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.
Engine
Engine Model |
Cat® C3.4 DIT |
Net Flywheel Power |
61 kW |
Gross Power |
63 kW |
Gross Power SAE J1995 |
63 kW |
Engine Power ISO 14396 |
62 kW |
Net Power EEC 80/1269 |
62 kW |
Net Power EEC ISO 9249 |
62 kW |
Net Power SAE 1349 |
61 kW |
Displacement |
3.3 L |
Stroke |
120 mm |
Bore |
94 mm |
Operating Specifications
Rated Operating Capacity |
1066 kg |
Rated Operating Capacity w/Optional Counterweight |
1164 kg |
Tipping Load |
2132 kg |
Breakout Force, Tilt Cylinder |
3324 kg |
Weights
Dimensions
Wheelbase |
1240 mm |
Length w/Bucket on Ground |
3692 mm |
Length w/o Bucket |
2979 mm |
Height to Top of Cab |
2104 mm |
Vehicle Width over Tires |
1676 mm |
Max Overall Height |
3998 mm |
Bucket Pin Height at Max Lift |
3122 mm |
Bucket Pin Height at Carry Pos. |
200 mm |
Reach at Max Lift and Dump |
600 mm |
Clearance at Max Lift and Dump |
2425 mm |
Ground Clearance |
225 mm |
Departure Angle |
26° |
Bumper Overhang - Rear Axle |
1089 mm |
Maximum Dump Angle |
40° |
Turn Radius from Ctr - Rear |
1730 mm |
Turn Radius from Ctr - Coupler |
1386 mm |
Turn Radius from Ctr - Bucket |
2167 mm |
Max. Reach w/Arms-Parallel |
1388 mm |
Rack Back Angle at Max Height |
85° |
Bucket Pin Reach at Max Lift |
58 mm |
Hydraulic System
Max. Loader Hydraulic Pressure |
28000 kPa |
Max. Loader Hydraulic Flow |
125 L/min |
Hydraulic Power |
31.9 kW |
Hydraulic Flow |
Standard |
Loader Hydraulic Pressure |
23000 kPa |
Loader Hydraulic Flow |
84 L/min |
Hydraulic Flow |
High Flow XPS |
Cab
ROPS |
SAE J1040 MAY94, ISO 3471:1994 |
FOPS |
SAE J1043 SEPT87, ISO 3449:1992 Level I |
FOPS Level II |
SAE J231 JAN81, ISO 3449:1992 Level II |
Power Train
Travel Speed Forward |
12.5 km/h |
Travel Speed Reverse |
12.5 km/h |
Travel Speed Forward - 2-Speed Option |
19.3 km/h |
Travel Speed Reverse - 2-Speed Option |
19.3 km/h |
XDP Option Speed (with tires) |
10.4 km/h |
XDP Option Speed (with VTS tracks) |
7.8 km/h |
Service Refill Capacities
Chain box, each side |
10 L |
Cooling System |
14 L |
Engine Crankcase |
10 L |
Fuel Tank |
98 L |
Hydraulic System |
57 L |
Hydraulic Tank |
42 L |
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 Loader’s 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. 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 operator’s techniques and boost your profits.
ELECTRICAL
12 volt Electrical System
90 ampere Alternator
Ignition Key Start/Stop Switch
Lights: Gauge backlighting, two rear tail lights, two rear working lights, two adjustable front halogen lights, dome light.
Backup Alarm
Heavy Duty Battery, 850 CCA
12 volt Electrical System
90 ampere Alternator
Ignition Key Start/Stop Switch
Lights: Gauge backlighting, two rear tail lights, two rear working lights, two adjustable front halogen lights, dome light.
Backup Alarm
Heavy Duty Battery, 850 CCA
OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
Gauges: Fuel level, hour meter
Operator Warning System Indicators: Air filter restriction, alternator output, armrest raised/operator out of seat, engine coolant temperature, engine oil pressure, glow plug activation, hydraulic filter restriction, hydraulic oil temperature, parking brak
Vinyl seat
Fold-in Ergonomic Contoured Armrest
Control Interlock System, when operator leaves seat or armrest raised: Hydraulic system disables, hydrostatic transmission disables, parking brake engages.
ROPS Cab, Open, Tilt Up
FOPS, Level I
Top and Rear Windows
Headliner, Deluxe
Floor Mat
Interior Rear View Mirror
12 volt Electric Socket
Horn
POWER TRAIN
Cat C3.4 DIT Tier 3 Compliant Diesel Engine
Air Cleaner, Dual Element, Radial Seal
SOSSM Sampling Valves, Engine Oil and Hydraulic Oil
Filters, Spin-on, Hydraulic
Filters, Bayonet-type, Fuel and Water Separator
Tilt Up Radiator/Hydraulic Oil Cooler
Spring Applied, Hydraulically Released, Wet Multi Disc Parking Brake
Hydrostatic Transmission
Four Wheel Chain Drive
Cat C3.4 DIT Tier 3 Compliant Diesel Engine
Air Cleaner, Dual Element, Radial Seal
SOSSM Sampling Valves, Engine Oil and Hydraulic Oil
Filters, Spin-on, Hydraulic
Filters, Bayonet-type, Fuel and Water Separator
Tilt Up Radiator/Hydraulic Oil Cooler
Spring Applied, Hydraulically Released, Wet Multi Disc Parking Brake
Hydrostatic Transmission
Four Wheel Chain Drive
OTHER
Engine Enclosure, Lockable
Extended Life Antifreeze, -37° C (-34° F)
Machine Tie Down Points (4)
Support, Lift Arm
Hydraulic Oil Level Sight Gauge
Radiator, Expansion Bottle
Cat ToughGuard™ Hose
Auxiliary, Hydraulics, Continuous Flow
Heavy Duty, Flat Faced Quick Disconnects
Split D-Ring to Route Work Tool Hoses Along Side of Left Lift Arm
Electrical Outlet, Beacon
Belly Pan Cleanout
Engine Enclosure, Lockable
Extended Life Antifreeze, -37° C (-34° F)
Machine Tie Down Points (4)
Support, Lift Arm
Hydraulic Oil Level Sight Gauge
Radiator, Expansion Bottle
Cat ToughGuard™ Hose
Auxiliary, Hydraulics, Continuous Flow
Heavy Duty, Flat Faced Quick Disconnects
Split D-Ring to Route Work Tool Hoses Along Side of Left Lift Arm
Electrical Outlet, Beacon
Belly Pan Cleanout
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Hydraulics, Standard or High Flow XPS
Quick Coupler, Mechanical or Hydraulic
Seat Belt, 50 mm (2 in) or 75 mm (3 in)
Comfort Package (must select one of the following):
Open ROPS (C1): Cup Holder, Radio Ready, Suspension Seat (no heater or door)
Enclosed ROPS with Heat (C2): Cup Holder, Radio Ready, Seat (choice of Suspension or Air Ride), Heater and Defroster, Side Windows, Door (either Glass or Polycarbonate)
Enclosed ROPS with A/C (C3): Features of C2 Package plus Air Conditioner
Performance Package (must select one of the following):
Performance Package 1: One Speed
Performance Package 2: One Speed, Self Level
Performance Package 3: Two Speed, Self Level
Performance Package 4: Two Speed, Self Level, Ride Control, Advanced Machine Information and Control System (AMICS)
Counterweight
Beacon, Rotating
Engine Block Heater--120V or 240V
Oil, Hydraulic, Cold Operation
Paint, Custom
Extreme Duty Power Train (XDP)
Work Tool Electrical Control
AM/FM Radio with CD player