246

Skid Steer Loader

Cat® 3034 Turbocharged Diesel Engine

Flywheel Power 55 kW 74 hp
Operating Weight 3191 kg 7036 lb
Rated Operating Capacity 907 kg 2000 lb
Caterpillar® 246 Skid Steer Loader
Designed, built and backed by Caterpillar to deliver exceptional performance and
versatility, ease of operation, serviceability and customer support.

Performance and Versatility Ease of Operation Serviceability

Cat 3034T engine provides high engine Operator comfort and easy operation are The 246 is designed for quick and easy
horsepower and torque, allowing part- designed into the operator’s station routine maintenance and service. The
throttle operation for lower sound and from every aspect. Ergonomic features rear door opens 90 degrees and the
fuel consumption. An exclusive anti- such as low-effort joystick controls, a cooling package tilts up out of the way
stall feature incorporated into the comfortable, padded armrest and an for unparalleled access to the engine
hydrostatic drivetrain delivers adjustable, contoured seat reduce compartment. Maintenance points are
maximum power to the wheels and operator fatigue. The loader arms, quick grouped in easy-to-reach locations, and
work tools without stalling the engine. coupler and cab are designed to provide all filters are vertically mounted to
A mechanical quick coupler makes excellent visibility to the work tool. reduce fluid spills. The cab tilts to the
work tool changing quick and easy and Even more cab options are available to rear, exposing hydraulic pumps, motors,
interfaces with a wide selection of further enhance operator comfort. pg. 4 valves and lines. Both the hydraulic
Caterpillar Work Tools. pg. 4-5 tank and the radiator have a sight glass
for fast daily fluid-level checks. pg. 5

Built for Versatility

The 246 Skid Steer Loader, with its many
work tool options, is a highly versatile
compact construction machine. It is
designed to deliver traditional Cat
reliability, durability and productivity in
the toughest working conditions.

2
 Work Tools
Choose from a wide variety of tools designed specifically
for Skid Steer Loaders.

Customer Support Work Tools

Caterpillar dealers offer unmatched Cat Skid Steer Loader Work Tools
customer support, with excellent extend the versatility of the machine.
warranty programs and fast parts Built for performance and durability,
availability, resulting in maximum these tools deliver high productivity,
uptime and minimum repair costs. long service life and excellent value:
■ general purpose buckets
Equipment maintenance services help
■ dirt buckets
optimize machine performance and
■ utility buckets
reliability. They include:
■ light material buckets
■ Customer Support Agreements
■ multi purpose buckets
■ S•O•S oil analysis
■ pallet forks
■ Maintenance contracts
■ angle blade
■ Scheduled technical inspections
■ augers

Equipment management services help ■ brooms

optimize profits. They include ■ cold planers

assistance with: ■ grapple buckets

■ Machine and work tool selection
■ grapple forks
■ Rental and leasing
■ hammers
■ Purchase and financing
■ landscape rakes
■ Owning and operating cost
■ landscape tillers

management ■ material handling arm

■ stump grinder

■ trenchers

■ vibratory compactors

Quick Coupler
Cat Skid Steer Loader Work Tools can
be changed quickly and easily with the
machine’s integral mechanical quick
coupler system. The universal skid steer
loader coupler interface has these
features:
■ Opposing wedges ensure a tight tool

fit, even after years of use.

■ Rugged design with a large contact

area absorbs loads and minimizes

stress.
■ Lubricated vertical pins are chrome-

plated to prevent rust and corrosion

for smooth engagement.
All Cat Work Tools incorporate an
interface that matches the machine’s
integral quick coupler, allowing the
operator to quickly change from one
high performance work tool to another.

3
Operator’s Station
Ergonomic design provides a comfortable working environment.

Ergonomic cab is designed with the

operator in mind. Entry and exit are easy
with the wide cab opening, grab iron and
deep, skid-resistant steps.
Hydraulically operated joystick controls
are comfortable to use all day long.
Excellent visibility of work tools
increases productivity.
Uncluttered floor provides the operator
with more leg room.
Standard operator’s station features
include:
■ ROPS/FOPS cab

■ Fore and aft adjustable seat

■ Retractable seat belt

■ Armrest

■ Hand and foot throttles

■ Rear wall liner

■ Dome light

■ Instrument panel

Deluxe cab option provides a suspension

seat, headliner, rear and top windows,
horn, backup alarm, plus additional
working lights.
Cold weather cab options are available
such as left and right sliding side
windows, top and rear windows, front
door with wiper, cab heater, engine
coolant heater, and 950 CCA battery.
FOPS Level II option also available.

(Shown with optional features.)

Power Train
Caterpillar Hystat power train delivers aggressive performance and easy operation.

Caterpillar 3034 turbocharged engine High-strength, prestressed chains run Reliability is built in and factory tested
provides high engine horsepower and in an oil bath for continuous to ensure years of trouble-free
robust flywheel torque. lubrication. Chain wear adjustment is operation. The hydraulic system is
provided via slots in the axle housings. cleaned to a level exceeding industry
Closed-loop, high-output hydrostatic
standards and the machine is
system and exclusive anti-stall system Each drive axle is forged, induction
dynamometer tested to deliver the
deliver maximum torque to the wheels. hardened and sealed for long life.
performance and reliability customers
Parking brake is spring-applied and expect from Caterpillar.
hydraulically released.

4
Integral Quick Coupler
Mechanical quick coupler enables quick, easy work tool change.

Integral, mechanical quick coupler interfaces with all Cat

Skid Steer Loader Work Tools.
Opposing wedges ensure a tight tool fit, even after
years of use.
Rugged design with a large contact area absorbs loads and
minimizes stress.
Tool engagement and release are quick and easy. Rotating a
lever on either side of the coupler to horizontal engages the
tool; pulling the lever up to vertical releases it.
Coupler design allows an excellent view of work tools and
unobstructed entry and exit to the cab.

Serviceability
Quick access and superior design make the 246 easy to maintain.

Rear engine compartment door opens 90 degrees for easy

access to both sides of the in-line mounted engine.
Maintenance points are grouped in easily accessible locations.
All filters are vertically mounted spin-on type, reducing fluid
spills.
Radiator, hydraulic oil cooler and grill tilt up, providing more
room for maintenance and allowing easy cleaning.
Battery, air filter and single engine belt are conveniently
located.
Cab tilts to the rear with a pneumatically assisted strut,
exposing all pumps, motors, valves and lines. Cab is held in
place by a self-latching mechanism.
Hydraulic tank and radiator each have a sight glass for fast
daily fluid-level checks.
Ecology drains simplify the task of changing engine oil and
hydraulic system oil.
All grease fittings are countersunk in the pin ends to prevent
damage.
Extended life coolant and 500-hour oil change intervals for
lower maintenance cost.

5
Engine Cab Power Train, Axles and
Caterpillar 3034 turbocharged, Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Brakes
watercooled, four-stroke cycle, four- and Falling Objects Protective Structure Dual, closed-loop, axial piston
cylinder diesel. (FOPS). hydrostatic pumps driven directly off
■ ROPS meets SAE J1040 MAY94 and engine. Pumps provide pressure and flow
Ratings at 2600 rpm kW hp
ISO 3471:1994 to two fixed displacement motors.
Gross power 60 80
■ FOPS meets SAE J1043 SEP87 and Travel speed with 12 x 16.5 tires:
Net power 55 74
ISO 3449:1992 Level I km/h mph
Dimensions ■ FOPS Level II meets SAE J231 JAN81
Bore 97 mm 3.82 in Forward/reverse 12.1 7.5
and ISO 3449:1992 Level II
Stroke 100 mm 3.94 in Features
■ Single, hydraulically operated joystick

Net power rating per SAE J1349, ISO controls speed and direction
9249, EEC 80/1269.
Loader Hydraulic System ■ Forged, induction-hardened axles are
Open center, fixed displacement. sealed for life and maintenance free
The Caterpillar 3034T engine meets the
■ Direct sprocket to chain drive
EPA and projected EU Stage 1 emissions Output at 2600 rpm and 23 000 kPa
■ Hydrostatic service brakes
requirements through 2004. (3300 psi) is 83 l/min (22 gpm) with
■ Multi-disc, spring-applied
SAE 10W oil at 66°C (150°F).
hydraulically released parking brake
Feature ■ Anti-stall system maximizes torque to
■ Single, hydraulically operated joystick
the wheels without stalling engine
controls lift, lower and tilt functions

Operating Specifications Service Refill Capacities

Rated operating capacity* 907 kg 2000 lb liters gallons

Rated operating capacity* (with optional counterweight) 952 kg 2100 lb Chain box, each side 7 1.8
Operating weight 3191 kg 7036 lb Cooling system 10 2.6
Tipping Load 1814 kg 4000 lb Engine crankcase 7 1.8
Breakout force, lift cylinder 1968 kg 4339 lb ft Fuel tank 90 23.8
Breakout force, tilt cylinder 2385 kg 5259 lb ft Hydraulic system 52 13.7
Hydraulic tank 35 9.2
*SAE J818 MAY87, ISO 5998:1986
Note: When equipped with: Dirt Bucket 1676 mm (66 in) 12 x 16.5 10 PR tires
full fuel 65 kg (143 lb) operator 75 kg (165 lb)

Standard Equipment
Standard equipment may vary. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for specifics.

Air cleaner, dual element, radial seal Instrumentation: Liner, cab bottom, sound suppression
Alternator, 55-amp Audible Muffler, spark arresting
Armrest, pull down -engine coolant temperature Precleaner, self-unloading
Battery, 12-volt, 650 CCA -engine oil pressure Pump, hydraulic, tandem gear
Brake, parking, SAHR -hydraulic oil temperature Pump, Hystat charge and hydraulic fan
Controls, pilot-operated, hydraulic Gauges Scheduled Oil Sampling (S•O•S) valves
Coupler, mechanical, quick -fuel level Seat, static
Engine, Cat 3034 diesel, turbocharged -hour meter, digital Seat belt, retractable, 50 mm (2 in)
Falling Object Protective Structure, Indicators Starting aid, glow plugs
Level I -air filter restriction Support, lift arm
Filter, fuel, bayonet-type -alternator output Switch, ignition
Filter, hydraulic, spin-on, 5 micron -engine coolant temperature Tail lights
Hydraulic system -engine oil pressure Tie-downs, front and rear
-hydraulic filter restriction Valve, hydraulic, two-section
-hydraulic oil temperature
-parking brake engaged

6 246 Skid Steer Loader specifications

Optional Equipment

Alarm, back up Seat, suspension 12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" GY SGL

Battery, 12-volt, 950 CCA Seat belt, 75 mm (3 in) for static seat 12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" IT323
Control, work tool, electrical Seat belt, 75 mm (3 in) for suspension 12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" Galaxy
Counterweight, 100 kg (221 lb) seat 33-1550 x 16.5 12 PR 72" Galaxy
Door, front, laminated glass with Tank, water, for appropriate work tools 12 x 21.5 10 PR 66" Caterpillar Low
wiper/washer Tires: Side Wall
Door, front, polycarbonate, with 8 x 16 Solid 66" ITL 12 x 21.5 10 PR 66" Caterpillar Low
wiper/washer, for demolition use 12 x 16.5 66" AirBoss Side Wall w/Poly-Fill*, increases
Falling Object Protective Structure, 12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" GY SGL rated operating capacity to 967 kg
Level II 12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" GY IT323 (2,133 lb)
Headliner 12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" Galaxy 12 x 21.5 10 PR 72" Caterpillar Low
Heater, cab 12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" Caterpillar Side Wall
Heater, engine coolant Premium Conventional 12 x 21.5 10 PR 72" Caterpillar Low
Horn 12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" Caterpillar Side Wall w/Poly-Fill*, increases
Hydraulics, auxiliary Premium Conventional w/Poly- rated operating capacity to 967 kg
Hydraulics, self leveling, lift Fill*, increases rated operating (2,133 lb)
Lifting provision: capacity to 987 kg (2,177 lb) Windows:
four-point 12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" Caterpillar side, sliding
single-point Premium Conventional
Lights: 12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" Caterpillar * For best performance, SuperFlex Poly-
Premium Conventional w/Poly- Fill should only be used on firm
front, working
surfaces and is not recommended for
rear, working Fill*, increases rated operating
use with opitonal counterweight.
warning beacon capacity to 987 kg (2,177 lb)

Dimensions (approximate)
Dimensions shown are based on standard machine equipped with optional 12 x 16.5
10 PR tires and 1676 mm (66 in) Dirt Bucket.

97°

40°
541 mm
1' 9" 3965 mm
13' 0" 2097 mm
6' 11"
3099 mm 1623 mm
10' 2" 5' 4"

1357 mm
4' 5"
2092 mm
6' 10"
2398 mm
7' 10" 1730 mm
5' 8"

26°

235 mm 257 mm
9" 10" 1318 mm
1038 mm 1134 mm 4' 4"
3' 5" 3' 9"
2800 mm
9' 2"
3515 mm
11' 6"

246 Skid Steer Loader specifications 7

246 Skid Steer Loader

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© 1999, 2000 Caterpillar

Printed in U.S.A.

Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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