You're in the market for buying a new skid steer loader and wondering which brand is the best bang for your buck. With so many manufacturers out there making all kinds of claims, it can be tricky to cut through the noise and choose the right machine. Well, you've come to the right place. We've taken the time to thoroughly research and test the top skid steer models from all the major brands. Here on The Trade Table, we'll walk through our ranking criteria, and then count down our picks for the top five skid steer manufacturers.
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
Top Skid Steer Brands
Bobcat
Bobcat is arguably the most well-known skid steer brand. They offer a huge range of compact track loaders and skid steers for both residential and commercial use. Bobcat is a solid, dependable brand that provides great value for money. Their skid steers are very versatile and suitable for a wide range of jobs like digging, lifting, and pushing.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar, or Cat, is one of the leading heavy equipment manufacturers in the world. Their skid steers are high quality, durable, and ideal for demanding, high-volume jobs. Cat skid steers have excellent stability and traction, even on rough terrain. However, they do come at a premium price. For many buyers, the added cost is worth it for the unparalleled performance and reliability.
John Deere
John Deere is an iconic American brand that produces a variety of compact equipment, including skid steers. John Deere skid steers are very powerful, with fast loading and unloading times. They are also designed to minimize operator fatigue for enhanced comfort and productivity. The downside is that John Deere skid steers typically have higher price tags. For some, the brand prestige and performance justify the added cost.
Kubota
Kubota specializes in compact construction equipment and is a leader in small skid steer loaders. Kubota skid steers offer a spacious cab, simple controls, and a powerful engine for their size. They have a reputation for being very reliable and low-maintenance. Kubota skid steers are also competitively priced, so you get great value without paying a premium. For small to mid-size jobs, Kubota skid steers are an excellent, budget-friendly choice.
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
Caterpillar: The Gold Standard in Skid Steers
Caterpillar, or Cat as they’re commonly called, is considered the leader in skid steer manufacturing. They’ve been producing heavy equipment for decades and their skid steers are notoriously durable and powerful.
Reliable and Tough
-
Cat skid steers are built to handle the harshest conditions. Their heavy-duty steel frames and components are designed for high-impact work. Cat is also known for over-engineering their machines so they last longer. It’s not uncommon to find Cat skid steers with over 10,000 hours of use still going strong.
Power and Performance
-
Under the hood, Cat skid steers pack a punch. Their engines range from 65 to 110+ horsepower so you’ve got options for light, medium, or heavy-duty work. Cat’s hydraulic systems are also fast and responsive which provides smooth control and operation.
Safety and Comfort
-
Operator safety and comfort are clearly priorities for Cat. Their cabs feature thick steel mesh netting, padded seats, and ergonomic controls. Optional features like heating and air conditioning, as well as pressurized cabs, are also available for most models.
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
John Deere: A Trusted Name in Heavy Machinery
John Deere is one of the most well-known brands in heavy equipment and skid steers. Founded in 1837, John Deere has built a reputation for manufacturing durable, high-quality machinery that stands the test of time.
A Legacy of Excellence
-
John Deere’s skid steers continue this tradition of excellence. Their skid steers are renowned for their power, performance, and reliability. Models like the John Deere 317G feature a powerful 74 HP engine, a rated operating capacity of 1,900 pounds, and a spacious cab with excellent visibility.
A Skid Steer for Every Need
-
With over a dozen models, John Deere offers skid steers for a wide range of applications. Whether you need a compact model for residential use or a heavy-duty skid steer for commercial construction, John Deere has you covered. Their smaller models like the 317G are ideal for homeowners and landscapers, while larger models such as the 332G are designed for demanding industrial use.
Unmatched Customer Support
-
In addition to manufacturing high-quality equipment, John Deere is also known for providing responsive customer support and service. They have a large network of dealers and service centers to help keep your skid steer running strong. John Deere also provides one of the best warranties in the industry - a 5-year powertrain warranty and a 12-month bumper-to-bumper warranty for added peace of mind.
Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Brush Cutter
$4,230.00
Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Brush Cutter The Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Brush Cutter is built for durability and efficiency, featuring a powder-coated finish and a proprietary drive system. It has a single-piece, heat-treated forged steel axle and a… read more
Bobcat: Compact Yet Powerful Skid Steers
Quality Machines at Competitive Prices
Bobcat is one of the leading manufacturers of skid steers and compact construction equipment. They are known for producing high-quality, durable machines that provide great value at competitive price points. Bobcat’s skid steers are compact yet powerful, making them well-suited for working in tight spaces where larger equipment won’t fit.
A Model for Every Job
Bobcat offers one of the widest selections of skid steer models to choose from. Whether you need a small machine for basic tasks like moving materials, or a large powerful skid steer for more demanding jobs, Bobcat has you covered. Their range includes everything from compact skid steers with lift capacities of around 500 to 700 pounds, to massive skid steers that can lift to 12,000 pounds or more. No matter what kind of work you need to get done, there’s a Bobcat skid steer that can handle it.
Comfort and Safety
Operating a skid steer for long periods can be tiring, which is why Bobcat focuses on operator comfort and safety. Their skid steers feature ergonomic controls, padded seats, and good visibility so you can work comfortably for hours. They also offer innovative safety features like a roll-over protective structure (ROPS), seat belt, and lift arm support device. These help minimize the risk of injury so you can focus on the job at hand.
Built to Last
Most importantly, Bobcat skid steers are built tough to stand up to years of heavy use and abuse. They use high-quality components and a rugged design to ensure maximum durability and low maintenance costs. With proper care and service, a Bobcat skid steer should provide many years of reliable operation. When it comes to compact equipment, Bobcat is a brand you can count on.
Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Auger
$3,566.00
Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Auger The Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Auger is built for durability with a powder-coated finish and features an Auburn planetary drive. It includes Parker brand hoses, fittings, and couplers, ensuring it is ready for… read more
New Holland: Affordable Quality From a Leading Manufacturer
If you’re looking for a reputable brand that won’t break the bank, New Holland should be at the top of your list. They’re one of the world’s largest agriculture equipment manufacturers, so you know you’re getting a solid product backed by an established company.
Durable and Dependable
-
New Holland skid steers are built to last, with heavy-duty steel frames and attachments designed for tough jobs. Their machines are known for being very reliable, so you’ll spend less time on repairs and maintenance. This dependability gives you more uptime to get work done.
Affordable and Accessible
-
Compared to other major brands, New Holland’s skid steers tend to be very budget-friendly. You can often find new and used models for significantly less than comparable John Deere or Caterpillar skid steers with similar specs. This makes New Holland an attractive choice if you’re on a tight budget or buying multiple units for a work crew.
A Size for Every Job
-
New Holland offers skid steers in a range of sizes, from compact models ideal for residential use up to heavy-duty machines designed for agricultural and construction work. No matter what size jobs you need to tackle, there’s probably a New Holland skid steer perfectly suited for your needs. Their diverse lineup means you can easily find a model with the power, lift capacity, and attachments to accomplish your tasks productively and efficiently.
Loflin Fabrication Backhoe
$1,662.00
Loflin Fabrication Backhoe Standard bucket 12” wide with 3 replaceable teeth (Pengo 2300 series) Bucket widths available in 8”, 24” (with replaceable teeth) and custom sizes also available Boom constructed from 1⁄4” thick reinforced steel plate Comes equipped with Parker brand… read more
Who Makes The Best Skid Steer
So there you have it, a rundown of the major skid steer manufacturers and how they stack up. Caterpillar and Bobcat lead the pack with their rugged durability and smooth operation. But Deere, Case, and New Holland are hot on their heels with quality machines too. The others like Takeuchi and Gehl have carved out solid spots as well. Really, most of the big brands will serve you well on the job site. Do some test drives, check out dealer support in your area, and go with the one that feels right. With skid steers, you get what you pay for, so invest wisely if you want maximum uptime and performance.
