SKID STEER
BRANDS
Compare the top skid steer manufacturers. From Bobcat's industry-leading heritage to JCB's innovative side-entry design, find the brand that matches your needs and budget.
View Comparison Table
MAJOR MANUFACTURERS
Seven brands dominate the North American skid steer market. Each brings distinct strengths in design, pricing, and dealer support.
The Original Skid Steer
Bobcat
Bobcat invented the first skid steer loader in the 1960s and commands approximately 40% of the global market — making them the clear industry leader. The top five manufacturers collectively account for roughly 80% of global production. Bobcat's standardized quick-attach plate set the benchmark that most other manufacturers followed, making Bobcat attachments the most widely compatible in the market.
- Invented the skid steer loader category
- Industry-standard quick-attach plate
- Pressurized cabs with low noise and vibration
- Selectable joystick controls to reduce operator fatigue
- Strongest resale values and highest used-market demand
- Most extensive dealer network in North America
Premium Power & Performance
Caterpillar (CAT)
Caterpillar holds approximately 18–20% of the skid steer market, leveraging its century-long reputation in heavy construction equipment. CAT loaders consistently deliver some of the best horsepower-to-operating-capacity ratios in the industry, allowing operators to power through demanding tasks more efficiently.
- Best horsepower-to-ROC ratios in the industry
- Next-gen models (2024) with upgraded power, torque, and comfort
- Strong residual values support higher rental rates
- Century of construction equipment expertise
- Premium cab quality with advanced operator displays
- Comprehensive Cat dealer network worldwide
Operator-Friendly Reliability
John Deere
John Deere skid steers are known for intuitive controls, consistent build quality, and wide service accessibility. Their dashboards are among the most user-friendly in the industry, making them a favorite for utility contractors and rental yards where operators may vary in experience.
- Intuitive dashboards — easy for varying operator skill levels
- 324G mid-frame is one of the most popular models on the market
- P-Tier series: 20% better visibility, sealed switch modules
- Fully sealed and pressurized one-piece cab
- Excellent for material handling and landscaping
- Strong dealer network, especially in agricultural regions
Industry-Leading Visibility
Case
Case has built its reputation on combining high power output with low engine emissions across their B-Series lineup. Where Case truly differentiates is visibility — they equip all skid steers with backup cameras and rearview mirrors as standard, a feature most competitors offer only as options.
- Backup camera and rearview mirror standard on all models
- B-Series covers wide range of operating capacities
- SV280B: 2,800 lb ROC, 8,620 lb bucket breakout force
- Turbocharged FPT engines — 232 lb-ft torque at 1,400 rpm
- Focus on low emissions without sacrificing power
- Competitive pricing with solid capabilities
Compact & Agricultural Expertise
Kubota
Kubota brings decades of compact equipment and agricultural machinery expertise to the skid steer market. Known for reliable diesel engines used across the industry (including in many mini skid steers from other brands), Kubota machines prioritize fuel efficiency and are particularly well-suited for farming operations and landscaping.
- Kubota diesel engines used across the industry — proven reliability
- Strong compact equipment heritage
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Well-suited for farming and landscaping operations
- Growing dealer network with ag-focused service
- Competitive pricing in the compact segment
Competitive Value
New Holland
New Holland (owned by CNH Industrial alongside Case) offers competitively priced skid steers with solid capabilities. Their agricultural roots make them a natural choice for rural operations, and they share some engineering with Case while maintaining their own distinct product line.
- Competitive pricing — focused on operating cost savings
- Agricultural heritage with strong rural dealer presence
- Shares CNH Industrial engineering with Case
- Solid build quality at accessible price points
- Good option for budget-conscious contractors
- Parts and service readily available through ag dealers
Unique Side-Entry Design
JCB
JCB takes a fundamentally different approach to skid steer design with their side-entry cab and single-arm PowerBoom loader. Instead of climbing over the bucket to enter (a known safety hazard), JCB operators enter from the side. The single-arm design provides unmatched forward visibility and a wider cab.
- Side-entry cab eliminates climbing over the bucket
- Single-arm PowerBoom for unmatched forward visibility
- Wider cab space due to single-arm architecture
- Addresses a key NIOSH safety concern (entry/exit hazard)
- Strong European and global dealer network
- Distinctive design backed by engineering innovation
BRAND COMPARISON
A side-by-side look at how the top brands compare across key factors.
| Brand | HP Range | ROC Range | Price Tier | Dealer Network | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | 23–110 | 1,300–3,600 lbs | Premium | Excellent | All-around, rental fleets |
| CAT | 55–100+ | 1,550–3,600 lbs | Premium+ | Excellent | Heavy construction |
| John Deere | 50–100 | 1,550–3,400 lbs | Competitive | Excellent | Varied operators, rental |
| Case | 60–90 | 1,600–3,400 lbs | Value | Good | Visibility-critical work |
| Kubota | 50–75 | 1,400–2,700 lbs | Competitive | Good (ag) | Agriculture, landscaping |
| New Holland | 50–85 | 1,300–3,100 lbs | Budget | Good (ag) | Budget-conscious buyers |
| JCB | 55–74 | 1,600–2,400 lbs | Premium | Moderate | Safety-focused operations |
How to Choose the Right Brand
The best skid steer brand depends on your specific situation. Beyond specs and price, consider these practical factors:
Local Dealer Support
A great machine is worthless if the nearest dealer is three hours away. Prioritize brands with service centers near your operation — downtime costs more than any feature.
Resale Value
If you plan to upgrade in 3–5 years, Bobcat and CAT retain the most value. Their higher upfront cost is offset by stronger resale — a $50K Bobcat retaining 80% gives you $40K back.
Operator Pool
If you run a rental fleet or have varying operators, John Deere and Bobcat's intuitive controls reduce the learning curve. JCB's side-entry design is safest for inexperienced operators.
Work Environment
Urban construction contractors benefit from Bobcat and CAT's brand recognition. Rural and agricultural operations often find better value and service with John Deere, New Holland, or Kubota.
Need Help Deciding?
Our buying guide walks you through every factor to consider when choosing your next skid steer.
Read the Buying Guide