Equipment 
There is no single best skid steer brand. The right one depends on your size class, your work and whether a dealer within reach stocks parts for it.
Bobcat builds the smallest machine, the S70 at 760 lb rated operating capacity, and offers the widest mid-range choice. CAT publishes the highest figures at the top: the 270 XE at 121 hp gross and 4,015 lb, rising to 4,372 lb with counterweight. John Deere has consolidated its US lineup into five P-Tier machines, topped by the 334 P-Tier at 4,000 lb with one counterweight set and 118 hp gross (114.7 hp net).
All specifications below were taken from cat.com, bobcat.com and deere.com on 2 November 2026. Power ratings are not directly comparable between brands unless the standard is stated, so each table says gross or net.
If you are still deciding between wheels and tracks, read Skid Steer vs Track Loader first.
Skid Steer Brands at a Glance: CAT vs Bobcat vs John Deere
Three different strategies: Bobcat covers the widest span of machine sizes, CAT pushes capacity and hydraulics at the top end, John Deere runs a short lineup with one specification level.
| Bobcat | CAT | John Deere | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current lineup (North America) | 9 models | 10 models | 5 models |
| Models | S70, S450, S590, S64-2, S66-2, S650, S76-2, S770, S86-2 | 226D3, 232D3, 236D3, 242D3, 246D3, 262D3, 250, 260, 270, 270 XE | 318, 320, 324, 330, 334 P-Tier |
| ROC range | 760 to 3,500 lb | 1,550 to 4,015 lb | 1,945 to 4,000 lb (top figure with counterweight) |
| Power range | 23.5 to 115 hp gross | 67.1 to 121 hp gross | 65 to 118 hp gross |
| Largest model | S86-2 | 270 XE | 334 P-Tier |
| Latest generation | Classic and Pro paths | Next Gen 250, 260, 270, 270 XE (September 2024) | P-Tier |
| Lift path | Radial and vertical | Both in the D3 range, all Next Gen vertical | Radial and vertical |
| Strength | Smallest machine available, most choice in the mid frame, highest peak hydraulic flow | Highest capacity and highest hydraulic pressure at the top | Short lineup, premium cab across all of it |
| Consider | Two product paths to understand before ordering | Two generations sold side by side | Fewest models, nothing under 1,945 lb |
How to Compare Skid Steer Brands
The best skid loader for your work is the one that matches size class, then specification, then local service, in that order. The badge matters less than all three.
- Rated operating capacity (ROC) and tipping load. Tipping load is the weight that lifts the back wheels. ROC is the share of it you can work with safely, normally 50% on a skid steer. A quoted ROC may include a counterweight, which is why two figures for one machine can differ by a few hundred pounds.
- Engine power, gross or net. Gross power is measured at the flywheel without the fan, alternator and other accessories fitted. Net power is measured with them. Net is always the lower figure, so comparing one brand’s gross against another’s net flatters the first.
- Lift path. Radial arms swing in an arc, giving strong breakout force and the best reach at mid height, which suits digging, grading and pushing. Vertical arms raise the load straight up, so they keep more capacity and gain forward reach at full height, which suits loading trucks and placing pallets.
- Auxiliary hydraulics. Standard flow runs buckets, grapples and brooms. High flow, roughly 30 gal/min and up, is what mulchers, cold planers and large trenchers need. Check pressure as well as flow.
- Controls and cab. Machines ship with ISO pattern (left joystick drives, right works the loader), H-pattern (each joystick drives one side of the machine) or switchable controls. A sealed and pressurized cab keeps dust out and makes long days quieter.
- Dealer and parts support where you work. A filter you collect tomorrow beats one you wait three weeks for.
- Attachment compatibility. All three use a universal quick-attach plate, so most attachments swap between brands. Hydraulic couplers and flow ratings still have to match.
- Used value. Common models resell faster.
Bobcat Skid Steers
Bobcat has the smallest skid steer of the three and the most models between 2,000 and 3,000 lb. Its lineup splits into Classic machines with familiar controls and Pro machines with added technology and cab comfort.
| Model | Path | ROC (lb) | Power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S70 | Classic | 760 | 23.5 |
| S450 | Classic | 1,370 | 49 |
| S590 | Classic | 2,000 | 68 |
| S64-2 | Pro | 2,300 | 68 |
| S66-2 | Pro | 2,400 | 74 |
| S650 | Classic | 2,690 | 74 |
| S76-2 | Pro | 2,900 | 74 |
| S770 | Classic | 3,350 | 92 |
| S86-2 | Pro | 3,500 | 115 |
Source: bobcat.com North America, 2 November 2026.
Strengths
The S70 is 35.5 in wide, so it passes through a standard gateway. Nothing CAT or John Deere builds will. Five models sit between 2,000 and 2,900 lb, so you can match capacity to the job instead of buying a size up. The S86-2 offers three hydraulic settings: 23 gpm standard, 36.6 gpm high flow and 42 gpm super flow at 4,061 psi, the highest flow figure of the three brands.
Consider
The Classic and Pro split means two machines of similar capacity can have very different cabs and controls, so check which path a quoted model sits on before you order.
CAT Skid Steers
Since the Next Generation launch, CAT publishes the highest rated operating capacity and the highest auxiliary hydraulic pressure of the three brands. It also still sells the older D3 series alongside the new machines.
| Model | Gross power (hp) | ROC (lb) | Operating weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 226D3 | 67.1 | 1,550 | 5,849 |
| 232D3 | 67.1 | 1,900 | 6,514 |
| 236D3 | 67.2 | 1,800 | 6,567 |
| 242D3 | 74.3 | 2,200 | 7,138 |
| 246D3 | 74.3 | 2,200 | 7,478 |
| 262D3 | 74.3 | 2,700 | 8,296 |
| 250 | 74 | 2,689 | 7,829 |
| 260 | 74 | 3,160 | 8,523 |
| 270 | 100 | 3,557 | 10,441 |
| 270 XE | 121 | 4,015 | 10,847 |
Source: cat.com skid steer loaders, 2 November 2026. Gross power to SAE J1995:2014. ROC at 50% of tipping load.
Caterpillar’s launch announcement of September 2024 quotes higher figures for the same four machines, because those are measured with counterweight fitted: 2,916 lb for the 250, 3,390 lb for the 260, 3,914 lb for the 270 and 4,372 lb for the 270 XE. Always check which of the two a seller is quoting.
What Changed with Next Gen
The 250, 260 and 270 succeed the 242D3, 262D3 and 272D3, all on vertical lift. The 272D3 has left the lineup, while the 242D3 and 262D3 are still sold alongside the new machines. Torque rose 13% on the 250 and 260 and 35% on the 270. Standard auxiliary pressure went up 5% to 3,500 psi at 23 gal/min, and the cab gained 22% more volume with a rear window 59% larger.
What XE Means
The 270 XE carries the high flow hydraulic option, which raises auxiliary pressure to 4,496 psi and flow to 40 gal/min. That is the highest pressure of the three brands. Bobcat’s S86-2 publishes slightly more flow (42 gal/min) at lower pressure (4,061 psi), but flow multiplied by pressure gives the 270 XE roughly 105 hydraulic horsepower against about 100 for the S86-2. XE is the configuration for mulchers, cold planers and other attachments that need sustained high flow and pressure.
John Deere Skid Steers
John Deere now sells five skid steers in the United States and all of them are P-Tier. The older G-Series and G-Tier machines have left the current lineup, though the same capacity points carried over.
| Model | ROC (lb) | Net power (hp) | Gross power (hp) | Operating weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318 P-Tier | 1,945 | 61 | 65 | 6,542 |
| 320 P-Tier | 2,190 | 66 | 69 | 7,150 |
| 324 P-Tier | 2,690 | 70 | 74 | 7,700 |
| 330 P-Tier | 2,950 | 95 | 98 | 9,930 |
| 334 P-Tier | 4,000* | 114.7 | 118 | 10,264 |
Source: deere.com, 2 November 2026. Net peak power; gross power to ISO 14396. *With one standard counterweight set.
What P-Tier Brings
On the 334 P-Tier, a heated and ventilated seat, touchscreen display, adjustable controls, electrohydraulic dual leveling, high flow hydraulics and ride control are standard. It runs a Yanmar 4TNV94FHT engine to EPA Final Tier 4 with 39% torque rise. Check the specification sheet per model, since the standard list varies down the range.
Consider
Five models is the shortest lineup here, and there is nothing below 1,945 lb, so the smallest jobs point elsewhere. The model pages on the JumboBee models hub carry full specifications for the machines listed.
CAT vs Bobcat vs John Deere by Size Class
Match the class to the work before you compare brands. All three overlap heavily between 2,000 and 3,000 lb, and separate at the two ends.
| Size class (ROC) | Bobcat | CAT | John Deere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small, under 2,000 lb | S70 (760), S450 (1,370) | 226D3 (1,550), 236D3 (1,800), 232D3 (1,900) | 318 P-Tier (1,945) |
| Mid, 2,000 to 3,000 lb | S590 (2,000), S64-2 (2,300), S66-2 (2,400), S650 (2,690), S76-2 (2,900) | 242D3 (2,200), 246D3 (2,200), 262D3 (2,700), 250 (2,689) | 320 (2,190), 324 (2,690), 330 (2,950) |
| Large, over 3,000 lb | S770 (3,350), S86-2 (3,500) | 260 (3,160), 270 (3,557), 270 XE (4,015) | 334 P-Tier (4,000) |
Bobcat owns the small class: the S70 and S450 sit below anything the other two build. In the mid class all three compete directly, and the decision comes down to cab preference and dealer distance rather than specification. In the large class CAT and John Deere pull ahead on capacity, while the S86-2 answers with the highest hydraulic flow. If the ground is soft, compare against tracks instead.
Other Skid Steer Brands Worth Considering
Six other manufacturers build competitive machines, and several are easier to service in some regions than the big three.
- Kubota. The SSV65 and SSV75 run Kubota’s own engines at 64 and 74.3 hp, covering 1,951 to 2,690 lb, which helps where Kubota dealers are already established.
- Case. The B-Series runs from small to large frame, including the SR210B at 74 hp and 2,100 lb, the SV280B at 74 hp and 2,800 lb and the SV340B at about 3,400 lb.
- New Holland. Case and New Holland are both CNH brands and share engineering, so the L-series suits buyers near an agricultural dealer network.
- JCB. A single-arm Powerboom leaves room for a side door, so the operator steps in from the side rather than climbing over the attachment. The Teleskid adds a telescopic boom, which no other skid steer offers.
- Gehl. The R Series is a straightforward machine with an owner-operator following.
- Takeuchi. Better known for track loaders and excavators, but its skid steers share that hydraulics reputation.
For a wider view across categories, see Top 10 Heavy Equipment Brands and Best-Selling Construction Equipment.
Which Skid Steer Brand Fits Your Job?
The best skid loader for a landscaper is rarely the one a mulching contractor would pick. Start from the job, then the size class, then local support.
| Job | What matters | Size class or feature | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaping, tight spaces | Width, turning, low weight on turf | Small frame | Bobcat S70, S450, CAT 226D3 |
| Farm and livestock | Mid capacity, simple service | Mid frame | Bobcat S650, John Deere 324 P-Tier |
| Truck loading, pallets | Reach and capacity at full height | Vertical lift, mid to large | CAT 250, John Deere 330 P-Tier |
| Forestry mulching, cold planing | Hydraulic flow and pressure | High flow, large frame | CAT 270 XE, Bobcat S86-2 |
| Snow removal | Power, visibility, heated cab | Mid to large frame | Bobcat S76-2, CAT 262D3 |
| Demolition | Weight, breakout force, cab protection | Large frame | Bobcat S770, CAT 270 |
| Buying for export | Parts availability in the destination country | Any class, common model | Whichever brand has dealers near you |
Best Used Skid Steers: What to Check by Brand
Used buyers mostly compare the previous generations: Bobcat M-Series and earlier S-models, CAT D3, John Deere G-Series. The checks differ a little by brand, the deal breakers do not.
JumboBee listed five skid steers on 2 November 2026, with asking prices from $16,000 to $62,520. All five are in the United States.
| Listing | Hours | Asking price | What to check on this generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Bobcat S650, 74 hp | 1,656 | $33,890 | Chaincase oil, drive motor seals, Kubota V3307 engine service history |
| 2025 John Deere 330P, 98 hp | 1,350 | $62,520 | Touchscreen and EH control faults, DEF system, warranty transfer |
| 2016 New Holland L220, 67 hp | 1,651 | $29,500 | Loader arm pins and bushings, hydraulic coupler wear |
| 2018 Gehl R220, 70.7 hp | 8,665 | $16,000 | High hour machine: chaincase, final drives, frame cracks |
| 2003 John Deere 240-II, 53 hp | 3,672 | $16,900 | Pre-Tier 4 simplicity (no DPF or DEF), but check cylinders, hoses and cab glass |
General Checklist
- Hours against service records.
- Play in loader arm pins and bushings.
- Chaincase oil and drive motor leaks.
- High flow circuit function.
- DPF and DEF behaviour on Tier 4 machines, where neglected units get expensive.
- Tyres, cab glass and door seals.
- Serial plate against the paperwork.
The remote inspection checklist covers running this without flying out.
Buying a Skid Steer from Another Country
For an international buyer, dealer and parts coverage in the destination country usually matters more than a few hundred pounds of capacity.
Check each brand’s dealer list for the destination country before you shortlist on specification, since coverage varies by region and none of the three is everywhere. Where the nearest dealer is far, a common model with interchangeable parts beats a better machine nobody can service.
Emissions are the second check. New machines built for North America meet EPA Tier 4 Final. All Tier 4 engines need ultra-low-sulphur diesel, and many larger engines also need a reliable DEF supply. Where ULSD or DEF is hard to get, older pre-Tier 4 machines are the sounder buy, which is why they hold value on the export market.
For the process end, see How to Buy Heavy Equipment Online and the international shipping guide. Skid steers are small enough to ship in a container, which keeps freight well below what a wheel loader costs to move.
Find Skid Steers from Trusted Sellers on JumboBee
Every seller on JumboBee is screened before listing, and each machine shows hours, year, engine power, full specifications, location and photographs.
Current skid steer listings cover Bobcat, John Deere, New Holland and Gehl, priced from $16,000 to $62,520 as of 2 November 2026. The models hub holds specifications for 13 models from six manufacturers, so you can compare machines that are not listed yet. Independent pre-sale inspection, shipping quotes to more than 150 countries and export compliance run through the same platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single winner. Bobcat leads the small and mid frames on model choice and publishes the highest hydraulic flow, CAT leads the large frame on capacity and pressure, and John Deere runs one premium cab specification across a short lineup.
Neither, in general. CAT is stronger above 3,000 lb, where the 270 XE reaches 4,015 lb and 4,496 psi of hydraulic pressure. Bobcat has more models below that, the only sub-1,000 lb machine of the three, and the highest published flow at 42 gpm on the S86-2.
Yes. The P-Tier lineup is well regarded for cab comfort and controls, and the 334 P-Tier competes in the large frame at 4,000 lb with one standard counterweight set, behind the CAT 270 XE’s 4,372 lb with counterweight but ahead of every Bobcat. The lineup is short, so the smallest classes are not covered.
The CAT 270 XE, at 4,015 lb rated operating capacity at 50% of tipping load, or 4,372 lb with counterweight. The John Deere 334 P-Tier follows at 4,000 lb, a figure that includes one standard counterweight set. Next are the CAT 270 at 3,557 lb (3,914 lb with counterweight) and the Bobcat S86-2 at 3,500 lb.
Radial arms travel in an arc, with strong breakout force and the best reach at mid height, which suits digging, backfilling and grading. Vertical arms lift the load straight up, keeping capacity and gaining forward reach at full height, which suits loading trucks and handling pallets.
No published data ranks the three on reliability. Service history, hours and whether the previous owner maintained the chaincase and hydraulics tell you more about a specific machine than the badge does.
A common model in the size class you need, with documented service history and hours that match the records. Models that stayed in production for several years, such as the Bobcat S650 and the CAT D3 range, keep parts available and resale predictable.
Mostly. All three use a universal quick-attach plate, so the mounting is interchangeable. Hydraulic attachments still need matching coupler type, flow rate and pressure, so check those three before buying.
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