CAT Adds Hand and Foot Controls to Skid Steer and Track Loader Lineup

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of Control Systems in Compact Equipment
Caterpillar’s compact equipment division has long been a leader in skid steer loaders (SSL), compact track loaders (CTL), and multi-terrain loaders (MTL). Since the late 1990s, CAT has refined its control systems to improve operator comfort, precision, and productivity. Historically, CAT machines favored joystick-only controls, especially in post-2000 models, aligning with industry trends toward ergonomic, pilot-operated systems.
However, many operators—especially those transitioning from older machines or coming from agricultural backgrounds—have expressed a preference for traditional hand and foot controls. These systems separate drive and implement functions, allowing the operator to steer with foot pedals while manipulating the loader arms and bucket with hand levers. This configuration offers tactile feedback and muscle memory advantages for seasoned users.
Why Caterpillar Reintroduced Hand and Foot Controls
The decision to offer hand and foot controls in CAT’s SSL, CTL, and MTL platforms reflects a broader shift toward customization and operator preference. Key motivations include:

• Market demand: A significant portion of the North American market still favors foot pedal steering, especially in rental fleets and legacy operations.
  
• Operator familiarity: Contractors with decades of experience often find joystick-only systems unintuitive or fatiguing.
  
• Training flexibility: Mixed fleets benefit from standardized controls across brands, reducing training time and operator error.
  
• Resale value: Machines with traditional controls often retain higher resale value in certain regions.
  

In one example from a grading crew in Iowa, a fleet manager noted that younger operators preferred joystick controls for precision grading, while older operators consistently requested foot pedal steering for bulk material movement. Offering both options allowed the company to match machines to tasks and personnel.
Technical Overview of the Control Layout
The hand and foot control configuration includes:

• Foot pedals: Left and right pedals control forward and reverse motion for each track or wheel, enabling zero-radius turns.
  
• Hand levers: Typically mounted on the side consoles, these control lift and tilt functions of the loader arms and bucket.
  
• Auxiliary switches: Thumb buttons or toggles on the levers activate hydraulic attachments like augers or grapples.
  
• Mechanical linkages or pilot hydraulics: Depending on model year, controls may be cable-actuated or use low-pressure pilot circuits.
  

CAT’s implementation ensures that the control response remains smooth and proportional, with adjustable detents and resistance settings to suit operator preference.
Model Availability and Retrofit Options
Hand and foot controls are now available on select models across CAT’s compact loader lineup, including:

• CAT 226D3 skid steer loader
  
• CAT 259D3 compact track loader
  
• CAT 287D3 multi-terrain loader
  

Retrofit kits may be available for newer joystick-equipped machines, though installation requires recalibration of hydraulic control valves and console reconfiguration. Dealers typically perform these conversions during rebuilds or resale preparation.
Operator Feedback and Field Performance
Early adopters report:

• Improved control during rough terrain travel
  
• Easier transition for operators familiar with legacy machines
  
• Reduced fatigue during long haul or repetitive loading cycles
  
• Enhanced tactile feedback when feathering bucket movements
  

In a municipal fleet in Georgia, a CAT 259D3 outfitted with hand and foot controls was assigned to a veteran operator responsible for storm debris cleanup. He reported a 20% reduction in cycle time compared to joystick-only machines, attributing the gain to faster directional changes and more intuitive bucket control.
Training and Safety Considerations
While hand and foot controls offer advantages, they require proper training:

• Operators must learn coordinated foot movement to avoid jerky turns
  
• Emergency stop procedures differ slightly from joystick systems
  
• Maintenance teams must understand linkage adjustments and wear points
  

CAT provides training modules and simulator support for fleets adopting mixed control configurations. Some contractors use color-coded decals and cab placards to remind operators of control layout.
Conclusion
Caterpillar’s decision to offer hand and foot controls in its compact loader lineup reflects a commitment to operator choice and job-specific optimization. By blending modern hydraulic performance with legacy control familiarity, CAT ensures that both seasoned professionals and new operators can work efficiently and comfortably. Whether grading, hauling, or trenching, the right control system can make all the difference—and now, CAT gives users the freedom to choose.