The Best Skid Steer Brands

If you’re looking for a skid steer, odds are you need equipment to help you complete multiple tasks on your worksite, from digging and lifting to transporting and backfilling. Skid steers are one of the most commonly manufactured pieces of equipment worldwide, but they’re not made equally.

Skid steers from different brands come with unique features and benefits, all making them stand out from one another. A skid steer from Caterpillar and one from GEHL won’t be made the same, even if they’re designed to complete the same tasks. Each brand has different benefits that make its skid steers a worthwhile investment, so it’s essential to understand the differences between brands to choose what’s best for your business.

Understanding Skid Steers

The best skid steers and their differences significantly affect their functionality within your business. Understanding the functions of a skid steer and what they do for different operations is essential before determining the difference between the brands. Skid steers are used for various applications, such as carrying weight on farms or construction sites. Skid steers are smaller than other types of heavy machinery, so they’re more maneuverable and efficient for small work sites.

Skid steers can also have different attachments, such as buckets, pallet forks, augers and brooms. The various attachments help skid steers to perform more tasks, including digging, dozing, lifting, grading, transporting and more.

Skid steers are critical equipment pieces for different applications, but each model has distinct benefits and features. Skid steers are commonly differentiated by their horsepower and rated operating capacity. Each skid steer brand and model will list the different benefits and features so you better understand the machine’s capabilities and how it can serve your operations.

The Top 12 Best Skid Steer Brands

There are many skid steer manufacturers and brands worldwide, each with its own appeal. Some of the best brands of skid steers have a long history of providing reliable, powerful machinery to their clients, while new brands boast exciting new features for their equipment. Each brand has its own benefits, and while there are many skid steer brands, we’ll only cover the best to help narrow your options.

1. Bobcat

It’s no surprise Bobcat is one of the best skid steer brands. Bobcat is the brand that created the skid steer over 60 years ago and has flourished ever since. In fact, you may hear people refer to a skid steer as a “bobcat,” further showcasing the brand’s long history of success with skid steers.

Despite being the creator of the skid steer machine, Bobcat has stiff competition with other brands. However, Bobcat still comes out on top for many businesses that remain loyal to the Bobcat brand. Bobcat has created many different models of the skid steer to accommodate their client’s needs and changing applications over the years, including a mini version that can maneuver in tight spaces.

2. Caterpillar

Caterpillar or Cat is one of the most popular brands to date for skid steers, among other types of heavy equipment. When many people think of Caterpillar, they think of high-quality and reliable equipment. Caterpillar uses the newest technology in their current lines that are simple to operate but complex enough to offer some of the best features and productivity on the market.

Cat also ranks higher in service than most other brands, offering ongoing support.

3. Case

Case skid steers are built to be durable for any application, but they’re also easy to operate and have reactive controls. New Case skid steers generally work with hand controls, which can be a bit of an adjustment for operators who are used to hand and foot-controlled machines.

Case skid steers also offer superior flexibility compared to other brands, which helps improve safety for operators while ensuring they can complete work quickly and on schedule. The Case skid steers have diverse operating capacities, ranging from 1,600 to 3,400 pounds.

4. GEHL

GEHL has an impressive number of skid steers available to different businesses, about eight in total. GEHL skid steers are designed to be durable and high-quality, capable of handling tough jobs, operating under harsh conditions and providing superior work quality. They are an excellent investment for many businesses.

GEHL also offers compact skid steers, some of the smallest you’ll find on the market. Compact versions of skid steers are more versatile on job sites, can operate on different terrains and are easier to transport from one work site to the next compared to larger machines. Smaller models from GEHL also make it easier for businesses to afford skid steers for operations. Even without the same horsepower as Bobcat or Caterpillar machines, GEHL skid steers are highly capable of many processes.

5. John Deere

John Deere skid steers are some of the heaviest and toughest on the market. Some of the toughest John Deere models have an operating capacity of 3,600 pounds with horsepower as high as 100. Some can carry loads up to 10,000 pounds and deliver reliable, high-quality performance. John Deere also stocks compact models that still boast heightened capabilities with a more maneuverable and versatile frame.

John Deere skid steers feature simplified controls, comfortable cabins and high performance, making these machines suitable for different applications and environments. You can find a skid steer that meets the needs of your operations with John Deere.

6. JCB

While JCB doesn’t offer as many skid steers as other brands, they make up for it in quality. The four JCB skid steers have similar capabilities to the large product lines boasted by Cat, Bobcat, John Deere and other brands. JCB skid steers have a rated operating capacity of up to 2,723 pounds.

One of the most notable features of JCB skid steers is their impressive horsepower. There’s no other brand on the market with the same operating capacity to horsepower ratio, which lets these machines complete more work and lift heavier loads sooner than other models.

JCB skid steers are multipurpose machines that can complete different tasks and boast unique features, including safety, strength and durability.

7. Kubota

Kubota is a Japanese brand that offers two impressive skid steers. Their skid steer models feature a two-speed engine and a suspension seat. You can quickly switch from seven to 11 miles per hour with a simple flip of a switch. This brand has been generating strong traction within the skid steer market, making it one of the most popular brands available.

You can choose between Kubota’s tracked or wheeled skid steers for your specific applications, with some models reaching almost 100 horsepower and an operating capacity of 2,690 pounds. Some of Kubota’s models are more compact and can navigate tough obstacles or tight spaces. You can also pair the Kubota skid steers with different attachments to help you complete other tasks on your worksite.

8. New Holland

New Holland creates skid steers primarily for farming applications and has produced equipment for farmers since the 1800s. Their skid steers can still be used in different industries, including construction or landscaping.

New Holland’s skid steers have horsepower between 60 to 74 and a rated operating capacity between 1,600 to 2,800 pounds. These skid steers can complete heavy-duty tasks across numerous industries and make investments worthwhile for many businesses. You can trust New Holland skid steers to be high-quality, reliable and versatile, helping you cover anything from large to small project tasks.

9. Manitou

While Manitou isn’t one of the most well-known brands in the world, this brand’s skid steers can keep up with some of the most renowned equipment dealers on the market. Manitou skid steers have one of the widest operating rated capacity ranges on the market and 10 different models to choose from the accommodate your applications. You can find skid steers with this brand that reaches a rated operating capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.

Manitou offers skid steers ranging in size, so you can find a more heavy-duty machine or a small, versatile option to help you maneuver around tight spaces. Even without the renown of brands like Caterpillar of Bobcat, Manitou can still meet your desired performance metrics.

10. ASV

ASV was founded in 1983 and added skid steers to its production line in 2008. Despite the later introduction than other brands, ASV has stocked its product line with impressive skid steers. Their two skid steers have 74.2 horsepower and a rated operating capacity between 2,600 and 3,500 pounds. ASV skid steers can be used for heavy-duty applications, such as construction, agriculture and large landscaping jobs.

11. Komatsu

Komatsu’s skid steers have been particularly popular in the construction industry. Since their first wheel loaders in the 1960s, Komatsu has spent the last few decades reworking and refining their designs. These machines are known to be tough and are built to withstand extreme situations. Komatsu skid steers also retain their value, which makes them a worthwhile investment. You can rely on Komastu skid steers to provide reliable, powerful support on construction projects.

12. Takeuchi

Takeuchi was one of the first companies to redesign the skid steer into compact track loaders. The rated operating capacity of certain Takeuchi skid steer models can exceed 4,000 pounds. Takeuchi skid steers are well-known for their simplified designs that are easy to use while improving operator comfort. Takeuchi skid steers are a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for machines with an impressive rated operating capacity that are easy to use.

How to Choose the Best Skid Steer Brand For Your Operations

Many brands and skid steers have the same capabilities or features as their competitors. However, some unique benefits of each brand’s skid steers may sway you in one direction over another. You’ll need to consider different factors to ensure you choose the best brand for your applications, including:

• Applications: Your business operations play one of the most significant roles in choosing the right brand for your skid steer. Some brands create skid steers for specific applications, such as construction or landscaping. Consider what industry each brand markets its skid steers to and how that fits your applications. For example, Caterpillar is popular within the construction industry for their robust strength and lifting capabilities. Your applications will help you narrow down which brands to choose.
• Lifting height and capacity: Consider the lifting height and capacity their skid steer offers. You may not need a lot of lifting height or capacity for your applications, but you may also need a robust machine capable of lifting heavy loads. Skid steers generally work best for debris removal, land-moving, grading, material handling, roadwork, demolition and brush-clearing projects, so you’ll note how much lifting height and capacity you need for these projects.
• Radial versus vertical lift: Skid steers come in two arm lift styles, either radial or vertical. Each arm lift style has distinct benefits. For example, radial lifts are best suited to applications where you need to lift, load or dump materials, while vertical lifts are better suited to strict up-and-down movements, such as placing pallets. Determining what kind of lift you need will help you narrow your choices between brands.
• Attachments: Some skid steers are compatible with all attachments, while others are more limited. You’ll want to determine how many capabilities the skid steer must perform so you know how many attachments you need. Determining the number of attachments will narrow down what brands and models you choose from since some have multiple skid steers compatible with a wide range of attachments.
• Terrain: Some skid steers can’t traverse rough terrain and other models. For example, wheeled skid steers can’t navigate soft or muddy terrain without damaging the ground, while tracked skid steers apply a lighter, even pressure to the ground that makes them ideal for sensitive terrain. Terrain plays a significant factor in choosing a skid steer, influencing what brands you might invest in.
• Dealer availability: Consider the proximity of different dealers to your location. You need to be able to receive prompt deliveries of repair parts or in-field service if that’s something they offer. If a dealer is too far from your business or site, you could experience more downtime than expected. Many dealers have numerous locations across the United States, so compare the dealers closest to you when deciding.
• Cost: Some brands have higher prices than others — consider your budget and shop around with the best skid steer brands until you find equipment that meets your needs but doesn’t require investing out of budget. Some brands, such as Bobcat and Caterpillar, are more expensive, while newer and less established brands are generally more affordable.

You can narrow down your options once you’ve considered all the factors you need to ensure you get a skid steer that meets your needs. Some brands may suit your business better than others, but that doesn’t mean one brand is better than another. What brand works for you may not be right for other industries or applications. It comes down to what matters most to your specific operations and preference.

Find Your Skid Steer Attachments With Stinger Attachments

Skid steers are versatile machines for almost any application, especially when you use the right attachments. If you’re looking for high-quality skid steer attachments to take your business to the next level, Stinger Attachments has you covered. We can help you find attachments for any application, regardless of brand.

Our business has mastered the metal fabrication process, allowing us to create high-quality attachments at quick speeds and competitive prices. While we started by creating attachments for farms and construction contractors, you can use our attachments for skid steers in different industries. You can get started by browsing our selection of skid steer attachments or contact us today to learn more about our products.