Caterpillar 299C vs John Deere 318E: Which Is the Better Value?
The Caterpillar 299C averages $36,055 CAD at auction, compared to $31,600 for the John Deere 318E. That's a $4,454 difference. Based on 24 verified Canadian auction results tracked by TrackCheck, here's the full breakdown.
The Verdict
Both machines are competitively priced with only a $4,454 difference. Your decision should come down to brand preference, dealer proximity, and specific feature needs rather than price alone.
Caterpillar 299C
CTL$36,055 CAD avg
$82
Low
$52,070
High
14
Sales
Avg 3,896 hours · 2011–2012 model years
Full price guide →John Deere 318E
SSL$31,600 CAD avg
$22,770
Low
$45,679
High
10
Sales
Avg 880 hours · 2014–2015 model years
Full price guide →What are the key differences between 299C and 318E?
- Price: The 318E is $4,454 cheaper on average (12% savings).
- Track Type: 299C is a compact track loader (CTL) while 318E is a wheeled skid steer (SSL). CTLs have better traction on soft ground; wheeled units are faster and cheaper to maintain.
- Usage: Used 299Cs average 3,896 hours while 318Es average 880 hours.
Both Caterpillar and John Deere retain value well. See our depreciation guide for brand rankings.
Looking for a 299C or 318E? Check current listings with Deal Scores.
Which is the better value: 299C or 318E?
Choose the Caterpillar 299C if:
- You work on soft ground, mud, or uneven terrain
- You prefer Caterpillar's dealer network and parts availability
Choose the John Deere 318E if:
- You want lower upfront cost ($4,454 savings)
- You work on pavement, concrete, or hard surfaces
- You prefer John Deere's dealer network and parts availability
How do 299C and 318E prices compare by year?
| Year | Caterpillar 299C | John Deere 318E |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | — | $34,846 (6) |
| 2014 | — | $26,732 (4) |
| 2012 | $37,086 (6) | — |
| 2011 | $47,013 (6) | — |
Prices in CAD. Numbers in parentheses are sample size. Lower price highlighted.
How do 299C and 318E prices compare by hours?
| Hours | Caterpillar 299C | John Deere 318E |
|---|---|---|
| 0-999 hrs | — | $32,867 (8) |
| 1,000-1,999 hrs | — | $26,534 (2) |
| 2,000-2,999 hrs | $48,224 (4) | — |
| 3,000-3,999 hrs | $42,691 (4) | — |
| 4,000+ hrs | $35,234 (4) | — |
Hours matter more than age for resale value. See our hours vs age analysis.
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