The 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Compact Track Loader for Sale
Compact track loaders, or CTLs, are small but mighty machines that can take on work in tight spaces while handling materials with ease. But how do you know if a compact loader is the right fit for your fleet? We’ve compiled 5 essential questions to ask yourself before you invest in a used compact track loader, so you can make sure you’re getting the right machine at the right price.
Question 1: What Is a Compact Track Loader, and Is It the Right Fit for My Worksite?
Starting with the basics- understanding what a compact track loader is and what it performs best at will help you decide if it’s a good fit for your jobsite. A compact loader is a machine designed for digging, lifting, and material handling. It’s similar to a skid steer loader in terms of its compact size and capabilities, but instead of wheels, it runs on tracks. This means compact track loaders offer superior traction and less ground pressure than other loaders on the market, making them easy to maneuver on many types of terrain.
Tracks Vs. Tires
Compact loader’s tracks are better suited for work where the terrain is unstable or can’t handle ground disturbance, while the wheels of a skid steer are great for speed and level surfaces. Consider a compact track loader if you need high performance and stability on muddy, sandy, soft, or slippery ground. Tracks tend to require more maintenance than wheels, but CTLs remain a great investment for worksites with unpredictable terrain or steep slopes.
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Machine |
Undercarriage Type |
Pros |
Cons |
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Compact Track Loaders |
Tracks |
Stability, traction, and maneuverability on soft ground and slopes. |
May be more costly upfront and require more maintenance. |
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Wheels |
Speed and maneuverability on hard, level, surfaces. |
Apply more pressure and aren’t suited for delicate ground. |
Important Components of a Compact Track Loader
Tracks: This is how a CTL moves and remains stable on uneven terrain.
Undercarriage: Includes the track frame, rollers, idlers, and sprockets that support the tracks.
Cab: The operator’s station may be open or enclosed, depending on the model. Cabs feature joysticks, a seat, and climate controls.
Boom Arms and Coupler: Attachments connect to the loader through the coupler, while the boom arms lift and lower them.
Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system powers your loader’s attachments, so you can lift, move, and handle material.
Where Will You Find a Compact Track Loader?
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Industry |
Use |
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Their compact size and powerful hydraulics make CTLs ideal for tight spaces, hauling materials, and grading land on constructions sites. |
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CTLs are gentle on soft ground, making them perfect for grading yards, building retaining walls, and more. |
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From clearing brush to moving feed or manure, CTLs are useful for daily chores, especially in muddy or wet conditions.
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Snow Removal
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Tracks make compact loaders perfect for icy or snowy areas.
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Municipal and Utility Work |
Cities and utility crews use track loaders for trenching, site cleanup and trail maintenance. |
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Demolition and Cleanup |
Paired with the right attachments, CTLs can clear debris, tear down small structures, and break up concrete. |
Question 2: What Attachments Will My Compact Track Loader Need?
One of the greatest advantages of owning a compact track loader is its versatility. With the right attachment, a CTL can become a grader, backhoe, forklift, snowplow, trencher, or brush cutter- all in a single day. Before buying a compact loader, knowing which attachments you’ll need ensures you’re ready to get to work right away.
Buckets
Buckets are the most common tools for compact track loaders. These attachments come in a couple of variations, so you can switch out your bucket depending on your project. Buckets are best suited for general construction, cleanup, landscaping, and demolition work with your track loader.
General Purpose CTL Bucket: Great for lifting, hauling, and dumping materials like dirt, mulch, gravel, and debris.
4-in-1 Bucket CTL Bucket: Opens like a clamshell to doze, dig, carry, and dump.
Rock Bucket: Features spaced tines for sifting and separating rocks from soil.
Grapple Bucket: Equipped with hydraulic arms to grip logs, brush, and debris securely.
Pallet Forks
Pallet forks attach to your compact track loader, turning it into a forklift. If you handle pallets, construction materials, or hay bales, pallet forks will be a great asset for your worksite. These attachments cut down on additional equipment needs by transforming your CTL into a multi-functional machine. Pallet forks are common in warehouses and on farms.
Augers
Using a rotating bit, augers drill precise holes into the ground. An auger attachment is ideal for fencing, post installation, planting trees, and installing foundation footings. Plus, auger bits come in different diameters and lengths, and some can even drill through rocks. Augers are a great addition to your compact track loader if drilling is a frequent task on your jobsite.
Trenchers
Trenchers are compact track loader attachments that cut narrow channels in the ground for pipes, cables, or irrigation systems. They come in varying depths and chain types, so you can find one that’s perfect for the terrain you work on.
Brush Cutters and Mowers
Turn your CTL into a land-clearing machine with a brush cutter or mower. If you find yourself needing to cut through thick brush, saplings, overgrown grass, and small trees, a brush cutter or mower is probably right for you. These attachments are particularly common for forestry, land management, and trail maintenance work.
Backhoes
Need efficiency when digging? A backhoe loader attachment is designed for digging trenches, ditches, or footings and offers significant working depth for your compact track loader. Backhoes are ideal for small excavation jobs, trenching, and foundation work.
Snow Removal Tools
CTLs are great in winter weather and pair perfectly with a wide range of snow attachments. They’re often used for municipal and worksite snow removal, so you can use your loader year-round without the need for extra snow-clearing equipment.
Snow Buckets: Large capacity buckets for pushing or lifting snow.
Snow Blowers: Throw snow up and away from paths and roads.
Snow Pushers/Blades: Ideal for clearing large lots, driveways, or sidewalks.
Dozer blades turn your compact track loader into a mini bulldozer. They come with angle, tilt, and lift functions for grading, levelling, and pushing material. They’re available in manual and hydraulic versions and are ideal for site prep, fine grading, backfilling, and road maintenance with your CTL.
Hydraulic Hammers or Breakers
Hydraulic hammers, also referred to as breakers, let your compact track loader smash through concrete, asphalt, or rock. When you need high-impact force for urban demolition or site clearing work, consider a breaker attachment for your compact loader.
Choosing the Right Attachments for Your Loader
Not all CTL attachments are right for every job or machine. Here are a few key factors to consider before investing:
Hydraulic Flow Requirements: Some attachments, like snow blowers, brush cutters, and hammers, require high-flow hydraulics. Check your CTL’s specs to make sure it has the hydraulic power to support your chosen tools.
Attachment Coupling System: Most modern compact track loaders use a universal quick-attach system, but some older models may require an adapter. Be sure your loader and attachments are compatible.
Machine Size and Lifting Capacity: Large attachments need a CTL with sufficient operating capacity and stability. For example, a heavy-duty brush cutter might overwhelm a smaller compact loader.
Jobsite Conditions: Tailoring your attachment to your environment ensures optimal performance from your loader. For work in tight spaces, consider narrower or more compact attachments.
Usage Frequency: If you only need an attachment once or twice a year, renting may be more cost-effective than buying. But for frequent use, attachment ownership is a great investment.
Question 3: What Purchase Option Suits My Business?
The market for compact track loaders for sale is expansive, with used machines rising in popularity thanks to their balance of reliability and cost. Read along as we break down why you should consider a used compact track loader for sale, and which purchase options are available to you.
Why Buy Used?
Buying a compact track loader is a smart investment for anyone in construction, landscaping, agriculture, or property maintenance. These machines are compact, powerful, and versatile- but brand-new models can come with a hefty price tag. That’s why many businesses and contractors are turning to the used equipment market to get the machines they need without breaking the bank. If you’re weighing your options, here’s why buying a used compact track loader might be the smarter move.
Prioritize Your Needs
Buying a used compact track loader means you have access to thousands of machines at a variety of price points. Shopping for used loaders makes it easy to find high-cost, low-hour machines or low-cost, high-hour equipment- so you can cater your loader to your business and worksite needs.
Avoid Quick Depreciation
Like most heavy equipment, compact track loaders depreciate rapidly within the first few years of ownership. New loaders can lose as much as 10-20% of their value in the first year of operation. Buying used means you avoid this immediate depreciation and take on a machine that has already gone through its steepest value-loss period.
Lower Prices for Higher Specs
The most obvious advantage of buying a used CTL is the price. A brand-new compact loader can cost anywhere from $50,000-$100,000, depending on size and features. Used models, on the other hand, can be found for a fraction of the price- sometimes 30-50% less than new loaders.
Plus, buying used means your budget stretches further than you might think. Instead of buying a new, base model CTL, shopping used means you can expand your options to higher-spec compact loaders.
Reliability
Used equipment comes with a track record, meaning you can see how a specific model performs over time, read reviews, and get maintenance records that show how the loader has been serviced. This makes it easy to decide which used compact track loader is the right fit for you.
Used Compact Track Loader Purchase Options
Buying a used compact track loader means you have access to numerous purchase options with unique pros and cons, making it easy to find one that suits your business.
Outright Purchase
An outright purchase means you pay the full cost of a used compact track loader upfront. This CTL purchase option offers cost savings in the long term, as you’re avoiding ongoing payments like interest or lease fees. Plus, you have complete control over your used loader. An upfront purchase means you can customize, modify, and resell your compact track loader when it’s convenient to you.
While it’s still cheaper than buying new, outright purchases have the highest upfront cost of any used CTL purchase option. This may not be ideal for businesses that like to rotate equipment frequently or prefer not to tie up capital in equipment purchases.
Auction
Buying a used CTL in an auction is another form of outright purchase, however, it comes with its own set of benefits. Bidding on a used compact track loader means you get to compete with other interested buyers and potentially secure a price that’s lower than the market average. Auctions are usually offered online and in person, so you can bid on used compact track loaders from anywhere in the world. Plus, used equipment auctions offer a large inventory of machines that come with inspection reports and maintenance histories, making it easy to find a lot of great equipment in one place.
Auctions offer many advantages, but they’re not without their pitfalls. Bidding on a used compact track loader means you’re buying it as-is, typically without a warranty or return option.
Financing
Is ownership the right choice for your business, but you don’t want to tie up your immediate capital? Consider financing a used compact track loader for sale instead of buying or bidding. Equipment dealers and banks offer financing plans that allow you to pay for your CTL in installments, so you’re getting the benefits of a purchase without the financial strain. You’ll typically pay a down payment on the loader and then subsequent monthly installments, usually over 12 to 60 months.
Before you decide to finance a used compact track loader, make sure you’re comfortable with interest charges that mean you’ll pay more overtime for the loader than if you were to buy it upfront.
Renting
Rental agreements give you access to a used compact track loader at a monthly or weekly rate. This purchase option is ideal for businesses that only need a compact loader for a short period of time, like a small project or quick fix on the worksite. Used equipment rental companies usually offer maintenance coverage, so if something goes wrong, the compact loader will be fixed, free of cost. Keep in mind that renting a used compact track loader will be the most expensive choice over time, so it’s best to use this as a short-term solution.
Leasing
Leasing a used compact track loader is a popular choice for businesses that want flexibility, lower upfront costs, and the ability to regularly upgrade their fleet. With a lease, you typically have the option to buy the compact track loader at the end of your agreement- or upgrade to a newer model and continue leasing. Leasing is a great short-term solution, but like renting, it can become expensive in the long run.
Which Option is Right for You?
If you need a compact track loader for an extended period of time, consider buying, bidding, or financing a used CTL. If a compact loader is only a temporary solution for your worksite, renting and leasing are great options.
Question 4: What Models Should I Consider?
Compact track loaders are popular machines with many makes and models to choose from. If you’re thinking about adding one to your worksite, consider these popular CTL models, proven to be reliable and powerful.
Horsepower: 98 hp
Operating Capacity: 3,480 lbs
Operating Weight: 11,600 lbs
The Cat 299D3 is a high-performance compact track loader designed for demanding work environments like construction, forestry, and site development. This Caterpillar track loader is the largest in the Cat D3 family and is popular for its exceptional lift heights and high-flow hydraulic system. If you need a loader that’s compatible with heavy-duty attachments and can perform in high-reach environments, consider a Cat 299D3.
Horsepower: 75 hp
Operating Capacity: 2,010 lbs
Operating Weight: 9,200 lbs
The Cat 259D3 is a compact yet powerful loader that excels in tight workspaces. It’s popular among landscapers, utility contractors, and general construction crews for its maneuverability and small size. If you’re concerned about productivity in small spaces, a Cat 259D3 might be the right compact track loader for you.
Horsepower: 75 hp
Operating Capacity: 2,890 lbs
Operating Weight: 10,500 lbs
Positioned between the 259D3 and the 299D3, the Cat 289D3 balances the power and maneuverability of both machines. It’s smaller than the 299D3 but offers more strength than the 259D3, making it perfect for tough tasks in small spaces. The Cat 289D3 is popular for construction sites, material handling, and general earthmoving.
Horsepower: 95 hp
Operating Capacity: 3,200 lbs
Operating Weight: 11,400 lbs
This compact track loader is an older model than the others we’ve discussed, but it remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a suspended undercarriage system. A Cat 297D2 is great for work on rough or sensitive terrain thanks to its specialized undercarriage.
Horsepower: 65 hp
Operating Capacity: 2,125 lbs
Operating Weight: 8,423 lbs
The John Deere 317G is a mid-size compact track loader known for its reliability and performance. This compact track loader offers more lifting power than the Cat 259D3, but remains small in size for tight worksites. It’s a popular choice for general contracting and light construction work.
Question 5: What is the Machine’s Service History and Condition?
Before you buy any piece of used equipment, ensuring it’s been well serviced and is in good operating condition is essential. Here are some quick checks you can do to ensure the used compact track loader you’re interested in is a good investment.
Start with the Service Records
Ask the seller or dealer for complete service documentation. A detailed maintenance log should show:
Routine Services: Includes oil changes, hydraulic fluid replacements, and filter changes.
Repairs or Replacements: Any parts that have been replaced and major repairs that might affect the loader’s operational ability.
If routine services have been skipped or the loader has undergone significant repairs, this could result in future expenses or breakdowns if you purchase the machine. Any loader that lacks service records should also be reconsidered- prioritize machines with consistent maintenance histories instead.
Perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection
To ensure you’re buying a reliable compact track loader, inspecting the equipment beforehand is crucial.
Undercarriage: The undercarriage is costly to repair, so making sure it’s in good condition will ensure you’re purchasing a reliable compact track loader. Check the tracks for cracks, missing lug nuts, and uneven wear. Then, inspect the rollers and sprockets for sharp teeth, flat spots, or severe wear and tear. Finally, check the track tension: overly loose or tight tracks can lead to premature wear on the loader.
Engine and Hydraulics: Another essential area of your loader, the engine and hydraulics power your CTL and can run up an expensive repair bill if they’re not properly maintained. Look for leaks around the engine, hydraulic lines, and cylinders. Then, test the compact loader’s hydraulic functions by operating the machine and testing its lifting and digging capabilities. Irregular or shaky operation indicates an issue with the compact loader.
Conclusion
A compact track loader can be a great addition to your worksite, and asking these 5 questions before you buy will make sure you’re getting the right machine at the right price.
Interested in a used track loader for sale? Fused has an unmatched selection of used compact loaders and compact loader attachments for sale, and a team of experts who can answer all your heavy equipment questions.