Overview

Skid‑steer loaders and Caterpillar’s Multi‑Terrain Loader (MTL) are compact, high‑mobility machines designed for tight‑space operations on construction, landscaping, and demolition sites.

Capabilities

• Dig, excavate, and move soil, gravel, and building materials
• Grade surfaces, jackhammer concrete, and load trucks
• Attach a wide variety of hydraulic tools—bucket, auger, breaker, brush, and more
• Operate from a single operator station with intuitive controls

Multi‑Terrain Loader Advantage

When ground is soft or extra traction is needed, the MTL’s continuous‑track system delivers superior stability and payload capacity compared to wheels.

Hydraulic‑Powered Design

Both machines run solely on a high‑pressure hydraulic pump; there is no mechanical transmission, which simplifies maintenance and increases reliability.

Operating Principles

The operator uses a joystick or throttle to control hydraulic flow, which moves the articulated boom, arms, and bucket. The same system powers attachment tools, enabling seamless task transitions.

Applications

Typical uses include:

1. Site preparation and grading
2. Material handling and stockpile management
3. Excavation and trenching
4. Demolition and demolition support
5. Landscaping and landscape maintenance

Photo courtesy Caterpillar.