Machine models

Cat 232, 242, and 242B specifications

Entries in this reference
Listing-entry count
3

Short answer

Cat 232, 242, and 242B: wheeled compact loaders.

Selected configuration figures
Configuration	Documented field and quantity
232	Gross Power 51 hp Operational Weight 6,931 lb
242	Gross Power 58 hp Operational Weight 6,931 lb
242B	Gross Power 62 hp Operational Weight 6,801 lb

232, 242, and 242B specification matrix — Listing labels reported by the source
Publisher name	Source guide	Listing-entry count	Labels named by the source
Cat	232, 242, and 242B	3	232, 242, and 242B

Dimensions and weight
Specification	232	242	242B
Length With Bucket	11.28 ft	11.28 ft	11.28 ft
Width Over Tires	5.01 ft	5.01 ft	5.5 ft
Ground Clearance	5.7 in	7 in	7 in
Height To Top Of Cab	6.4 ft	6.52 ft	6.52 ft
Wheelbase	3.59 ft	3.73 ft	3.59 ft
Length W/O Bucket	9.06 ft	9.11 ft	9.06 ft
Clearance At Max Lift And Dump	7.62 ft	7.47 ft	7.45 ft
Reach At Max Lift And Dump	30.16 in	30.16 in	30.16 in
Wheel Base	3.59 ft	3.59 ft	3.59 ft
Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position	9.7 in	11.8 in	12 in
Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump	86.9 in	88.2 in	88 in
Length - Without Bucket	109.3 in	109.3 in	109 in
Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift	9.89 ft	10 ft	10 ft
Maximum Overall Height	153.31 in	154.6 in	155 in
Height - Top Of Cab	6.41 ft	6.52 ft	6.5 ft
Bumper Overhang - Rear Axle	38.9 in	38.9 in	39 in
Reach - Maximum Lift/Dump	28.5 in	29.9 in	30 in
Turning Radius From Center - Inc Bucket	88.71 in	88.71 in	87.45 in
Length - With Bucket On Ground	135.31 in	135.31 in	135 in
Vehicle Width Over Tires	60 in	66 in	66 in

Specification	242B
Maximum Reach - With Arms Parallel	48.4 in
Turn Radius From Center - Coupler	56.5 in
Turn Radius From Center - Rear	60.8 in
Turning Radius From Center - Machine Rear	60.83 in
Turn Radius From Center - Bucket	87.4 in

Operating Specifications
Specification	232	242	242B
Breakout Force - Tilt Cylinder	4,056 lb	4,056 lb	4,059 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder	3,814 lb	3,814 lb	3,841 lb
Rated Operating Capacity	1,750 lb	2,000 lb	2,000 lb
Rated Operating Capacity With Optional Counterweight	1,795 lb	2,047 lb	2,047 lb
Tipping Load	3,500 lb	4,000 lb	4,000 lb

Specification	242B
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder (Hf)	3,818 lb

Engine
Specification	232	242
Number Of Cylinders	4	4
Power Measured @	3,000 rpm	2,600 rpm
Displacement	134 cu in	183 cu in

Specification	232	242	242B
Engine Model	3024C	Cat 3034C	3024C T
Gross Power	51 hp	58 hp	62 hp
Net Power	48 hp	54 hp	57.7 hp
Bore	3.4 in	3.9 in	3.3 in
Stroke	4 in	4 in	3.9 in
Net Flywheel Power	48 hp	54 hp	57 hp

Specification	242B
Aspiration	turbocharged
Gross Power - SAE J1995	62 hp
Engine Power - ISO 14396	61 hp
Net Power - Eec 80/1269	57 hp
Net Power - ISO 9249 Eec	57 hp
Net Power - SAE 1349	57 hp

Operational
Specification	232	242	242B
Operational Weight	6,931 lb	6,931 lb	6,801 lb
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gal	17.2 gal	17.2 gal
Max Speed	6.2 mph	6.9 mph	7.5 mph
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	14.6 gal	14.6 gal	14.6 gal

Specification	232	242
Operating Speed	6.2 mph	6.9 mph

Specification	242B
Cooling System Fluid Capacity	2.7 gal
Engine Oil Fluid Capacity	2.2 gal
Chain Box Fluid Capacity - Each Side	1.6 gal
Tire Size	12x16.5 10PR
Operating Voltage	12 V
Alternator Supplied Amperage	85 amps

Loader
Specification	232	242	242B
Operating Load Rating	1,750 lb	2,000 lb	2,000 lb
Tipping Angle	3633 degrees	3770 degrees	3999.2 degrees

Specification	232	242
Bucket Capacity	0.6 yd3	0.6 yd3

Specification	242B
Breakout Force	4,059 lb

Weights
Specification	232	242	242B
Operating Weight	6,740 lb	6,859 lb	6,802 lb

Specification	242B
Operating Weight - Hf	6,895 lb

Hydraulic
Specification	232	242	242B
Pump Flow Capacity	14.6 gpm	15.2 gpm	15.9 gpm

Specification	242B
Relief Valve Pressure	3,336 psi

Hydraulic System
Specification	232	242	242B
Loader Hydraulic Pressure	3,100 psi	3,300 psi	3,335 psi
Loader Hydraulic Flow	14.7 gpm	15.1 gpm	15.6 gpm

Specification	242B
Hydraulic Flow (1)	Standard flow
Maximum Loader Hydraulic Flow	26 gpm
Hydraulic Flow (2)	High Flow
Hydraulic Power (2)	50.6 hp
Hydraulic Power (1)	30.4 hp

Service Refill Capacities
Specification	232	242	242B
Cooling System	2.4 gal	24 gal	2.6 gal
Fuel Tank	18.2 gal	18.2 gal	17 gal
Hydraulic Tank	9.2 gal	9.2 gal	9.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.1 gal	2.1 gal	2.1 gal
Hydraulic System	15.3 gal	15.3 gal	14.5 gal
Chain Box - Each Side	1.6 gal	1.6 gal	1.6 gal

Cab
Specification	232	242	242B
ROPS	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994
FOPS	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I
FOPS Level Ii	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)

Power Train
Specification	242B
Travel Speed Forward	7.4 mph
Travel Speed Reverse	7.4 mph

Variants — Source comparison annotation
Source guide	Differing-field count reported
232, 242, and 242B	72

Ratios
Figure	232	242	242B
Engine horsepower per 1,000 lb of weight	7.1	7.9	8.5
Pump flow per engine horsepower	0.30 gpm	0.28 gpm	0.28 gpm
Rated operating capacity as a share of tipping load	50%	50%	50%
Fuel tank per engine horsepower	0.36 gal	0.32 gal	0.30 gal

Cat 232, 242, and 242B: wheeled compact loader

232, 242, and 242B: owner reports

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar 232 skid steer loaders (232B, 232D3); heavyequipmentforums.com.

Cat: Cold starting, lost ignition power and hydraulics.

232, 242, and 242B: forum references — Forum-title search
Forum index	Equipment class queried	Names in the search	Matching titles
Heavy Equipment Forums	wheeled compact loader	Cat and the 232, 242, 242B	65

Topics named by those titles
Title topic	Titles
hydraulics	9
starting and cranking	5
electrical and sensors	3

Topic in the title	Threads	Share of matching threads
hydraulics	9	14%
starting and cranking	5	8%
electrical and sensors	3	5%
fuel system	3	5%
engine power and smoke	3	5%

Joystick Buttons On 2003 Caterpillar Model 242 (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-02-13)
CAT 242d No Power No Start (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-02-01)
CAT 242d (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-12-10)
CAT 242b %E2%80%93 Hydraulic Leak In A C Gear Motor (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-10-22)

Used market for the 232, 242, and 242B — Dated first-page listing snapshot
Observation date	Listing source	Equipment search	Listings
2026-09-24	MachineryTrader	Cat wheeled compact loader	119

Model	Listed	Model years	Lowest asking	Highest asking	Median asking	Median hours
232	22	2002 to 2025	$15,000	$56,296	$31,500	767
242	93	2006 to 2024	$19,900	$52,900	$34,500	1,699
242B	4	2006 to 2011	$19,900	$35,000	$24,768	None shown

232, 242, and 242B: recall reference — Dated CPSC search
Search date	Database	Names queried	Search result
2026-09-24	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission	Cat together with the wheeled compact loader 232, 242, 242B	No matching recall in this search

Sources for this page
Evidence class	Document, classification and recorded date
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 232 — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 242 — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat 242B — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads	Forum threads: Heavy Equipment Forums thread index for Cat 232, 242, and 242B — Heavy Equipment Forums. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads	Forum threads: Forum threads read for the Caterpillar 232 skid steer loaders (232B, 232D3) — Heavyequipmentforums. Observed 2026-09-24.
Used-market listings	Used-market listings: MachineryTrader listings for Cat 232 — MachineryTrader. Observed 2026-09-24.
Federal agency data	Federal agency data: Recall database search for Cat — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Observed 2026-09-24.

Cat 232, 242, and 242B: Configuration records

232

Specification	Source figure
Dimensions and weight
Length With Bucket	11.28 ft
Width Over Tires	5.01 ft
Ground Clearance	5.7 in
Height To Top Of Cab	6.4 ft
Wheelbase	3.59 ft
Length W/O Bucket	9.06 ft
Clearance At Max Lift And Dump	7.62 ft
Reach At Max Lift And Dump	30.16 in
Wheel Base	3.59 ft
Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position	9.7 in
Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump	86.9 in
Length - Without Bucket	109.3 in
Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift	9.89 ft
Maximum Overall Height	153.31 in
Height - Top Of Cab	6.41 ft
Bumper Overhang - Rear Axle	38.9 in
Reach - Maximum Lift/Dump	28.5 in
Turning Radius From Center - Inc Bucket	88.71 in
Length - With Bucket On Ground	135.31 in
Vehicle Width Over Tires	60 in
Operating Specifications
Breakout Force - Tilt Cylinder	4,056 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder	3,814 lb
Rated Operating Capacity	1,750 lb
Rated Operating Capacity With Optional Counterweight	1,795 lb
Tipping Load	3,500 lb
Engine
Number Of Cylinders	4
Engine Model	3024C
Gross Power	51 hp
Net Power	48 hp
Power Measured @	3,000 rpm
Displacement	134 cu in
Bore	3.4 in
Stroke	4 in
Net Flywheel Power	48 hp
Operational
Operational Weight	6,931 lb
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gal
Max Speed	6.2 mph
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	14.6 gal
Operating Speed	6.2 mph
Loader
Operating Load Rating	1,750 lb
Weights
Operating Weight	6,740 lb
Hydraulic
Pump Flow Capacity	14.6 gpm
Hydraulic System
Loader Hydraulic Pressure	3,100 psi
Loader Hydraulic Flow	14.7 gpm
Service Refill Capacities
Cooling System	2.4 gal
Fuel Tank	18.2 gal
Hydraulic Tank	9.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.1 gal
Chain Box - Each Side	1.6 gal
Cab
ROPS	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994
FOPS	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I
FOPS Level Ii	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)
Additional specifications
Bucket Capacity	0.6 yd3
Hydraulic System	15.3 gal

Source

242

Specification	Source figure
Dimensions and weight
Length With Bucket	11.28 ft
Width Over Tires	5.01 ft
Ground Clearance	7 in
Height To Top Of Cab	6.52 ft
Wheelbase	3.73 ft
Length W/O Bucket	9.11 ft
Clearance At Max Lift And Dump	7.47 ft
Reach At Max Lift And Dump	30.16 in
Wheel Base	3.59 ft
Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position	11.8 in
Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump	88.2 in
Length - Without Bucket	109.3 in
Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift	10 ft
Maximum Overall Height	154.6 in
Height - Top Of Cab	6.52 ft
Bumper Overhang - Rear Axle	38.9 in
Reach - Maximum Lift/Dump	29.9 in
Turning Radius From Center - Inc Bucket	88.71 in
Length - With Bucket On Ground	135.31 in
Vehicle Width Over Tires	66 in
Operating Specifications
Breakout Force - Tilt Cylinder	4,056 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder	3,814 lb
Rated Operating Capacity	2,000 lb
Rated Operating Capacity With Optional Counterweight	2,047 lb
Tipping Load	4,000 lb
Engine
Number Of Cylinders	4
Engine Model	Cat 3034C
Gross Power	58 hp
Net Power	54 hp
Power Measured @	2,600 rpm
Displacement	183 cu in
Bore	3.9 in
Stroke	4 in
Net Flywheel Power	54 hp
Operational
Operational Weight	6,931 lb
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gal
Max Speed	6.9 mph
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	14.6 gal
Operating Speed	6.9 mph
Loader
Operating Load Rating	2,000 lb
Weights
Operating Weight	6,859 lb
Hydraulic
Pump Flow Capacity	15.2 gpm
Hydraulic System
Loader Hydraulic Pressure	3,300 psi
Loader Hydraulic Flow	15.1 gpm
Service Refill Capacities
Cooling System	24 gal
Fuel Tank	18.2 gal
Hydraulic Tank	9.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.1 gal
Chain Box - Each Side	1.6 gal
Cab
ROPS	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994
FOPS	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I
FOPS Level Ii	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)
Additional specifications
Bucket Capacity	0.6 yd3
Hydraulic System	15.3 gal

Source

242B

Specification	Source figure
Dimensions and weight
Length With Bucket	11.28 ft
Width Over Tires	5.5 ft
Ground Clearance	7 in
Height To Top Of Cab	6.52 ft
Wheelbase	3.59 ft
Length W/O Bucket	9.06 ft
Clearance At Max Lift And Dump	7.45 ft
Reach At Max Lift And Dump	30.16 in
Wheel Base	3.59 ft
Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position	12 in
Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump	88 in
Length - Without Bucket	109 in
Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift	10 ft
Maximum Overall Height	155 in
Height - Top Of Cab	6.5 ft
Bumper Overhang - Rear Axle	39 in
Reach - Maximum Lift/Dump	30 in
Turning Radius From Center - Inc Bucket	87.45 in
Length - With Bucket On Ground	135 in
Vehicle Width Over Tires	66 in
Maximum Reach - With Arms Parallel	48.4 in
Turn Radius From Center - Rear	60.8 in
Turning Radius From Center - Machine Rear	60.83 in
Turn Radius From Center - Bucket	87.4 in
Turn Radius From Center - Coupler	56.5 in
Operating Specifications
Breakout Force - Tilt Cylinder	4,059 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder	3,841 lb
Rated Operating Capacity	2,000 lb
Rated Operating Capacity With Optional Counterweight	2,047 lb
Tipping Load	4,000 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder (Hf)	3,818 lb
Engine
Engine Model	3024C T
Gross Power	62 hp
Net Power	57.7 hp
Bore	3.3 in
Stroke	3.9 in
Net Flywheel Power	57 hp
Gross Power - SAE J1995	62 hp
Engine Power - ISO 14396	61 hp
Net Power - Eec 80/1269	57 hp
Net Power - ISO 9249 Eec	57 hp
Net Power - SAE 1349	57 hp
Aspiration	turbocharged
Operational
Operational Weight	6,801 lb
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gal
Max Speed	7.5 mph
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	14.6 gal
Cooling System Fluid Capacity	2.7 gal
Engine Oil Fluid Capacity	2.2 gal
Chain Box Fluid Capacity - Each Side	1.6 gal
Tire Size	12x16.5 10PR
Operating Voltage	12 V
Alternator Supplied Amperage	85 amps
Loader
Operating Load Rating	2,000 lb
Breakout Force	4,059 lb
Weights
Operating Weight	6,802 lb
Operating Weight - Hf	6,895 lb
Hydraulic
Pump Flow Capacity	15.9 gpm
Relief Valve Pressure	3,336 psi
Hydraulic System
Loader Hydraulic Pressure	3,335 psi
Loader Hydraulic Flow	15.6 gpm
Hydraulic Flow (1)	Standard flow
Maximum Loader Hydraulic Flow	26 gpm
Hydraulic Flow (2)	High Flow
Hydraulic Power (2)	50.6 hp
Hydraulic Power (1)	30.4 hp
Service Refill Capacities
Cooling System	2.6 gal
Fuel Tank	17 gal
Hydraulic Tank	9.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.1 gal
Chain Box - Each Side	1.6 gal
Cab
ROPS	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994
FOPS	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I
FOPS Level Ii	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)
Power Train
Travel Speed Forward	7.4 mph
Travel Speed Reverse	7.4 mph
Additional specifications
Hydraulic System	14.5 gal

Source

Compare Cat 232, 242, 242B

Dimensions and weight
Specification	232	242	242B
Length With Bucket	11.28 ft	11.28 ft	11.28 ft
Width Over Tires	5.01 ft	5.01 ft	5.5 ft
Ground Clearance	5.7 in	7 in	7 in
Height To Top Of Cab	6.4 ft	6.52 ft	6.52 ft
Wheelbase	3.59 ft	3.73 ft	3.59 ft
Length W/O Bucket	9.06 ft	9.11 ft	9.06 ft
Clearance At Max Lift And Dump	7.62 ft	7.47 ft	7.45 ft
Reach At Max Lift And Dump	30.16 in	30.16 in	30.16 in
Wheel Base	3.59 ft	3.59 ft	3.59 ft
Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position	9.7 in	11.8 in	12 in
Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump	86.9 in	88.2 in	88 in
Length - Without Bucket	109.3 in	109.3 in	109 in
Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift	9.89 ft	10 ft	10 ft
Maximum Overall Height	153.31 in	154.6 in	155 in
Height - Top Of Cab	6.41 ft	6.52 ft	6.5 ft
Bumper Overhang - Rear Axle	38.9 in	38.9 in	39 in
Reach - Maximum Lift/Dump	28.5 in	29.9 in	30 in
Turning Radius From Center - Inc Bucket	88.71 in	88.71 in	87.45 in
Length - With Bucket On Ground	135.31 in	135.31 in	135 in
Vehicle Width Over Tires	60 in	66 in	66 in

Operating Specifications
Specification	232	242	242B
Breakout Force - Tilt Cylinder	4,056 lb	4,056 lb	4,059 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder	3,814 lb	3,814 lb	3,841 lb
Rated Operating Capacity	1,750 lb	2,000 lb	2,000 lb
Rated Operating Capacity With Optional Counterweight	1,795 lb	2,047 lb	2,047 lb
Tipping Load	3,500 lb	4,000 lb	4,000 lb

Engine
Specification	232	242	242B
Engine Model	3024C	Cat 3034C	3024C T
Gross Power	51 hp	58 hp	62 hp
Net Power	48 hp	54 hp	57.7 hp
Bore	3.4 in	3.9 in	3.3 in
Stroke	4 in	4 in	3.9 in
Net Flywheel Power	48 hp	54 hp	57 hp

Operational
Specification	232	242	242B
Operational Weight	6,931 lb	6,931 lb	6,801 lb
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gal	17.2 gal	17.2 gal
Max Speed	6.2 mph	6.9 mph	7.5 mph
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	14.6 gal	14.6 gal	14.6 gal

Loader
Specification	232	242	242B
Operating Load Rating	1,750 lb	2,000 lb	2,000 lb

Weights
Specification	232	242	242B
Operating Weight	6,740 lb	6,859 lb	6,802 lb

Hydraulic
Specification	232	242	242B
Pump Flow Capacity	14.6 gpm	15.2 gpm	15.9 gpm

Hydraulic System
Specification	232	242	242B
Loader Hydraulic Pressure	3,100 psi	3,300 psi	3,335 psi
Loader Hydraulic Flow	14.7 gpm	15.1 gpm	15.6 gpm

Service Refill Capacities
Specification	232	242	242B
Cooling System	2.4 gal	24 gal	2.6 gal
Fuel Tank	18.2 gal	18.2 gal	17 gal
Hydraulic Tank	9.2 gal	9.2 gal	9.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.1 gal	2.1 gal	2.1 gal
Hydraulic System	15.3 gal	15.3 gal	14.5 gal
Chain Box - Each Side	1.6 gal	1.6 gal	1.6 gal

Cab
Specification	232	242	242B
ROPS	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994	SAE J1040 MAY94 and ISO3471:1994
FOPS	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR98 Level I and ISO3449:1992 Level I
FOPS Level Ii	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)	SAEJ/ISO 3449 APR 98 Level II and ISO 3449:1992 Level II (optional)

More in Cat: 226B: auxiliary controls/load ratings/service, 216–232B, 226D3/232D3.

Cat 232, 242, and 242B specifications

Cat 232, 242, and 242B: wheeled compact loader

232, 242, and 242B: owner reports

Sources for this page

Cat 232, 242, and 242B: Configuration records