256C Skid Steer Loader

Overview of the 256C

An industry-first sealed and pressurized cab, increased rated operating capacity, higher horsepower and superior performance help you get more done and increase your bottom line.

Specification Summary

Engine Model

Cat® C3.4 DIT

Net Flywheel Power

82 hp

Rated Operating Capacity

2350 lb

Gross Power

84 hp

Engine

Operating Specifications

Weights

Dimensions

Hydraulic System

Cab

Power Train

Service Refill Capacities

Operator Station

Superior comfort to keep you productive throughout the work day.

Sealed and Pressurized Cab

Comfort and ease of operation have been designed into every aspect of the operator station. The wide, spacious interior and uncluttered floor provide a comfortable work environment with excellent head, shoulder and leg room to keep productivity high and fatigue low. Operators spend long hours in the machine. The new sealed and pressurized cab keeps dust out and clean air in for greater operator comfort. Reduced sound levels within the cab also help reduce fatigue.

Seat Mounted Joystick Controls

Ergonomic, seat mounted joystick controls enable a wide range of comfortable operating positions for operators of any size. The seat and controls are independently adjustable to meet the specific needs of the operator.

Air Ride Seat Available

An air ride seat provides an unparalleled level of comfort in a skid steer loader.

Advanced Machine Information and Control System

The optional Advanced Machine Information and Control System provides easy to read and understand information regarding hydraulic oil and engine coolant temperature, engine speed, Selectable Work Speed Control and Selectable Implement Control. It also includes a service mode for checking service codes and status of components.

Additional Features for Maximum Comfort

• Easy to read instrument panels
• Optional air conditioner and heater provides greater comfort in extreme conditions
• Optional Selectable Pattern Control which allows the operator to select the control pattern they are most familiar with for greater productivity.

Radial Lift Linkage

Built for tough working conditions.

Radial Lift Design

The 256C features a radial lift design, delivering excellent digging performance with superior performance.

Power Train

Aggressive performance with fuel efficiency.

Engine

The high performance power train provides high engine horsepower and torque. The C-Series features the Cat C3.4 DIT engine--a rugged, reliable engine that meets worldwide emissions requirements.

Hand and Foot Throttles

Hand and foot throttles allow the operator to match engine speed to the task. The hand throttle is ideal for jobs requiring constant engine speed such as cold planing, trenching or snow blowing. The foot throttle lets the operator vary engine speed and minimize fuel consumption for other tasks such as load and carry, truck loading, grading and dozing.

Electronic Torque Management

The Electronic Torque Management system maximizes power to the ground and prevents the engine from stalling in tough digging and dozing applications for maximum productivity. The system allows part throttle operation which provides smoother machine operation and reduces fuel consumption.

Hydraulics

Exceptional lift, breakout and power to meet your needs.

Hydraulic System

Maximum power and reliability are built into the Cat Skid Steer Loader hydraulic system. In addition to providing power to the wheels, this system also provides the loader lift and tilt functions, powers the auxiliary circuit to drive work tools and drives the engine cooling fan. The C-Series hydraulic system features:

• Increased lift and tilt breakout forces allowing you to move more material and get more done.
• Continuous demand fan for improved fuel efficiency, increased horsepower, reduced sound levels and improved cold weather performance.
• Cat ToughGuard hoses for increased reliability and durability.

High Flow XPS

High flow XPS hydraulic system offers both increased flow and increased pressure to maximize work tool performance.

Selectable Implement Control

The Selectable Implement Control option with three levels of control gives the operator the ability to adjust the responsiveness of the lift and tilt functions for more precise implement control.

Speed Sensitive Ride Control

The optional Speed Sensitive Ride Control system delivers a smoother ride on uneven terrain for superior comfort. It allows for both higher speed operation and better material retention for increased productivity.

Work Tools

Do more jobs with one machine with Cat Work Tools.

The Right Tool for the Job

Designed and built for optimum performance and durability, Cat Work Tools deliver high productivity in a variety of applications to maximize versatility:

• Augers
• Backhoes
• Blades (angle, dozer)
• Buckets (general purpose, high capacity, dirt, utility, light material, multi purpose, industrial grapple, utility grapple)
• Brooms (angle, pickup, utility)
• Brushcutters
• Cold Planers
• Forks (pallet, industrial grapple, utility grapple, utility)
• Hydraulic Hammers
• Landscape Tillers
• Landscape Rakes
• Material Handling Arm
• Mulcher
• Power Box Rakes
• Shear
• Snow Blowers
• Stump Grinders
• Trenchers
• Vibratory Compactors
• Wheel Saws

Quick Couplers

Work tools can be changed quickly and easily with the Cat Skid Steer Loaders quick coupler system. The standard quick coupler features manual engagement and disengagement of work tools using two high leverage handles. The optional hydraulic quick coupler allows the operator to quickly change tools without leaving the cab.

AccuGrade Grade Control System for Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loaders

Common to AccuGrade systems for Track-Type Tractors and Motor Graders, this deeply integrated solution automates the machine's electrohydraulic controls to achieve a consistent grade across the work site, improve accuracy and increase productivity, ultimately lowering operating and material costs.

Serviceability

Simplified service and maintenance save you time and money.

Easy Maintenance

Convenient service features make maintenance easy, reducing your downtime:

• Rear door opens 90 degrees for easy access to both sides of the engine.
• Cab tilts rearward for easy access to all hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, lines and hydraulic tank.
• Daily maintenance points are easily accessible.
• Wires are color coded and numbered for easy identification.
• SOS oil sampling valves are standard to allow regular monitoring of the engine and hydraulic oil quality.

Customer Support

Unmatched support makes the difference.

Dealer Services

Your Cat dealer is ready to assist you with your purchase decision and everything after. Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy with estimates of component life, preventative maintenance and the true cost of production. Flexible financing packages are available to meet your needs. Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Your Cat dealer can evaluate the cost involved in repairing, rebuilding and replacing your machine so you can make the right choice. Nearly all parts available at the dealer parts counter to lower your machine downtime. Operator training can improve your operators techniques and boost your profits.

Standard Equipment

• ELECTRICAL
• OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
• POWER TRAIN
• OTHER
• MANDATORY EQUIPMENT