Sizing Up the Bobcat Skid Steer Market

When it comes to pricing, performance, and popularity, Bobcat skid steers dominate the market. This makes sense, considering Bobcat pioneered the skid steer loader. They introduced the groundbreaking machine back in the 1960s, and today, the best selling brand continues to build on its legacy of quality, versatility, and innovation.

Even if Bobcat is your preferred manufacturer based on reputation and value, the growing number of Bobcat skid steer sizes, models, and accessories can complicate the search. We’ll help you weigh your options and choose the best new or used Bobcat skid steer to rent or own.

The current lineup of Bobcat skid steer models is broken into two series.

If you’re shopping for a small Bobcat skid steer, the super-compact K-Series machines pack plenty of power and agility for their dimensions. These mechanical engine models fit through narrow spaces other machines can’t navigate.

For more varied and demanding jobs, eight machines in the M-Series offer advanced attachment capability and additional horsepower, plus greater hydraulic lift and heavier tipping loads. We’ll break these down into more detail below.

Bobcat skid steer models & sizes

Midwest brothers Cyril and Louis Keller designed the first skid steer models for maneuverability and bucket control. Their idea originated in 1956 as a solution for a local farmer who needed a light and nimble machine to clear manure from his turkey barn. Differential steering set their skid steer apart. The right and left wheel pairs operate independently, which allows the vehicle to turn around within its own length.

This “zero-turn” capability opened up numerous potential uses for equipment that can operate in a confined space. Skid steers are popular for digging in small areas, transporting raw materials, and snow removal, among other tasks.

How to decide between small Bobcat skid steers

The S70 and S100 K-Series models both run on a Kubota engine, and have the same type of transmission. Differences in size, power, attachments, and other features set them apart.

If you’re looking for a machine that can navigate narrow doorways, clear walkways, and squeeze into small spaces, the S70 skid steer loader might be the right fit. Simple, durable, and easy to operate, this is the most scaled-down option in the Bobcat lineup.

The slightly larger and more powerful S100 skid steer loader is a comfortable choice for shorter daily jobs. The 915kg tipping load capacity is just right for taking on many projects.

Although there’s a lot of overlap in attachments between the S70 and S100, the S70 is compatible with boring units, dozer blade, standard pallet forks, and stump grinders, whereas the S100 is not. The S100, however, offers more than a dozen different attachments its smaller counterpart can’t, including bale forks, brush saws, mowers, and snow blades.

How to compare M-Series Bobcat skid steer loaders

Bobcat M-Series skid steers are known for their unique cab-forward design, which brings the operator closer to the work area. The interior is also pressurized to keep it clean and noise levels in this model series are reduced.

Other ergonomic improvements in this series make the machines much more comfortable for longer jobs. Adjustable seats accommodate more diverse operator sizes, and models with Selectable Joystick Controls move up and down with the seat. A larger door and increased window size improve overall visibility.

The rear frame extends beyond the tailgate to protect the machine from obstacles and minimize scrapes and bumps. Plus, a hydraulic sight gauge helps the operator monitor oil levels, and end-greased pivot pins at key points around the loader also simplify maintenance.

They’re more productive, too, thanks to higher standard flow and pressure on the hydraulic system, which can give attachments more power to work faster.

What to expect from mid-size Bobcat skid loaders

Most Bobcat skid steers fall into the small or mid-sized categories. Consider loader lift height and size alongside power and rated capacities.

Bobcat bills its S450 as its “most versatile” skid steer loader. With maximum reach at mid-range heights, it excels at unloading flatbed trucks and makes dumping debris over a wall a breeze. This model’s compact size makes transporting the machine from job to job easy, too. Try carrying, cleaning, and loading with S450.

Hunting for the right Bobcat for hard-to-reach places? The S510 Skid Steer combines extra lift capacity, reach, and visibility for loading and carrying jobs. This model is known for stability. Its long wheelbase creates a smooth ride, even in a rough worksite.

Even more powerful, the S530 adds vertical lift for varied applications. Use it with a wide variety of attachments to take advantage of the large capacity and high-performance hydraulics.

Considered the “big brother” of the S450, the S550 packs more power and operating capacity into a compact frame. High-powered attachments add to performance.

Bobcat’s S590 boasts the most power and class-leading lifting capacity among mid-sized 500 skid steer models.

The Bobcat S630 is the M-series original. Considered a “value performance” product, this is a powerful yet affordable medium-sized skid steer. It has a tipping load capacity of 2079 kg and rated operating capacity (ROC) of 1040kg to take on a wide range of jobs.

The compact S650 loader specializes in truck loading and pallet handling. Its vertical lift path offers high lifting capacity and its forward reach and wide attachments allow it to be used in an even wider range of applications.

Tackle bigger jobs in small spaces with large Bobcat skid steer loaders

None of the Bobcat skid steer loaders are massive machines, but the Bobcat S770 is the largest currently offered. This stable loader is built for big jobs and designed with operator comfort in mind. Powerful attachment performance paired with a wide range of options enhances the machine’s value. Its vertical lift path also offers more reach for baling hay and beyond.

New vs. used

Deciding whether a new Bobcat skid steer is worth your investment or a used Bobcat skid steer loader is a better bet involves several factors: Financing, timeframe, servicing, and payoff.

Ask yourself these questions to help you decide:

• What’s my budget?
• How long will I hold the skid steer? (Take into account its depreciation curve.)
• How many hours do I expect to put on the skid steer annually?
• Who will do the maintenance?

Evaluate the pros and cons of buying a new Bobcat skid steer

Pro: A new vehicle will have the most advanced features and capabilities. Bobcat is always innovating and new models include improvements to the cab, display, engine, and available attachments. 

Con: Sometimes, added bells and whistles make operating a newer machine a challenge. For instance, more information on the display can be a distraction.

Pro: Financing might be more favorable. Many lenders consider used equipment a more significant risk. They’ll often offer shorter repayment terms and possibly even higher interest rates.

Con: Pricing on newer equipment might be beyond your current budget. Newer machines are typically more expensive than used. 

Pro: Lower initial maintenance costs. It’s important for you to get your machine serviced regularly, but any significant repairs or replacements may be covered under a warranty.

When and where to buy a new Bobcat skid steer

You may be able to find the exact model you want through a local dealers, or get a good deal at an auction near you.

Consider the pros and cons of buying a used Bobcat skid steer

Pro: Affordability. Set a price range and look at what’s available within your budget vs. sticker price on a new model. Plus, pre-owned Bobcats hold value. Depending on your initial purchase price, how long you hold it, and your use, you may be able to recoup much of your investment.

Con: Servicing a used skid steer can become costly. Review maintenance records on any machine before you buy it. Search availability and factor in the cost of replacement parts. Determine whether you can do repair labor yourself or will need to have your machine professionally serviced.

When and where to buy a used Bobcat skid steer

If you don’t have the cash or financing available for a new machine, there are lots of Bobcat skid steer options on the used market. Once you decide buying a used Bobcat skid steer is the way to go, look for listings at auctions, from dealers, certified pre-owned, and for sale by owner. 

Knowing how to value, compare, and buy used skid steer loaders is important before you make the next step.

Lease or buy

If you like to stay up-to-date on your equipment, or don’t have the cashflow to buy a new or used Bobcat skid steer, leasing might make sense. You can spread the cost of the machine out over several years. Adding a maintenance package to the leasing agreement could also keep monthly payments predictable. You’ll want to consider the overall price and other financing factors like length of the lease or loan before you make a decision.

Other options to consider

Maximize your Bobcat skid steer uses with the right accessory

Bobcat skid steer loader accessories can transform a basic machine into a task-specific precision instrument. Dozens of options fit within a wide variety of use categories, including: Agriculture, construction & demolition, forestry, grading & leveling, landscaping, lifting & handling, recycling & cleaning, road work, and snow removal. Compatibility with add-ons can impact which model to buy, and the overall investment price. Bobcat makes it easy to change between accessory options and control them from the cab.

Keep your Bobcat skid steer running with service and maintenance packages

Peak performance requires regularly scheduled maintenance. Bobcat offers downloadable service schedules for each machine, with information on what to address at specific hourly operation intervals. Instructions to safely perform each maintenance procedure are in the operation and maintenance manual.

Protect your Bobcat skid steer investment with warranty options

You’ll want to confirm specifics with your dealer, but Bobcat’s standard warranty for skid steer loaders covers either two years or up to 2,000 hours of usage. Generally, replacement parts come with a 12-month/1000-hour replacement warranty. Depending on the machine’s engine horsepower, engine emissions components are protected for 3–5 years. The brand’s Protection Plus extended warranty can also give owners additional peace of mind.

Ready to look into the Bobcat skid steer market? Search for Bobcat skid steers for sale on Tractor Zoom!