Contractor Review: Cat 275XE Compact Track Loader and HM418 Mulcher Impress in the Field
Tyler Watts, the owner of Ironside Forestry based in Lincolnton, North Carolina, calls the Cat 275XE compact track loader “the machine everybody wants to be in.” After spending over 1,000 hours operating the next-generation loader earlier this year, Watts shared his experience with the new machine, praising its power, stability, and comfort during real-world applications.
The Cat 275 and 275XE models are designed to replace the previous 299 and 299XE models in Caterpillar’s next-gen lineup of compact track loaders. Watts, a vegetation management contractor, opted for the Landscape Management package, which came with enhanced features including a roof auxiliary hydraulic cooler, side-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks, a debris guarding package, XE hydraulic flow and pressure, and a rear auxiliary winch option. For this trial, he paired the 275XE with an HM418 High Flow XHP Mulcher, putting the machine through its paces.
At the heart of the 275XE is the powerful Cat C3.6TA engine, which generates an impressive 134 horsepower. The machine boasts a lift height of 134.4 inches, a 37% increase in tilt breakout force, and a 19% boost in rated operating capacity over previous models. These upgrades make the 275XE a heavy-duty performer across a wide range of applications.
Hydraulic performance is another standout feature of the 275XE. The standard setup delivers 3,500 psi of hydraulic pressure at 23 gallons per minute, while the optional High Flow XPS system increases those numbers to 4,496 psi and 40 gallons per minute, respectively. Watts noted that the machine handled the 3,000-pound mulcher with ease, maintaining stability while constantly lifting and lowering the attachment. He commented on how exponentially more stable the machine felt compared to other setups he had used, especially in challenging mulching tasks.
Watts also highlighted the machine’s maneuverability, noting that despite its size and the substantial weight of the mulcher, the 275XE was highly responsive. “Working in the woods, twisting and turning, and not losing power to the head or the track system is huge for us,” he said. The ability to maintain consistent power and control, even in tight spaces, was a game-changer for his work.
Enhanced Operator Comfort
The next-generation Cat compact track loaders also introduce a much larger cab, designed with operator comfort in mind. The cab now offers 22% more overall space and 26% more foot room, along with a 59% larger rear window for improved visibility on the job site. The cab upgrades extend to the seats, which come with heating and cooling options, ensuring comfort in any weather condition.
Watts, who spends 8 to 10 hours in the machine daily, was particularly impressed with the comfort improvements. “You don’t realize how uncomfortable you were in older machines until you’re in something like this,” he noted. The spaciousness, combined with climate control, made long workdays much more bearable.
The 275XE also comes with two screen options, including an advanced touchscreen that integrates seamlessly with the machine’s new joysticks. Operators can make adjustments on the fly without taking their hands off the controls. Watts enjoyed the luxury feel of the controls, even down to being able to adjust the radio directly from the joystick. “It makes a big difference when you’re in a machine for hours on end,” he said.
Overall, the Cat 275XE compact track loader, combined with the HM418 High Flow XHP Mulcher, delivers the perfect balance of power, stability, and comfort. It’s no surprise that Watts believes it’s the machine everyone wants to be in. Whether you’re clearing land, managing vegetation, or tackling other heavy-duty applications, the 275XE offers top-tier performance, operator ease, and reliability.
Fulian Operation Team
2024.11.6
