11 hours ago
The CAT 246D skid steer loader offers strong power delivery and quiet operation, but its ergonomics and visibility present challenges in real-world grading and attachment handling. While newer than its predecessor, the 248, the 246D does not deliver a universally superior experience.
CAT 246D Background and Development
The Caterpillar 246D is part of the D-series skid steer loaders introduced in the mid-2010s by Caterpillar Inc., a company founded in 1925 and globally recognized for its construction and mining equipment. The D-series aimed to improve operator comfort, electronic diagnostics, and hydraulic performance over the previous C-series. The 246D features a 74.3 hp turbocharged diesel engine, vertical lift design, and a rated operating capacity of 2,150 lbs. It was designed for grading, material handling, and attachment versatility in landscaping and construction.
Caterpillar’s skid steer lineup has sold in the tens of thousands globally, with strong adoption in North America and Australia. The 246D was positioned as a mid-range model, balancing power and maneuverability.
Terminology Note
During grading operations around a playground, the 246D showed notable differences from the older 248 model:
Despite ergonomic drawbacks, the 246D delivered solid performance:
The CAT 246D skid steer loader offers modern features and strong hydraulic performance, but its ergonomic design and visibility limitations may hinder grading precision and attachment handling. While quieter and more refined than older models, it does not universally outperform its predecessor in operator convenience. For users prioritizing comfort and control, modifications or alternative models may offer better long-term satisfaction.
CAT 246D Background and Development
The Caterpillar 246D is part of the D-series skid steer loaders introduced in the mid-2010s by Caterpillar Inc., a company founded in 1925 and globally recognized for its construction and mining equipment. The D-series aimed to improve operator comfort, electronic diagnostics, and hydraulic performance over the previous C-series. The 246D features a 74.3 hp turbocharged diesel engine, vertical lift design, and a rated operating capacity of 2,150 lbs. It was designed for grading, material handling, and attachment versatility in landscaping and construction.
Caterpillar’s skid steer lineup has sold in the tens of thousands globally, with strong adoption in North America and Australia. The 246D was positioned as a mid-range model, balancing power and maneuverability.
Terminology Note
- Vertical Lift: Loader arm geometry that provides more reach at full height, ideal for truck loading.
- Quick Attach Plate: A hydraulic coupler system allowing fast switching between buckets, rakes, and other tools.
- Split Lap Bar: A two-piece safety restraint that allows easier entry and exit from the cab.
- Harley Rake: A powered landscape rake used for soil conditioning and grading.
- Plexiglass Door: A curved transparent cab door that can distort visual perception.
During grading operations around a playground, the 246D showed notable differences from the older 248 model:
- Visibility issues: The curved plexiglass door distorted the view of the bucket edge, requiring the operator to lean forward aggressively to judge grade. This visual distortion made fine grading more mentally taxing.
- Access limitations: The boom design left minimal clearance between the tire and tie-down loop, complicating trailer loading. Reaching the loop required awkward maneuvering and climbing.
- Attachment handling: With the Harley Rake installed, the boom had to be fully lowered and curled to open the cab door. This left little room to manually release the attachment latches, requiring a pry bar for access.
- Control responsiveness: The joystick controls felt sluggish, similar to cold-start behavior in older machines. Anticipating movements became necessary, reducing precision during multi-function grading.
Despite ergonomic drawbacks, the 246D delivered solid performance:
- Power delivery: The machine filled buckets of topsoil with minimal wheel spin, showing strong traction and hydraulic force.
- Noise reduction: Cabin acoustics were notably quiet, reducing operator fatigue during long shifts.
- Interior upgrades: The split lap bar improved cab access, and the rearview mirror reduced neck strain during reverse maneuvers.
- Warning systems: The dashboard featured expanded indicator lights, offering early alerts for system faults or maintenance needs.
- For operators focused on grading precision, consider adding a bucket edge marker or switching to a flat glass door to reduce distortion.
- Use a custom tie-down loop extension for easier trailer loading.
- Retrofit the quick attach plate with extended handles or hydraulic release to avoid manual latching under tight conditions.
- If sluggish controls persist, inspect the hydraulic pilot pressure and joystick calibration.
- Keep a log of ergonomic challenges and share feedback with fleet managers or dealers for future model selection.
The CAT 246D skid steer loader offers modern features and strong hydraulic performance, but its ergonomic design and visibility limitations may hinder grading precision and attachment handling. While quieter and more refined than older models, it does not universally outperform its predecessor in operator convenience. For users prioritizing comfort and control, modifications or alternative models may offer better long-term satisfaction.
