How to Choose Compact Track Loader Attachments

Compact track loader (CTL) attachments are tools that mount to the front of a CTL to give it extra capabilities like digging, grading, and lifting. The right attachment should be compatible with your loader’s rated operating capacity, hydraulic flow requirements, and coupler plate.

How to Match a CTL Attachment to Your Machine

Match a compact track loader attachment to your machine by considering these factors:

• Rated operating capacity (ROC): The attachment operating weight must stay within your loader’s ROC to minimize tipping risks and protect your CTL and operator.
• Hydraulic flow requirements: Standard-flow attachments like buckets, forks, and augers typically run on lower gallons per minute (GPM) output. High-flow attachments like mulchers, cold planers, and hydraulic hammers need higher hydraulic output.
• Quick coupler compatibility: Confirm your attachment’s mounting plate is compatible with your CTL’s coupler system before purchasing.
• Operating weight on the machine: Heavier attachments shift the loader’s center of gravity. Stay within the tipping load threshold, especially on slopes.

Compact Track Loader Attachments by Job Type

Here are some common types of CTL attachments and the jobs they’re best suited for.

Auger

Augers rotate a helical bit into the ground to drill clean, precise holes. These attachments are best where a clean vertical bore beats open excavation, making them ideal for:

• Fence post installation.
• Sign footings.
• Tree planting.
• Utility pole holes.

Confirm your loader’s aux flow and check the bit diameter against the required hole size. The Cat® A23 Auger has an optimal hydraulic flow of 11-22 GPM and runs on a standard flow. For larger holes or harder soil, the A68 Auger requires 25-34 GPM and high-flow XPS.

Blade

CTL blades push, spread, and grade loose material across a jobsite. They are best for:

• Jobsite grade and level work.
• Gravel and fill distribution.
• Snow removal.
• Driveway and farm lane clearance.

Choose the right blade for your job. The Cat Dozer Blade offers six-way adjustability for finish grading in dirt and gravel, whereas the Cat Angle Blade pushes material laterally for clearing driveways, farm lanes, and snow.

Bucket

Buckets scoop, carry, and dump loose material. These attachments are best for moving dirt, gravel, debris, and fill material on grading and site prep jobs. The Cat Multi-Purpose Bucket adds a clamshell jaw for dozing, clamping, and back-dragging on the same job.

Match bucket width to your CTL’s machine size. A bucket significantly wider than the machine reduces visibility to the cutting edge and creates clearance challenges in tight jobsites.

Trencher

Trenchers feature a chain-driven cutting head that slices narrow trenches to a set depth. Use them for:

• Irrigation lines.
• Drainage pipes.
• Electrical conduits.
• Gas line installation.

Trenchers are a high-demand hydraulic tool, and many require high-flow hydraulics. The Cat T109 and T112 run on standard flow (11-23 GPM), while the T315 needs high-flow XPS (25-40 GPM).

Pallet Fork

Pallet forks feature two steel tines that lift and move palletized loads. This attachment is best for:

• Material handling on construction sites.
• Flatbed loading and unloading.
• Packaged goods handling in yards and warehouses.

Match tine length and fork type to your load, and always verify against your CTL’s rated lift capacity at full height. Caterpillar offers standard pallet forks with tines up to 48 inches and heavy-duty forks with tines up to 60 inches.

Mulcher

Mulchers use a rotating drum with carbide teeth to grind trees, stumps, brush, and vegetation into mulch. Use mulchers for:

• Land clearing.
• Right-of-way clearing.
• Overgrowth removal before grading or construction.

Mulchers can be demanding on hydraulics. The Cat HM112 Standard Flow Mulcher requires optimal hydraulic flow of 16-18 GPM with standard flow hydraulics, whereas the HM418 runs at 40-41 GPM and needs XHP or XE hydraulics.

Browse Cat® CTL Attachments at Thompson Tractor

The Cat coupler system lets you swap attachments from your cab without additional hardware on compatible CTL models. Rely on Thompson Tractor to find the ideal attachments for your fleet. Since 1957, we have served Alabama and Northern Florida with reliable equipment, parts, and service. Browse our full CTL attachment lineup today.