Compact track loaders (CTL) · Rated operating capacity against tipping load, track width and footprint, auxiliary hydraulic flow for attachments, lift geometry, travel speed and ROPS/FOPS cab
A compact track loader is a small loader on rubber tracks, with lift arms carrying a bucket or a quick-attach plate for attachments such as augers, grapples, brooms and trenchers; it carries its weight on the tracks' footprint rather than on tyres. Ask three things first: what rated operating capacity and lift height the work needs, which track width and footprint suit the ground, and what auxiliary hydraulic flow the attachments need.
Compact track loaders (rubber-tracked skid-steer-type loaders) with radial or vertical lift, including mini track loaders. Wheeled skid steer loaders, crawler (steel-track) loaders, wheel loaders and excavators are outside this page except where compared.
01
SANY's ST230V compact track loader spec sheet lists a rated operating capacity of 2,579 lb, a tipping load of 7,368 lb, an operating weight of 10,318 lb (no attachments), a 73 hp Yanmar 4TNV98CT engine (Tier 4 Final / Stage V) with 206 lbf-ft peak torque at 1,560 rpm, maximum breakout force of 5,733 lbf, vertical lift geometry, a bucket pin height of 120.5 in at maximum lift and 92 in clearance at maximum lift and dump. [1]
Editorial calculation: 2,579 / 7,368 = 0.350, so the listed rated operating capacity is 35% of the tipping load. In metric terms, about 1,170 kg rated capacity, 3,342 kg tipping load, 4,680 kg operating weight and 54 kW. When comparing loaders, compare rated operating capacities stated on the same basis, and add the attachment's weight to the load it carries. [1]
Editorial note: ask the supplier for lift geometry (radial or vertical), pin height and reach at maximum lift, and check them against the trucks or hoppers you will load.
Give the supplier the main tasks and attachments, required rated operating capacity and lift height, ground conditions, preferred track width and pattern, auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure needed, transport weight and width limits, emission requirement, cab (open or enclosed, heating and air conditioning), control pattern, and service and parts support expected.
02
The same spec sheet lists rubber tracks of 12.6 in or 15.75 in (320 mm or 400 mm), each in two tread patterns, with 57.5 in of track on the ground and 9 in ground clearance; standard auxiliary flow of 21 gpm and high flow of 31.6 gpm; travel speeds of 5.4 mph (one speed) or 8.5 mph (two speed); and a cab rated FOPS I and ROPS. SANY's pocket guide adds a loader hydraulic pressure of 3,336 psi and support rollers with an anti-derailment function. [1] [2]
Editorial calculation: with 57.5 in of each track on the ground, two 12.6 in tracks give about 1,449 in² and two 15.75 in tracks about 1,811 in²; dividing the 10,318 lb operating weight gives a nominal 7.1 psi (49 kPa) or 5.7 psi (39 kPa). This ignores how the load and bucket shift weight along the tracks; ask the supplier for its stated ground pressure. Standard and high flow are about 79 and 120 L/min. [1]
OSHA's construction rule 29 CFR 1926.1000 applies its rollover protective structure (ROPS) requirements to crawler-type loaders and, for equipment manufactured after 15 July 2019, rubber-tired skid-steer equipment; under 1926.1001 the ROPS on such machines built on or after that date must meet ISO 3471:2008, and each ROPS must carry a label naming its maker, model and the machine it fits. [3] [4] Editorial note: the rule names crawler-type loaders and rubber-tired skid-steer equipment; ask the supplier which ROPS and FOPS standards the cab certificate covers.
03
Suppliers linked to this page list compact or mini track loaders; each card links to the page reviewed.
The suppliers reviewed list compact track loaders or tracked skid steers among other construction machinery; ask each for rated operating capacity and tipping load, track widths, auxiliary flow and pressure, engine emission certification, ROPS/FOPS certificates and parts support.
04
This is a functional reference built from the sources cited; it is not one maker's design.
| System | Role | Fix in the order |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber-track undercarriage | Traction and footprint. [1] [2] | Width; pattern; rollers. |
| Lift arms (radial or vertical) | Lift and reach. [1] | Geometry; pin height. |
| Hydrostatic drive | Travel and steering. [1] | Speeds; two-speed. |
| Auxiliary hydraulics | Drive attachments. [1] | Standard and high flow. |
| Engine | Power; emissions. [1] | Power; certification. |
| Cab with ROPS/FOPS | Operator protection. [1] [3] | Certificates; label. |
05
A compact track loader quotation needs values for your work. The table explains each field, gives published values where a reviewed source states them, and says what to obtain from the supplier.
| Field | What it means and published values | Ask the supplier for |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight (kg) | E.g. 10,318 lb (4,680 kg). [1] | Weight; transport weight. |
| Rated Operating Capacity (kg) | E.g. 2,579 lb (1,170 kg), 35% of tipping. [1] | Value and basis. |
| Track Width (mm) | E.g. 320 or 400 mm. [1] | Width; pattern. |
| Ground Pressure (kPa) | Weight over track footprint. [1] | Stated value. |
| Hydraulic Flow (L/min) | E.g. 21 / 31.6 gpm (79 / 120 L/min). [1] | Standard and high flow. |
| Engine Power (kW) | E.g. 73 hp (54 kW). [1] | Power; emission stage. |
| Bucket Capacity (m³) | Bucket width and volume. | Buckets offered. |
| Max Travel Speed (km/h) | E.g. 5.4 / 8.5 mph (8.7 / 13.7 km/h). [1] | Speeds. |
| Tipping Load (kg) | E.g. 7,368 lb (3,342 kg). [1] | Value; test basis. |
| Operating Pressure (MPa) | E.g. 3,336 psi loader hydraulics. [2] | Relief and aux pressure. |
| Overall Length (mm) | E.g. 142.1 in with bucket. [1] | Dimension. |
| Overall Width (mm) | E.g. 72 in with bucket. [1] | Dimension; transport. |
| Overall Height (mm) | E.g. 82.7 in to cab top. [1] | Dimension. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | E.g. 26.4 gal. [2] | Capacity. |
06
Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.
Work: [tasks; loads; lift height] Capacity: [rated operating capacity; tipping load] Ground: [soft; rocky; paved; track width] Attachments: [list; flow; pressure] Transport: [weight; width] Cab: [open or enclosed; ROPS/FOPS] Engine: [emission stage] Support: [parts; service; warranty]
These companies list compact or mini track loaders.
Lists compact track loaders with wheel loaders, excavators and forklifts.
Product scope checked 2026-10-11
Lists skid steer track loaders and mini track skid steers with excavator attachments.
Product scope checked 2026-10-11
Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.
On SANY's ST230V, 2,579 lb rated capacity is 35% of its 7,368 lb tipping load. [1]
Check each attachment; SANY lists 21 gpm standard and 31.6 gpm high flow on the ST230V. [1]
Sources checked 2026-10-11. SANY's spec sheet and pocket guide describe its own loader; OSHA's rules are US federal requirements.
Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.
Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.