Caterpillar recently released its next generation 255 and 265 compact track loaders – but not before putting the new models through rigorous internal and customer testing.
While in Edwards, Illinois, for the launch event, Equipment World had an opportunity to catch up with Derrick Rogers, the owner of Coast 2 Coast Lawn Maintenance, Biloxi, Mississippi, one of several contractors selected to participate in a field follow of the new machines.
Cat grants field follow participants use of the machines in exchange for performance and design feedback. “We’re in these machines all day, every day, 8, 10, 12 hours a day,” says Rogers. “It’s an honor to see the new features and have the team, anytime you have any complaints or concerns, there to listen.”
Coast 2 Coast Lawn Maintenance specializes in house pad construction, grading, landscaping, and sod installation and previously used a Cat 259D3, the model that the 255 replaces, for its jobs.
“Our 259Ds and 259D3s, when you pick up a couple large rolls of sod, would want to tip forward,” says Rogers. “I can take this 255, pick up two rolls of sod, keep the arms halfway in the air, and go across the road; it doesn’t tip or feel unstable.”
Beyond added confidence, Rogers says the increased power and torque have boosted his efficiency by 20% to 30%.
“With this 255 versus the 259, I can push more dirt and carry a grade farther. The way I’ve thought about it feels like it has a decel mode like a dozer would have. When I put it underneath a load, you can feel that machine stop for a second and push right on through,” he says.
