®

248
Skid Steer Loader

Cat® 3034 Turbocharged Diesel Engine

Flywheel Power 55 kW 74 hp
Operating Weight 3328 kg 7338 lb
Rated Operating Capacity 907 kg 2000 lb
Caterpillar® 248 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
horsepower and torque, allowing part-
throttle operation for lower sound and
fuel consumption. An exclusive anti-
stall feature incorporated into the
hydrostatic drivetrain delivers
maximum power to the wheels and
work tools without stalling the engine.
A mechanical quick coupler makes
work tool changing quick and easy and
interfaces with a wide selection of
Caterpillar Work Tools. pg. 4-5
Operator comfort and easy operation are
designed into the operator’s station
from every aspect. Ergonomic features
such as low-effort joystick controls, a
comfortable, padded armrest and an
adjustable, contoured seat reduce
operator fatigue. The loader arms, quick
coupler and cab are designed to provide
excellent visibility to the work tool.
Even more cab options are available to
further enhance operator comfort. pg. 4
The 248 is designed for quick and easy
routine maintenance and service. The
rear door opens 90 degrees and the
cooling package tilts up out of the way
for unparalleled access to the engine
compartment. Maintenance points are
grouped in easy-to-reach locations, and
all filters are vertically mounted to
reduce fluid spills. The cab tilts to the
rear, exposing hydraulic pumps, motors,
valves and lines. Both the hydraulic
tank and the radiator have a sight glass
for fast daily fluid-level checks. pg. 5

Built for Versatility

The 248 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

Customer Support
Caterpillar dealers offer unmatched
customer support, with excellent
warranty programs and fast parts
availability, resulting in maximum
uptime and minimum repair costs.
Equipment maintenance services help
optimize machine performance and
reliability. They include:
■ Customer Support Agreements
■ S•O•S oil analysis
■ Maintenance contracts
■ Scheduled technical inspections
Equipment management services help
optimize profits. They include
assistance with:
■ Machine and work tool selection
■ Rental and leasing
■ Purchase and financing
■ Owning and operating cost
management
High Flow Hydraulics
The Cat 248 Skid Steer Loader provides
unmatched productivity and efficiency.
Caterpillar's high flow system utilizes a
load sensing variable displacement
pump which will provide maximum
pressure to the work tool at any engine
speed. The system is capable of sending
100% of engine power to the work tool;
making it difficult to lug down the
engine. With high hydraulic
horsepower, the Cat 248 allows optimal
operation of complex hydromechanical
work tools such as cold planers and
stump grinders.
Work Tools
Choose from a wide variety of tools designed specifically
for Skid Steer Loaders.
Work Tools
Cat Skid Steer Loader Work Tools
extend the versatility of the machine.
Built for performance and durability,
these tools deliver high productivity,
long service life and excellent value:
■ general purpose buckets
■ dirt buckets
■ utility buckets
■ light material buckets
■ multi purpose buckets
■ pallet forks
■ material handling arm
■ angle blades
■ augers
■ brooms
■ cold planers
■ grapple buckets
■ grapple forks
■ hammers
■ landscape rakes
■ landscape tillers
■ stump grinders
■ 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 panels

Deluxe cab option provides a suspension

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

(Shown with optional attachments.)

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

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

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 248 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
engine. Pumps provide pressure and flow
Ratings at 2600 rpm kW hp ■ ROPS meets SAE J1040 MAY94 and
to two fixed displacement motors.
Gross power 60 80 ISO 3471:1994
■ 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 (optional) meets SAE Forward/reverse 12.1 7.5
Bore 97 mm 3.82 in J231 JAN81 and ISO 3449:1992
Stroke 100 mm 3.94 in Level II Features
■ Single, hydraulically operated joystick

Net power rating per SAE J1349, ISO controls speed and direction
9249, EEC 80/1269. ■ Forged, induction-hardened axles are

sealed for life and maintenance free

The Caterpillar 3034T engine meets the
■ Direct sprocket to chain drive
EPA and projected EU Stage 1 emissions
■ Hydrostatic service brakes
requirements through 2004.
■ Multi-disc, spring-applied

hydraulically released parking brake

■ Anti-stall system maximizes torque to

the wheels without stalling engine

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 3328 kg 7338 lb Cooling system 10 2.6
Tipping Load 1814 kg 4000 lb Engine crankcase 7 1.8
Breakout force, lift cylinder 1954 kg 4308 lb ft Fuel tank 90 23.8
Breakout force, tilt cylinder 2386 kg 5261 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)
Loader Hydraulic System
Open center, variable displacement.

Output at 2600 rpm and 29 000 kPa

(4200 psi) is 125 l/min (33 gpm) with
SAE 10W oil at 66°C (150°F).
Feature
■ Single, hydraulically operated joystick

controls lift, lower and tilt functions

6 248 Skid Steer Loader specifications

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

Air cleaner, dual element, radial seal Indicators Alarm, back up

Alternator, 55-amp
Armrest, pull down
Battery, 12-volt, 650 CCA
Brake, parking, SAHR
Control, work tool, electrical
Controls, pilot-operated, hydraulic
Coupler, mechanical, quick
Engine, Cat 3034 turbocharged diesel
Falling Object Protective Structure,
Level I
Filter, fuel, bayonet-type
Filter, hydraulic, spin-on, 5 micron
Hydraulics, auxiliary
Hydraulic system
Instrumentation:
Audible
-engine coolant temperature
-engine oil pressure
-hydraulic oil temperature
Gauges
-engine coolant temperature
-fuel level
-hour meter, digital
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.
-air filter restriction Battery, 12-volt, 950 CCA
-alternator output Counterweight, 100 kg (221 lb)
-engine coolant temperature Door, front, laminated glass with
-engine oil pressure wiper/washer
-hydraulic filter restriction Door, front, polycarbonate, with
-hydraulic oil temperature wiper/washer, for demolition use
-parking brake engaged Falling Object Protective Structure,
Liner, cab bottom, sound suppression Level II
Muffler, spark arresting Headliner
Precleaner, self-unloading Heater, cab
Pump, hydraulic, 125 l/min (33 gpm ) Heater, engine coolant
Pump, Hystat charge and hydraulic fan Horn
Scheduled Oil Sampling (S•O•S) valves Hydraulics, self-leveling
Seat, static Lifting provision:
Seat belt, retractable, 50 mm (2 in) four-point
Starting aid, glow plugs single-point
Support, lift arm Lights:
Switch, ignition front, working
Tail lights rear, working
Tie-downs, front and rear warning beacon
Valve, hydraulic, four function Seat, suspension
Water separator, bayonet-mount Seat belt, 75 mm (3 in) for static seat
Seat belt, 75 mm (3 in) for suspension
seat
Tank, water, for appropriate work tools
Tires:
8 x 16 Solid 66" ITL
12 x 16.5 66" AirBoss
12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" GY SGL
12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" GY IT323
12 x 16.5 10 PR 66" Galaxy
12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" GY SGL
12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" IT323
12 x 16.5 10 PR 72" Galaxy
33-1550 x 16.5 12 PR 72" Galaxy
Windows:
side, sliding
top and rear
97°

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

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

26°

235 mm 257 mm
9" 10" 1318 mm
4' 4"
1038 mm 1134 mm
3' 5" 3' 9"
2800 mm
9' 2"
3515 mm
11' 6"
248 Skid Steer Loader specifications 7
248 Skid Steer Loader

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© 1999 Caterpillar
Printed in U.S.A.

Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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