Used Bobcat Skid Steer Models Ranked by Reliability

## Used Bobcat Skid Steer Models Ranked by Reliability If you're shopping for a used Bobcat skid steer, reliability isn't just a nice-to-have — it's the difference between a machine that earns you money and one that bleeds it. Bobcat has built more skid steers than anyone, and their lineup is deep enough that picking the right used model can feel overwhelming. I've narrowed it down to seven models worth your attention, ranked by how well they hold up after thousands of hours in real working conditions. This isn't about spec sheets or marketing — it's about which machines keep running when they've changed hands twice and the maintenance log is a guess at best. Here's where each one stands. ### 1. Bobcat S650 — The Benchmark The S650 earns the top spot because it does everything well and almost nothing poorly. At 74 horsepower with a 2,690-pound rated operating capacity, it sits in the sweet spot between compact agility and enough muscle to handle serious loads. This is the model you'll find running landscaping crews, general contracting sites, and farm operations across the country — and there's a reason it dominates the used market. What makes it reliable? The hydraulic system is proven and straightforward to service. The engine platform is shared across several Bobcat models, so parts availability is excellent. Well-maintained S650s routinely push past 4,000 hours without major failures. On the used market, expect to pay $28,000-$38,000 for units in the 1,500-2,500 hour range. They hold [62-68% of their original value at 36 months](https://www.equipmentexperts.com/research/bobcat-s650-skid-steer-review), which tells you the market trusts them. If you're only going to look at one model, make it this one. ### 2. Bobcat S590 — Best Value Pick The S590 is the machine I recommend most often to buyers who want Bobcat reliability without paying Bobcat-premium prices. It runs a 68-horsepower engine with a rated operating capacity around 1,950 pounds — less than the S650, sure, but more than enough for most landscaping, light grading, and general-purpose work. Where the S590 shines on reliability is its simplicity. It's a lighter machine with less stress on drivetrain components, which translates to fewer hydraulic seal failures and longer intervals between major service. The tight turning radius makes it a favorite in residential work where you're threading between houses and fences all day. Used S590s in the 1,000-2,000 hour range typically sell for $22,000-$32,000. For a startup crew or a farmer who needs a dependable loader without overthinking it, the S590 is hard to beat. ### 3. Bobcat S770 — Heavy-Duty Workhorse The S770 steps up to 92 horsepower and a 3,350-pound operating capacity, putting it firmly in large-frame territory. This is the machine you grab when the S650 isn't quite enough — demolition staging, heavy material handling, or running high-flow attachments that demand serious hydraulic output at [23.5 GPM and 3,300 PSI](https://specstch.com/bobcat-s770-skid-steer-specs-problems-and-recommendations/). Reliability is strong but comes with a caveat: the S770 works harder, so it wears harder. Hydraulic system issues — specifically slow response from worn seals — are the most common complaint on high-hour units. The engine itself is solid, though overheating can crop up if the cooling system isn't maintained. Budget 15% more for annual maintenance compared to the S650. Used pricing runs $32,000-$45,000 depending on hours and condition. If your work genuinely demands the extra capacity, the S770 delivers. Just don't buy one for tasks the S650 handles fine — you'll burn more fuel for no reason. ### 4. Bobcat T590 — Tracked Reliability The T590 is technically a compact track loader, not a skid steer, but it shares so much DNA with Bobcat's wheeled lineup that buyers cross-shop them constantly. It matches the S590's 68-horsepower engine but puts the power down through rubber tracks, giving you serious traction on soft or uneven ground where wheels would spin and dig ruts. Track undercarriage maintenance is the tradeoff. Expect to spend roughly [$10 per operating hour on undercarriage costs](https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/t590-bobcat.485560/) versus $2 per hour for tires on a wheeled machine. Early T590 units from around 2016 had a known fuel system bypass issue with the Doosan engine that caused air ingestion and random shutdowns — dealers resolved it under warranty, but check that the fix was applied on any used unit from that era. Post-fix, the T590 is a dependable machine. Used pricing sits at $30,000-$40,000 for units under 2,500 hours. Ideal for landscapers and contractors who regularly work on dirt, mud, or slopes where you need to [spot red flags before buying](https://skidinfo.com/red-flags-used-skid-steer). ### 5. Bobcat S510 — Compact and Tough The S510 flies under the radar, and that works in your favor on the used market. It's a small-frame machine — 60 horsepower, roughly 1,750-pound operating capacity — designed for tight spaces and lighter-duty work. Think residential landscaping, small farm chores, and utility work where maneuverability matters more than brute force. Reliability is a genuine strength here. The smaller engine and hydraulic system mean fewer components under stress, and the S510's mechanical simplicity makes it easier for an owner-operator to wrench on without dealer support. Common issues are minor: occasional sensor faults and battery drain on older units, both cheap fixes. Used S510s trade for $18,000-$26,000, making them one of the most affordable ways into a Bobcat. If your work doesn't demand a big frame, this is smart money. ### 6. Bobcat S850 — Maximum Capacity The S850 is the largest skid steer in Bobcat's lineup, rated at 3,950 pounds operating capacity with a lift height over 12 feet. It's built for heavy construction — loading trucks, moving aggregate, running large augers and brush cutters. At over 10,200 pounds operating weight, this is a serious piece of iron. Reliability at this size class depends heavily on how the previous owner ran it. The S850 can take punishment, but it was designed for skilled operators running demanding applications. Hydraulic pump wear and engine cooling issues show up faster on machines that were pushed hard without proper service intervals. The used market for S850s is thinner than mid-size models, which means pricing is less predictable — generally $38,000-$55,000 for units with 1,500-3,000 hours. Buy an S850 only if you need that capacity. For everything else, the S770 or S650 will cost less to own and maintain. ### 7. Bobcat S450 — Entry Level The S450 sits at the bottom of Bobcat's skid steer range — 49 horsepower, around 1,300-pound rated operating capacity, and a compact footprint that fits through standard doorways. It's the machine for small-lot work, indoor jobs, and property maintenance where anything bigger would be overkill. Mechanically, the S450 is about as simple as a modern skid steer gets, which is good for reliability. There's less to break. The downside is that operators who push it beyond its intended tasks — loading heavy pallets, running high-demand attachments — will shorten its lifespan fast. The engine and hydraulic system aren't built for sustained heavy loads. Used S450s sell for $14,000-$22,000, and they're most common in the rental fleet resale market. Good for a very specific use case, but most buyers will be happier stepping up to the S510 or S590. ### Conclusion Every model on this list can be a solid used purchase if you match it to your work and inspect it properly. The S650 and S590 top the rankings because they balance power, simplicity, and proven durability — and the used market agrees, with strong resale values and deep parts availability. If you need tracks, the T590 is your best bet. If you need raw muscle, the S770 and S850 deliver but demand more attention to maintenance history. Buy for what you actually do 80% of the time, not the one job a year that needs maximum capacity.