Cat Compact surprise at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2026

Historically we always associate Caterpillar with the ‘big iron’, but in today’s competitive market, compact machines are equally important, and at Conexpo-Con/Agg the American giant revealed what is probably their smallest machine ever.

On display on the Cat booth in the West Hall, during Conexpo-Con/Agg, was the TUL100, which marks Caterpillar’s first move into the stand-on compact utility loader market. Designed for confined worksites, it offers a rated operating capacity of 1,000 lb (454 kg) and is powered by a 24 hp (17.9 kW) Cat C1.1 turbo diesel engine.

The machine has an approximate operating weight of 3,600 lb (1.6 tonnes) and a maximum lift height of 7 ft (2.1 m). Contractors can choose between 36in (914mm) and 42in (1,067mm) track widths, enabling access through narrow site openings.

A range of attachments, including augers, trenchers, buckets, forks and power box rakes, will be available. The TUL100 also offers multiple coupler options and can be equipped with Cat VisionLink fleet management technology.

We are not sure on just when these machines will enter the European market, but North American availability is planned for early 2027.

Other Cat Compact machines of note revealed at Conexpo included the Cat 253 compact tracked loader, and the Cat 301 CR mini excavator.

Let's get an American visitors perspective of the new machine from the guy behind the Our Life In Trees You Tube channel.