CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490: the two differ on 50 of 55 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (Cat 51 HP vs Kubota 50 HP), Max Torque (NA vs 158.6 Nm), Operating Weight (2581 kg vs 2700 kg), Bucket Capacity (0.63 cu.m vs 0.27 cu.m). The other 5 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Sep 2026
* Ex-factory price ranges are indicative for Sep 2026 and change with variant, city and offers; confirm with the dealer. On-road cost adds transport, RTO, insurance and accessories. Disclaimer
The comparisons provided are based on the technical specifications published by the respective OEMs on their official websites and brochures. Please confirm these details directly with the OEMs before making any final decision.
Key Highlights
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
CAT 216B Series 3
VS
Bull AV490
Skid Steer Loader
CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490: the two differ on 50 of 55 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (Cat 51 HP vs Kubota 50 HP), Max Torque (NA vs 158.6 Nm), Operating Weight (2581 kg vs 2700 kg), Bucket Capacity (0.63 cu.m vs 0.27 cu.m). The other 5 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Sep 2026
CAT 216B Series 3
₹26 – ₹30 Lakhs
Bull AV490
₹20 – ₹25 Lakhs
Particulars
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Bull AV490 vs CAT 216B Series 3: Which One Should You Buy?
Both machines are small skid steer loaders. Both lift and load well. The tables below give you all the numbers. The real question is which one is right for your work. The Bull AV490 is made in India. It is a good choice if you want a strong machine at a lower cost and easy local support. The CAT 216B Series 3 is a CAT machine with a big, known name. Many big contractors trust the CAT brand. Both machines do close to the same work. So the choice is really about your budget, your work, and the service near you.
Before you buy, think about a few simple things. Is there a service centre near you for that brand? Can you get spare parts fast when the machine stops? Will it be easy to sell after some years? You can also see the full skid steer loader range and read our skid steer loader buying guide.
Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader
Pros:
Higher engine power of 50 HP for robust performance
Stable operating capacity of 655 kg suitable for various tasks
Impressive dump height of 2160 mm for effective loading and discharging operations
Higher maximum pump flow of 60 L/min for efficient hydraulic operations
Cons:
Lower maximum speed of 14 km/hr compared to some competitors
Operating weight of 2700 kg is slightly heavier, which may affect maneuverability on softer grounds
CAT 216B Series 3 Skid Steer Loader
Pros:
Equipped with Cat C2.2 engine, known for reliable performance
Operating weight of 2581 kg offers good balance and stability
Higher fuel tank capacity of 58 L reduces refueling frequency
Rollback angle full height of 81° allows for versatile loading at various angles
Cons:
Slightly lower engine horsepower of 51 HP
Marginally lower rated operating capacity of 635 kg
Maximum speed of 12.7 km/hr can be a hindrance for time-sensitive tasks
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
The Bull AV490 fits work that needs more engine and hydraulic power, like heavy digging, lifting, and pushing. The CAT 216B Series 3 fits long daily work where steady fuel use matters most. Whichever you pick, first check which brand gives you quick service, easy spare parts, drivers who know the machine, and good resale in your area. So match the machine to your work: the Bull AV490 for heavy power jobs, the CAT 216B Series 3 for long steady daily jobs.
CAT 216B Series 3 Vs Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader Price, Technical Specifications & Features
The CAT 216B Series 3 skid steer loader is powered by a reliable Cat C2.2 diesel engine rated at about 38 kW (51 hp). It delivers smooth and efficient power for everyday construction work. Designed for control and stability, this skid steer loader offers a rated operating capacity of nearly 635 kg with an operating weight of about 2,580 kg. This supports confident lifting and loading. A dump height close to 2.85 m enhances efficiency when loading trucks or stockpiling materials. The CAT 216B skid loader features durable construction and responsive hydraulics, making it suitable for compact and urban job sites.
The Bull AV490 skid steer loader is driven by a Kubota diesel engine producing about 36.5 kW (50 hp). It offers dependable power and fuel-efficient performance for various job-site tasks. This compact skid steer loader has a rated operating capacity of approximately 604 kg and an operating weight of about 2,610 kg. It provides stable loading and material-handling capability. The machine achieves a practical dump height of around 2.16 m, making it effective for discharging into trucks, bins, or hoppers. With intuitive joystick control, solid hydraulics, and compact maneuverability, the Bull AV490 skid loader balances productivity and reliability.
Bull AV490 vs CAT 216B Series 3: Which One Should You Buy?
Both machines are small skid steer loaders. Both lift and load well. The tables below give you all the numbers. The real question is which one is right for your work. The Bull AV490 is made in India. It is a good choice if you want a strong machine at a lower cost and easy local support. The CAT 216B Series 3 is a CAT machine with a big, known name. Many big contractors trust the CAT brand. Both machines do close to the same work. So the choice is really about your budget, your work, and the service near you.
Before you buy, think about a few simple things. Is there a service centre near you for that brand? Can you get spare parts fast when the machine stops? Will it be easy to sell after some years? You can also see the full skid steer loader range and read our skid steer loader buying guide.
Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader
Pros:
Higher engine power of 50 HP for robust performance
Stable operating capacity of 655 kg suitable for various tasks
Impressive dump height of 2160 mm for effective loading and discharging operations
Higher maximum pump flow of 60 L/min for efficient hydraulic operations
Cons:
Lower maximum speed of 14 km/hr compared to some competitors
Operating weight of 2700 kg is slightly heavier, which may affect maneuverability on softer grounds
CAT 216B Series 3 Skid Steer Loader
Pros:
Equipped with Cat C2.2 engine, known for reliable performance
Operating weight of 2581 kg offers good balance and stability
Higher fuel tank capacity of 58 L reduces refueling frequency
Rollback angle full height of 81° allows for versatile loading at various angles
Cons:
Slightly lower engine horsepower of 51 HP
Marginally lower rated operating capacity of 635 kg
Maximum speed of 12.7 km/hr can be a hindrance for time-sensitive tasks
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
The Bull AV490 fits work that needs more engine and hydraulic power, like heavy digging, lifting, and pushing. The CAT 216B Series 3 fits long daily work where steady fuel use matters most. Whichever you pick, first check which brand gives you quick service, easy spare parts, drivers who know the machine, and good resale in your area. So match the machine to your work: the Bull AV490 for heavy power jobs, the CAT 216B Series 3 for long steady daily jobs.
CAT 216B Series 3 Vs Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader Price, Technical Specifications & Features
The CAT 216B Series 3 skid steer loader is powered by a reliable Cat C2.2 diesel engine rated at about 38 kW (51 hp). It delivers smooth and efficient power for everyday construction work. Designed for control and stability, this skid steer loader offers a rated operating capacity of nearly 635 kg with an operating weight of about 2,580 kg. This supports confident lifting and loading. A dump height close to 2.85 m enhances efficiency when loading trucks or stockpiling materials. The CAT 216B skid loader features durable construction and responsive hydraulics, making it suitable for compact and urban job sites.
The Bull AV490 skid steer loader is driven by a Kubota diesel engine producing about 36.5 kW (50 hp). It offers dependable power and fuel-efficient performance for various job-site tasks. This compact skid steer loader has a rated operating capacity of approximately 604 kg and an operating weight of about 2,610 kg. It provides stable loading and material-handling capability. The machine achieves a practical dump height of around 2.16 m, making it effective for discharging into trucks, bins, or hoppers. With intuitive joystick control, solid hydraulics, and compact maneuverability, the Bull AV490 skid loader balances productivity and reliability.
50 differ · 5 identical
Key highlights: CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Engine Make
Cat C2.2
Kubota
Fuel Tank
58 L
48 L
Hydraulic System Flow
61 L/min
60 L/min
Loadover Height
3709 mm
2646 mm
Max. Speed
12.7 km/hr
14 km/hr
Dump Angle
40°
42°
Overall Length
3233 mm
3282 mm
Wheelbase
986 mm
980 mm
Ground Clearance
195 mm
204 mm
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Key highlights: CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Engine Make
Cat C2.2
Kubota
Fuel Tank
58 L
48 L
Maximum Pump Flow
61 L/min
60 L/min
Loadover Height
3709 mm
2646 mm
Max. Speed
12.7 km/hr
14 km/hr
Dump Angle
40°
42°
Overall Length
3233 mm
3282 mm
Wheel Base
986 mm
980 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance
195 mm
204 mm
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Full specifications: CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader
Engine
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Engine Make
Cat C2.2
Kubota
Fuel
Diesel
Diesel
Engine Type
Bharat Stage III
Liquid cooling
Max. Power
51 HP (38 kW)
50 HP (36.8 kW)
Max Torque
NA
158.6 Nm
Battery
12V
12 V
Alternator
65A
90 A
Drivetrain
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Transmission Type
NA
Hydrostatic drive with a hydraulic pilot-operated variable displacement tandem pump with heavy-duty radial piston bidirectional motor -4WD
Max. Speed
12.7 km/hr
14 km/hr
Controls
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Loader Hydraulics
NA
Single Joystick on right hand side
Hydraulic System
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Pump Type
NA
Gear Pump
Maximum Pump Flow
61 L/min
60 L/min
System Pressure
230 bar
230 bar
Service Refill Capacities
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Fuel Tank
58 L
48 L
Hydraulic System
55 L
65 L
Cooling System
10 L
7.2 L
Hydraulic Tank
35 L
NA
LH Chain Case
6 L
10 L
RH Chain Case
6 L
10 L
Static Dimensions & Performance
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Overall Length
3233 mm
3282 mm
Overall Length
3233 mm
3282 mm
Departure Angle
26°
27°
Height to Top of Cab
1950 mm
1970 mm
Dump Height
2169 mm
2160 mm
Dump Reach - Fully Raised
505 mm
588 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance
195 mm
204 mm
Width Over Tyres
1525 mm
1500 mm
Operating Weight
2581 kg
2700 kg
Dump Angle
40°
42°
Rollback at Ground
26°
NA
Turning Radius Over Bucket
1944 mm
20239 mm
Rated Operating Capacity
635 kg
655 kg
Bucket Capacity
0.63 cu.m
0.27 cu.m
Bucket Width
NA
1580 mm
Tipping Load
1270 kg
1310 kg
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Full specifications: CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader
Engine
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Engine Make
Cat C2.2
Kubota
Fuel
Diesel
Diesel
Engine Type
Bharat Stage III
Liquid cooling
Max. Power
51 HP (38 kW)
50 HP (36.8 kW)
Max Torque
NA
158.6 Nm
Battery
12V
12 V
Alternator
65A
90 A
Drive Train
CAT 216B Series 3
Bull AV490
Transmission Type
NA
Hydrostatic drive with a hydraulic pilot-operated variable displacement tandem pump with heavy-duty radial piston bidirectional motor -4WD
Questions buyers ask about the CAT 216B Series 3 vs Bull AV490
Ans.
The CAT 216B is often easier to sell. The CAT name is known all over India, and many buyers trust it. So it holds its value well. The Bull AV490 also sells, mostly to buyers who want a lower cost machine. If selling later at a good price matters most to you, the CAT brand helps.
Ans.
The Bull AV490 is made in India, so local parts and support are usually easy to get. The CAT 216B uses the big CAT service network, which is strong but service can cost more. Before you buy, check which brand has a service centre and driver near your site. The nearer the help, the less your machine sits idle.
Ans.
No, the power is almost the same. The Bull AV490 has a Kubota engine of about 50 HP. The CAT 216B has a CAT engine of about 51 HP. That one HP will not change your day. What matters more is who fixes the engine near you and how fast you get parts for it.
Ans.
Both suit small sites and material handling, like moving soil, sand, or bricks. The Bull AV490 lifts a little more and moves a little faster, so it is good for busy daily loading work. The CAT 216B is a bit lighter with a bigger fuel tank, so it runs longer between fill-ups. For most small jobs, both will do the work well.
Ans.
Yes, very easily. Banks, finance companies, and dealers all give loans for both machines. How much you pay each month depends on your down payment and your loan record. Ask two or three lenders first. Do not take the first EMI offer.
Ans.
A skid steer loader is best for small, tight spaces where a big machine cannot turn. It loads, digs light, and carries material well. If your work is on small sites, in yards, or inside sheds, it is a good fit. Read our skid steer loader buying guide to be sure before you buy.
CAT 216B Series 3 Vs Bull AV490 - Compare Price & Availability Across 600+ Locations in India
Compare CAT 216B Series 3 Vs Bull AV490 price and availability across all major cities in India including Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Jaipur, Guwahati, and 600+ more locations.
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