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Choosing between the John Deere 325 P-Tier and Cat 255 Compact Track Loaders comes down to more than horsepower. Both machines sit in the 74-gross-horsepower class, but official manufacturer specs show clear differences in rated operating capacity, operating weight, hydraulic flow, ground pressure, and published breakout-force figures.
The Cat 255 is a current vertical-lift Compact Track Loader with a redesigned operator station, standard torsion suspension undercarriage, and available High Flow XPS hydraulics. The John Deere 325 P-Tier is also a vertical-lift Compact Track Loader, with strong rated operating capacity for its size, lower listed operating weight, optional high-flow hydraulics, clear sightlines, and local John Deere support from CL Boyd.
The top things to know when comparing the John Deere 325 P-Tier to the Cat 255:
- The John Deere 325 P-Tier has the higher listed rated operating capacity at both 35% and 50% tipping load: 2,590 pounds at 35% and 3,700 pounds at 50%, compared with 2,499 pounds and 3,570 pounds for the Cat 255.
- The 325 P-Tier is slightly lighter based on official listed operating weight, at 9,500 pounds with standard 320-mm tracks compared with 9,578 pounds for the Cat 255. Because the difference is small, contractors should still compare actual machine configuration before making a transport or trailer decision.
- The 325 P-Tier lists a higher optional high-flow pump flow at 32 gallons per minute, while Cat lists the 255 at 30 gallons per minute for both High Flow and High Flow XPS.
John Deere 325 P-Tier vs. Cat 255 Specs
Official manufacturer specs show these machines are equal in listed gross horsepower. Cat lists higher net horsepower, while the 325 P-Tier has advantages in rated operating capacity, tipping load, listed operating weight, standard-track ground pressure, and optional high-flow gallons per minute.
| John Deere 325 P-Tier | Cat 255 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross horsepower | 74 hp | Gross horsepower | 74 hp |
| Net horsepower | 70 hp | Net power - ISO 9249 | 73 hp |
| Operating weight with standard tracks | 9,500 lb | Operating weight | 9,578 lb |
| Rated operating capacity at 35% tipping load | 2,590 lb | Rated operating capacity at 35% tipping load | 2,499 lb |
| Rated operating capacity at 50% tipping load | 3,700 lb | Rated operating capacity at 50% tipping load | 3,570 lb |
| Tipping load | 7,400 lb | Tipping load | 7,140 lb |
| Standard pump flow | 21 gpm | Standard loader hydraulic flow | 23 gpm |
| Optional high-flow pump flow | 32 gpm | High Flow XPS maximum loader hydraulic flow | 30 gpm |
| Hydraulic system pressure at couplers | 3,450 psi | Standard loader hydraulic pressure | 3,500 psi |
| Bucket breakout force with foundry bucket | 8,750 lb | Breakout force - tilt cylinder | 6,746 lb |
| Boom breakout force with heavy-duty construction bucket | 6,000 lb | Breakout force - lift cylinder | 5,895 lb |
| Ground pressure with standard 320-mm tracks | 5.7 psi | Ground pressure with 320-mm tracks | 5.9 psi |
| Ground pressure with optional 400-mm tracks | 4.7 psi | Ground pressure with 400-mm tracks | 4.7 psi |
| Maximum travel speed | 8.2 mph | Two-speed travel speed | 8.5 mph |
Spec data sourced from official John Deere and Caterpillar product specifications. Specs may vary by configuration, options, region, bucket, track width, operator weight, fluids, and attachments. Breakout-force values are manufacturer-listed figures using each manufacturer's published labels; compare actual performance during a demo when breakout force is central to the buying decision.
Which machine is better for your work?
Choose the John Deere 325 P-Tier if you want a 74-gross-horsepower Compact Track Loader with higher listed rated operating capacity than the Cat 255, slightly lower listed operating weight, strong tipping-load performance, and 32 gallons per minute of optional high-flow hydraulic capability.
Choose the Cat 255 if your buying decision is driven by Cat's newer operator station, torsion suspension undercarriage, higher listed standard hydraulic flow, higher listed standard hydraulic pressure, or the specific Cat control and display packages available on that machine.
For Oklahoma contractors, the best answer depends on more than the spec table. Work type, attachment needs, jobsite conditions, trailer capacity, service support, parts availability, and operator preference all matter. A demo is the best next step before choosing between the 325 P-Tier and Cat 255.
Serviceability, visibility, and daily use
Daily uptime matters on a Compact Track Loader. John Deere describes the 325 P-Tier with ground-level access to the dipstick, filters, and fuel and fluid fills, along with cab-footwell access designed to help speed cleaning. Deere also highlights clear sightlines to the cutting edge, bucket corners, lift arms, and the jobsite ahead and behind, with optional LED side lighting and rearview camera availability.
Cat describes the 255 with ground-level access to daily service and routine maintenance points, a redesigned operator station, available ventilated and heated high-back air ride seat, optional Advanced Touchscreen Monitor, and three auxiliary hydraulic performance levels: Standard Flow, High Flow, and High Flow XPS.
The practical takeaway: both machines are capable, but they are not identical. The John Deere 325 P-Tier is a strong fit for contractors who want a compact 74-gross-horsepower machine with higher listed rated operating capacity than the Cat 255, 32 gallons per minute of optional high-flow hydraulic capability, clear published visibility and service-access features, and local support from CL Boyd.
Other Comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 325 P-Tier have?
John Deere lists the 325 P-Tier at 74 gross horsepower and 70 net horsepower.
How much horsepower does the Cat 255 have?
Caterpillar lists the Cat 255 at 74 gross horsepower. Cat also lists 73 net horsepower under ISO 9249 and 73.5 net horsepower under SAE 1349.
Which has more rated operating capacity, the John Deere 325 P-Tier or Cat 255?
The John Deere 325 P-Tier has the higher listed rated operating capacity. Deere lists the 325 P-Tier at 2,590 pounds at 35% tipping load and 3,700 pounds at 50% tipping load. Cat lists the 255 at 2,499 pounds at 35% tipping load and 3,570 pounds at 50% tipping load.
Which machine weighs less?
John Deere lists the 325 P-Tier at 9,500 pounds with standard 320-mm tracks. Caterpillar lists the Cat 255 at 9,578 pounds operating weight.
Which machine has more hydraulic flow?
It depends on the hydraulic package. Cat lists higher standard loader hydraulic flow at 23 gallons per minute, compared with 21 gallons per minute for the John Deere 325 P-Tier. With optional high-flow hydraulics, Deere lists the 325 P-Tier at 32 gallons per minute, while Cat lists the 255 High Flow and High Flow XPS loader hydraulic flow at 30 gallons per minute.
Is the John Deere 325 P-Tier better than the Cat 255?
The 325 P-Tier has advantages in listed rated operating capacity, tipping load, operating weight, optional high-flow gallons per minute, and standard-track ground pressure. The Cat 255 has advantages in listed standard hydraulic flow, standard hydraulic pressure, travel speed, and several current-generation Cat comfort and technology options. The better machine depends on the work, attachments, dealer support, and operator preference.
When choosing the right Compact Track Loader, compare the official specs, then demo the machine in the kind of work you actually do. The John Deere 325 P-Tier gives Oklahoma contractors higher listed rated operating capacity than the Cat 255, lower listed standard-track ground pressure, 32 gallons per minute of optional high-flow hydraulic capability, Deere-published visibility and service-access features, and CL Boyd support.
Request A 325 P-Tier Quote
New John Deere Compact Construction Equipment is backed by a standard warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship for two years or 2,000 hours, whichever comes first. See CL Boyd for complete warranty details.
Official specs checked against John Deere 325 P-Tier specifications and Caterpillar Cat 255 specifications.