Every hour a CAT 259D3 sits on worn tracks, it's burning money instead of making it. Here's the number that gets it back to work: the 259D3 runs a 320x86x53 rubber track standard, with a 400x86x53 wide-track option for operators who need more flotation. This guide covers both — sizes, tread patterns, undercarriage part numbers, and what a heavy-duty replacement actually costs.
CAT 259D3 Track Size
| Standard track | 320x86x53 (13" wide) |
| Wide option | 400x86x53 (16" wide) |
| Pitch | 86 mm |
| Links | 53 |
| Tread options | Zig-Zag, Multi-Bar, C-Block |
| Track weight | ~330–460 lb depending on width and tread |
Check the rubber on your machine before ordering — the size is molded into the track face. If your current tracks read 320x86x53, you can stay standard or step up to 400x86x53 for softer ground, as long as both sides match. Never run mixed widths.
Shop CAT 259D3 rubber tracks — both widths, all tread patterns →
CAT 259D3 Specs
| Class | Compact track loader, radial lift |
| Engine | 74 HP |
| Operating weight | 9,105 lb |
| Rated operating capacity | 2,100 lb |
| Aux hydraulic flow | 23 GPM standard / 32 GPM high-flow |
| System pressure | 3,335 PSI |
| Lift height (hinge pin) | 121" |
Note: CAT is phasing the 259D3 out in favor of the new 255 — which makes aftermarket support for D3 tracks and undercarriage parts matter more, not less. These machines will be working for another decade.
Which tread pattern for the 259D3?
- Zig-Zag — the all-season workhorse. Self-cleaning in mud, predictable on slopes, strong in snow. From $896.80 in 320 width.
- Multi-Bar — turf-friendly. Finish grading, residential work, anywhere you can't tear up the ground.
- C-Block — severe-duty block pattern for rock, demolition debris, and abrasive fill. Maximum rubber on the ground, longest wear in punishing conditions.
Optimized tread patterns aren't cosmetic — the right pattern for your ground conditions is the difference between 1,200 hours and 2,000 hours on a set.
What replacement tracks cost
Heavy-duty aftermarket 259D3 tracks from TrackTECH run $896–$1,160 per track depending on width and tread — continuously wound steel cord that prevents snapping under load, abrasion-resistant rubber compound that resists cuts and chunking in rocky terrain, and a 24-month full replacement warranty. Not all aftermarket tracks are built to the same standards — ours are tested to last 30% longer than standard aftermarket tracks. Free freight to the lower 48, same-day shipping on orders placed before 12 PM CT.
259D3 undercarriage parts (with CAT part numbers)
New tracks on worn steel is money thrown away — a hooked sprocket will eat a fresh set of tracks in a season. While the machine is up, inspect these:
- Drive sprocket — #304-1870 ($288): hooked or sharpened teeth mean replace now, not later.
- Front idler — #304-1878 ($604): check for flange wear and side-to-side play.
- Rear idler — #304-1894 ($510): same drill — wobble kills tracking.
- Bottom roller — #304-1890 ($373): the highest-wear item under the machine. Any roller that won't spin or weeps oil is done.
Other D3-series machines
Don't cross sizes between the D3 lineup — each frame runs its own track:
- CAT 289D3 — 450x86x56
- CAT 299D3 — 450x86x60
- CAT 259D — the prior-generation machine; verify the size molded on your current track before ordering.
Browse all CAT rubber tracks and undercarriage parts or jump to the 400x86x53 size collection.
When to replace 259D3 tracks
- Lug depth under 50% — traction loss shows up first on slopes and wet clay
- Exposed steel cord — structural failure is coming; plan the swap before it strands the machine
- Cracking between lugs — aging rubber past ~1,500 hours in abrasive conditions
- Repeated de-tracking after tensioning — stretched cords; no adjustment fixes elongation
FAQ
What size track does a CAT 259D3 use?
320x86x53 standard; 400x86x53 wide option. Both sides must match.
How much does a CAT 259D3 weigh?
About 9,105 lb operating weight, with a 2,100 lb rated operating capacity.
Are 259D and 259D3 tracks the same?
Often, but verify — read the size molded on your current track or call us with your serial number.
How long do 259D3 tracks last?
1,200–2,000 hours depending on ground. Rock and demolition cut life hard; turf and dirt extend it.
Downtime costs more than tracks. Use the Rubber Track Finder or call (850) 816-7898 — we verify fitment by serial number before anything ships. Search. Select. Send.