Originally developed in 1957, the initial skid steer has made enormous developments toward what it is today. Many manufacturers have lately integrated the skid steer into their ranges throughout the past 65 years. The skid steer, often referred to as a skid loader, compact track loader or skid steer loader, has become the “bread and butter” or top seller with in construction equipment product lines for many of these manufacturers.
Today I want to discuss the most well-known skid steer manufacturers. Every brand of skid steers has special value. I believe the best five skid steer brands are the ones we will be assessing here.
Please bear in mind occasionally one type and model of skid steer may be more suited for running particular skid steer attachments than the others as I tour each of my top manufacturers. For mulching equipment like a drum mulcher attachment or disc mulcher attachment, ASV Compact Track Loader is most likely the best machine to operate even if it is not in my top 5 of skid steer loader manufacturers because of the torque, pressure and horsepower it offers.
1. BOBCAT SKID STEERS
It should not be shocking that the top skid steer brand available today is Bobcat Company. They invented the skid steer and launched it first on market. Actually, some individuals refer to skid steers or small track loaders as “Bobcat” in substitute of a skid steer when they speak of them.
Bobcat is the number one skid steer brand even if it faces fierce market rivalry today. Regarding manufacture and models of popular Bobcat skid steers, there are several. The miniature type walk behind or stand on micro skid steer is the MT series. The T Series are small track loaders; the S Series Bobcats are wheeled skid steers.
The Bobcat T76 is my particular favorite machine. Its more of a middle of the for skid steer loaders with auxiliary hydraulic standard flow of 23.3 GPM and rated working capability of 2,900 lbs. For essentially every work, this machine provides the user with control, efficiency, and flexibility. It may also run high flow to run such accessories as mulching heads or brush cutters.
I am not, however, a fan of the little MT series versions. Though highly dependable, they are less forgiving when seeking attachments. The mounts come standard, non-universal, hence this is the rationale. They have an MT rapid attach mounting mechanism. Other attachment small skid steer brands such Boxer, Vermeer, Ditch Witch or the new Kubota SCL 1000 cannot be used by the MT mini skid steers. Thus, while not the Bobcat brand mini’s, all the other brands may utilize each other’s attachments. Particularly if you want to rent an attachment, this might be a major issue.
Great brand overall, however my advise is to pick another little machine.
2. CATERPILLAR (CAT) SKID STEERS
Easily the second in skid steer brand or small track loader brand is Caterpillar, or CAT. Their simplest technology in their most recent models is straightforward, yet sophisticated enough to be completely featured for great job site productivity.
Many often, asked, why did you, an end user, choose a CAT skid steer or small track loader? They will most probably say since you cannot be the service and they have always ran a CAT skid steer. Regarding service, CAT appears to be really high in the market; when you depend on uptime to complete a work on schedule and require servicing rapidly, CAT track loaders and skid steer machinery service dependability tends to shine brighter than the other companies.
The CAT 299 D3 is my preferred equipment overall among the skid loaders in the CAT range. This equipment is really powerful. This little track loader’s working weight is an amazing 12,764 lbs. At 5360 pounds, the rated operational capacity is likewise really remarkable. With an industry leading 110hp, this equipment has more power than the usually skid steer arriving with.
Any implement this machine can run. All the way up to a forestry mulcher, provided you include the forestry option on your machine. Buying a CAT skid loader has no overall drawback.
3. KUBOTA SKID STEERS
Though it is not the most well-known brand in the market, this is my preferred brand in the sector. Over the past ten years, Kubota has been gathering great momentum in market share. Great visibility, riding control, operational simplicity, and general design help end users to simplify operation.
All of the Kubota skid steers and small track loaders have absolutely perfect uptime dependability. Beginning with the skid steers SSV65 and SSV75. Compared to like skid steers in their class, these machines feature additional stability, more working capacity, and more bucket dump reach.
With regard to the Kubota small track loaders, you really cannot surpass them. Simply the finest are engine technologies, running ergonomics, and general performance. The SVL 95-2 is my favorite Kubota track loader overall. Excellent hydraulic GPM on both low and high flow, operator comfort, break out force, and performance from this machine.
Though basic, many operators prefer the way the window slides out of the operator’s field of view allowing effortless entrance and leave of the machine. Having open on those sunny days surrounding the task site also is really steady. Not creating any disturbing noises or rattling when running.
4.Typhon Skid Steer Loaders
Built to handle the hardest jobs with unparalleled flexibility, power, and longevity, Typhon Skid Steer Loaders are Our skid steer products are a must-have equipment for every worksite regardless of your field of business—construction, landscaping, or agriculture—because they provide dependable performance and effective operation.
Key Features:
- Superior Engine Power: Typhon Skid Steers include high-performance engines ranging from 13.5hp to 23hp, which provide the power you need to easily negotiate difficult terrain and big loads.
- Compact and Maneuverable: Though strong, Typhon skid steers have a small design that lets them function effectively in limited locations, narrow spaces, and difficult terrain. Their exact control and smooth running make maneuvering easy.
- Heavy Lifting Capacity: With lifting capacities ranging from 1,600lbs to 2,000lbs, our skid steers are ideal for lifting, loading, and transporting materials across the job site with minimal effort.
- Versatile Attachments: Typhon skid steers can be paired with a wide range of attachments, including buckets, augers, grapplers, and more, allowing them to take on various tasks like digging, grading, and material handling.
- Rugged Durability: Designed to withstand harsh working conditions, our skid steer loaders feature robust construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal downtime.
Applications: Ideal for construction, demolition, landscaping, agriculture, and road maintenance, Typhon skid steers are your all-in-one solution for heavy-duty tasks.
Upgrade your fleet with Typhon Skid Steer products and experience unmatched efficiency and reliability.
5. CASE SKID STEER LOADERS
Built like tanks are case skid steers! The Case skid steer loaders have easy to use and reactive hand controls. Most of the fresh Case skid steer loaders and all hand control devices. Therefore, it might take some time for you operators accustomed to running hand- and foot operated skid steers to adjust.
The first thing you will notice with Case skid steers is their great visibility; this lets the operator swiftly complete the operation while still being safe. The belly of some of the Case skid loaders is one drawback that operators find objectionable. Under damp conditions, belly drag results from the belly seeming to be lower to the ground. This can be the cause of the unit being caught in some applications.
You will want to check out the all-new Case TV620B, though. This sixteen thousand pound track steer is a real beast. Among all the little track loaders available now in the market, this is the biggest one. The TV620B boasts the highest industry breakout bucket force. I will review more going forward; test running this unit excites me.
6. JOHN DEERE SKID STEER
Among well-known American-made skid steer brands is John Deere. Though their range of commercial agricultural tractors is more well-known, John Deere also produces a great skid steer. The same dependability John Deere applies in their whole range of agricultural machinery moves immediately over their building tools, including the small track loaders.
John Deere specializes in skid steers and small track loaders running between 65 and 100 horsepower. With so many dealers all throughout the nation, these devices are renowned for dependability. This implies easily available components and excellent maintenance of services.
The John Deere 333G is the one I like the most out of all the skid steer loaders available. Just under 97 horsepower, this track loader is This is a wonderful choice if you want a hydraulic high flow little track loader.
The hydraulic flow of this unit, 41.1 Gallons Per Minute, will readily drive cold planers, disc mulchers, drum mulchers, rock crushers, and other skid steer attachments.
WHAT SKID STEER LOADER BRANDS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU
When searching for a skid steer or compact track loader, it is essential to begin by first thinking about the applications you will be using the unit for daily? Determine what skid steer attachments you will be running on your skid loader? Will you mostly be running on hard surface or dirt and mud applications?
Other things to consider are where is the nearest dealer located? How quickly can I get parts such as tires, tracks, or undercarriage parts in case of a breakdown. These are all things to consider.
Like I suggested in the beginning of this blog, just because one brand is more popular than another does not mean it is the right brand for the job. For example, when looking to purchase a track loader for applications such as forestry mulching, you want a high horsepower, high auxiliary hydraulic high flow, high pressure and high lifting capacity.
The overall best track loader for the job today is the ASV RT135. This unit offers an industry leading high flow of 50 GPM at an astounding 4060 psi. This machine has crazy horsepower at 135 hp. and a rated operating capacity at 50% of 5050 lbs.
Another example of what make brand and model is best for you would be size. Can you pull it? Will it fit in your trailer? Do you need to get into a customers back yard? Questions so simple, but you would be surprised how many operators do not think about these objectives.
So as you can see, do not focus on the brand as much as the applications and attachments the equipment will be using.