s about 2,800 lb lighter than the 275’s 12,401 lb. Lighter means tighter turns, easier trailering, and less ground disturbance on finished surfaces, which matters if you’re working residential lots, turf, or anywhere compaction is a concern. The 275’s extra weight is the tradeoff for its power and capacity. It’s not a knock on the machine, just more machine to move around.

Best-Fit Application

Match the machine to the job, not the spec sheet. The Cat 255 is built for tighter jobsites, landscaping, snow removal, and urban general-purpose  where you’re in and out of confined spaces all day.

The Cat 275 is built for heavier construction work — grading, demolition debris, high-volume material handling — where you need the extra hydraulic power and lift capacity more than you need a tight turning radius.

Price Range

Pricing on both models depends on configuration — track width, hydraulic flow package, cab enclosure, and attachments all move the number. Contact your local Butler Machinery rep for current pricing on both models.

 

Ready to see one in person?

New Cat 255 and 275 compact track loaders are available through Butler Machinery’s North Dakota and South Dakota locations. Browse new inventory, check used inventory, or look into rental options if you’re not ready to buy. Talk to your local Butler Machinery branch about which model fits your next job.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the Cat 255 and 275 CTL?

The 275 has more engine power (111 hp vs. 74 hp gross) and roughly 65% higher rated operating capacity. The 255 is about 2,800 lb lighter and better suited to tight-access work.

Which Cat CTL has more horsepower — the 255 or 275?

The 275, at 111 hp gross compared to the 255’s 74 hp gross.

How do the 255 and 275 compare on rated operating capacity?

At 35% tipping load, the 275 rates at 4,156 lb versus 2,499 lb for the 255 — about 65% more capacity.

Which model is best for heavy construction vs. landscaping?

The 275 fits heavy construction and high-volume material handling better. The 255 fits landscaping, snow removal, and general-purpose work in tighter spaces.

What does the 275 offer that the 255 doesn’t?

More horsepower, more torque, higher rated operating capacity, and a heavier tipping load — at the cost of about 2,800 lb more operating weight and a wider turning footprint.