At ConExpo-Con/Agg, Caterpillar previews its first stand-on loader and upgrades its compact loader and mini excavator lineup
2 March 2026, Las Vegas, USA – At the ConExpo-Con/Agg trade show in Las Vegas, Caterpillar showcased three new compact machines that highlight its growing focus on versatility, tight-space performance, and fleet efficiency. The preview included the Cat TUL100 compact utility loader, the Cat 253 compact track loader, and the Cat 301 CR mini excavator, all of which expand the company’s compact equipment portfolio.
The biggest highlight was Caterpillar’s first move into the stand-on compact utility loader segment with the Cat TUL100. Built for confined and urban worksites, the machine offers a rated operating capacity of 1,000 lb and is powered by a 24 hp turbo diesel engine. With a lift height of around 7 ft and an operating weight of about 3,600 lb, the TUL100 is designed to balance strength with easy maneuverability.
To help contractors work in narrow spaces, the loader can be configured with either 36-inch or 42-inch track widths, allowing it to pass through tight openings. A wide range of attachments, including buckets, forks, augers, trenchers, and power rakes, will be available. The machine can also be equipped with Cat VisionLink technology for fleet tracking and performance monitoring. Caterpillar plans to introduce the TUL100 to the North American market in early 2027.
Alongside the new stand-on loader, Caterpillar also revealed the Cat 253 compact track loader. Positioned between the 249D3 and 255 models, the 253 is based on the 259D3 platform but features a redesigned undercarriage. The new design uses rigid, frame-mounted axles and a one-piece undercarriage frame, which is intended to improve traction, stability, and grading performance on challenging terrain.
The Cat 253 has an operating weight of just under 9,000 lb and is powered by a Cat 3.3B turbo diesel engine that meets modern emissions standards. Standard features include 15-inch rubber tracks and a hydraulic system delivering 20 gallons per minute, with an optional high-flow setup available in certain regions. Inside the sealed and pressurized cab, operators benefit from adjustable joystick controls and automated functions such as self-levelling and return-to-dig. The model is scheduled for launch in North America in the second half of 2026, with wider global availability expected in 2027.
Caterpillar also introduced an updated one-ton micro excavator, the Cat 301 CR, which replaces the 300.9D. The new model keeps a compact-radius design and offers a digging depth of nearly 6 ft. Its retractable undercarriage reduces the machine width to just 29 inches, while a folding rollover protection structure allows access to low-clearance areas.
The 301 CR shares its engine platform with other Cat compact machines to simplify maintenance and parts support. New features include seat-mounted pilot controls, two-speed travel, additional auxiliary hydraulic options, and improved stability. New attachments, such as a manual coupler and an updated auger, further expand the machine’s jobsite flexibility. Commercial availability is planned for early 2027.
With these introductions, Caterpillar is signaling a clear push toward compact, flexible equipment designed for modern construction needs. From urban job sites to landscaping and utility work, the new machines are built to deliver productivity, ease of use, and adaptability in smaller spaces.
