You're in the market for a new skid steer loader. But with so many brands and models out there, how do you choose the right one? Don't worry, we've got your back here at The Trade Table. We scoured reviews and talked to owners to find the cream of the crop when it comes to buying skid steers in 2024. Whether you need serious pushing power or heavy equipment attachment versatility, we'll break down the top picks across various size classes and price points.
TM Manufacturing Pro 2 Log Splitter Skid Steer Attachment | 24”, 30” or 36” Stroke
$5,395.00
TM Manufacturing Pro 2 Log Splitter Skid Steer Attachment | 24”, 30” or 36” Stroke The TM Pro 2 Splitter (Patent # 9662801) revolutionizes splitting wood. This splitter ranges in stroke length from 24-36” with 4.5-5” cylinders, with a viewing window… read more
Key Features to Look for When Buying a Skid Steer
Power and Performance
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When buying a skid steer loader, one of the most important things to consider is how much power and performance you need. Look at the engine's horsepower and capacity—higher numbers mean more power and the ability to operate attachments. Think about the jobs you need to get done and the attachments you want to run to determine the right power level for you.
Operating Capacity
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The operating capacity refers to how much weight the skid steer can lift and is measured in pounds. If you need to move heavy loads like rocks or construction materials, you'll want a higher operating capacity. For lighter tasks like moving dirt or debris, a lower capacity could work fine. The operating capacity also determines what attachments the skid steer can operate.
Comfort and Safety
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Since you'll be spending long hours operating the skid steer, comfort features are key. Look for a roomy cab with adjustable seats, easy-to-use controls, and good visibility. Safety features like rollover protection, emergency exits, and caution lights are important for any construction equipment. Stability is also a factor, as skid steers with a lower center of gravity are less prone to tipping over on hilly or uneven terrain.
Attachments
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One of the best things about skid steers is their versatility - they can be outfitted with many attachments for different jobs. Common attachments include buckets, grapples, augers, and pallet forks. Look at the range of attachments available and their compatibility with the skid steer model you're interested in. The more attachments it can operate, the more useful the skid steer will be for your needs.
TM Manufacturing Spade Blade Skid Steer Attachment
$1,795.00
TM Manufacturing Spade Blade Skid Steer Attachment Transform your skid loader into a high performance digging machine with the TM Spade Blade. This skid steer attachment can be used to excavate rocks, stumps, and trees with ease. The spade blade… read more
Skid Steer Loader Reviews
Bobcat S595 Skid-Steer Loader
The Bobcat S595 is a very popular and capable skid steer. It has a 74 HP engine that provides plenty of power for most loading and pushing applications. The S595 has a rated operating capacity of 3,000 pounds, so it can lift and move a wide range of attachments and loads.
The S595 features Bobcat's Selectable Joystick Controls which provide smooth, precise control of the loader arms and attachments. It also has a roomy operator station with excellent visibility. The deluxe instrument panel gives the operator important information about the loader's functions.
Optional attachments for the S595 include augers, pallet forks, trenchers, and sweepers. With its powerful hydraulics and stability, the S595 can make quick work of many yard and property maintenance tasks. The S595 starts around $50,000, so it represents a good value for many owners.
John Deere 324G Skid Loader
John Deere's 324G skid steer loader is a very capable and reliable machine. It features a 74.3 HP PowerTech engine that provides plenty of muscle for digging, lifting, and pushing applications. With a rated operating capacity of 3,200 pounds, the 324G can handle a wide range of attachments and loads.
The 324G has excellent stability and traction, with a long wheelbase and wide, grippy tires. The pressurized cab offers good visibility, fingertip controls, and an adjustable suspension seat. Options for the 324G include high-flow hydraulics for running power-hungry attachments as well as ride control for a smoother experience across rough terrain.
John Deere skid steers are very well-built and the 324G is no exception. While it starts around $55,000, the 324G should provide many years of reliable service. For commercial and agricultural use, the 324G is an excellent choice.
CAT 259D3 Skid Steer Loader
Caterpillar is synonymous with power and quality, and their 259D3 skid steer loader lives up to that reputation. The 259D3 is powered by a Caterpillar C3.6 engine that produces a whopping 99 HP, giving it the muscle to tackle even the most demanding tasks. With a rated operating capacity of 3,900 pounds, the 259D3 can lift and move huge loads.
The 259D3 features Caterpillar's Advanced Handling Technology, which provides very responsive control of the loader arms and attachments using pilot-operated joysticks. The pressurized cab is spacious and comfortable, with excellent 360-degree visibility.
While the 259D3 has a premium price, starting around $65,000, its exceptional power, performance, and durability make it worth the investment for many owners, especially in commercial applications
Loflin Fabrication Heavy Duty Tree Boom
$1,024.00
Loflin Fabrication Heavy Duty Tree Boom Designed for heavy duty with a main beam design that won’t twist. Constructed out of 4″ X 4″ square steel tubing 4,500 lb lifting capacity 701⁄4 tall (custom sizes available) 4″ X 4″ square steel tubing… read more
What Is the Best Skid Steer Loader? Our Top Picks
Bobcat S450
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One of the most popular skid steer loaders is the Bobcat S450. This mid-sized model is a great all-rounder for most needs. It offers a roomy cab with excellent visibility, simple controls, and a smooth ride. The S450 can lift up to 3,000 pounds and is powered by a 55-horsepower diesel engine. It’s a very capable and reliable machine that should last you many years.
Caterpillar 236D
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For heavy-duty tasks, the Caterpillar 236D is a great choice. This is one of the largest skid steer loaders, with a rated operating capacity of 3,600 pounds. It is built like a tank and designed for really tough jobs. The 236D is powered by a 74 horsepower engine and has excellent breakout force for digging into hard, compacted materials. The spacious cab and intuitive controls also make it comfortable to operate for long periods. However, the large size means it may not be the most maneuverable for tight areas.
John Deere 317G
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John Deere makes some of the most advanced skid steers, and the 317G is a perfect example. This highly capable model has a lift capacity of 3,200 pounds and is powered by a fuel-efficient 74-horsepower engine with lots of torque. The 317G features a deluxe cab with a high-back seat, armrests, and rear defroster for operator comfort. It also has the latest control systems, including hydraulic quick-tach, for fast and easy attachment changes. The 317G may have a higher initial cost, but its productivity and innovation justify the investment.
Case SR220
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For affordability and value, the Case SR220 is hard to beat. This compact skid steer offers a 2,200-pound lift capacity and a universal quick-attach system to handle a wide range of attachments. Powered by a 50-horsepower engine, the SR220 is ideal for landscape contractors, small farmers, and homeowners with acreage. The simple, no-frills design means lower upfront and long-term costs. However, the smaller size and power may limit you to lighter-duty tasks. The SR220 is very budget-friendly but may lack some of the comfort and advanced features of larger, more expensive models.
Loflin Fabrication Skid Steer Pallet Fork Frame
$502.00
Loflin Fabrication Skid Steer Pallet Fork Frame Effortlessly handle palletized materials with the Loflin Fabrication Standard Skid Steer Pallet Forks Frame. This American-made attachment, designed for skid steer loaders, empowers construction crews, warehouse workers, and property owners to manage pallet handling tasks with unmatched efficiency… read more
What is The Best Skid Steer for 2024?
So there you have it - a rundown of the top skid steer loaders for 2024 based on performance, value, and reliability. Choosing the right skid steer for your needs and budget is key. Hopefully, this overview gave you some guidance on the leading models and what to look for. With the right research and test drives, you'll end up with a skid steer that boosts your productivity and ROI for years to come. Just be sure to consider all the factors - lift capacity, horsepower, comfort, and attachments - and match them to your specific work.
