Adding a skid steer loader to your fleet may be a good investment if you know the size and brand to search for. These machines are adaptable and easy to carry, and they are available in a number of sizes to suit different sorts of operations.
Skid steers are classified into one of three sizes: small frame, medium frame, and big frame. Small-frame skid steers are meant to handle lower weights in compact places, but large-frame versions can lift up to 3,000 pounds and are typically used in commercial applications. Most manufacturers have a variety of alternatives, so it’s critical to know the size you’ll need before purchasing or renting.
The first step in selecting a skid steer size for your project is to understand what options are available. To assist you decide, we’ve prepared three skid steer sizing charts that showcase the most popular product offers from well-known equipment manufacturers.
CASE Skid Steer Sizes
CASE is one of the leading equipment manufacturers in the United States, with machines noted for their landscaping and agricultural applications. CASE provides a wide range of sizes and attachment choices to suit any task size.
Those without a wheelbase suggest tiny track loaders.
Bobcat Skid Steer Sizes
Bobcat is one of the most well-known skid steer providers in the industry. It has a wide range of size possibilities, from the lightweight S450 to the T870 compact track loader with a rated operating capacity (ROC) of 3,650 pounds.
Those without a wheelbase suggest tiny track loaders.
| Bobcat Skid Steer Sizes and Specs | |||||
| Model | Rated Operating Capacity | Operating Weight | Engine Power | Wheelbase | Width |
| S450 | 1,370 lb | 5,370 lb | 49 hp | 0.9 m | 1.5 m |
| T450 | 1,490 lb | 6,424 lb | 55 hp | – | 1.4 m |
| S510 | 1,790 lb | 6,208 lb | 55 hp | 1.08 m | 1.6 m |
| T550 | 2,027 lb | 7,557 lb | 68 hp | – | 1.7 m |
| S590 | 2,101 lb | 6,765 lb | 68 hp | 1.08 m | 1.7 m |
| T66 | 2,450 lb | 8,927 lb | 74 hp | – | 1.7 m |
| S66 | 2,400 lb | 7,154 lb | 74 hp | 1.13 | 1.7 m |
| S76 | 2,900 lb | 8,615 lb | 74 hp | 1.23 m | 1.8 m |
| T76 | 2,900 lb | 10,250 lb | 74 hp | – | 1.9 m |
| S770 | 3,350 lb | 9,314 lb | 92 hp | 1.23 m | 1.8 m |
CAT Skid Steer Sizes
CAT skid steers are renowned for their power and adaptability. If you require a machine with a large lifting capability, a CAT skid steer may be the right choice.
Those without a wheelbase suggest tiny track loaders.
| CAT Skid Steer Sizes and Specs | |||||
| Model | Rated Operating Capacity | Operating Weight | Engine Power | Wheelbase | Width |
| 226D3 | 1,550 lb | 5,549 lb | 67 hp | 1.05 m | 1.5 m |
| 249D3 | 1,740 lb | 7,831 lb | 67 hp | – | 1.8 m |
| 236D3 | 1,800 lb | 6,567 lb | 74 hp | 1.1 m | 1.7 m |
| 232D3 | 1,900 lb | 6,514 lb | 67 hp | 1.05 m | 1.5 m |
| 259D3 | 2,010 lb | 8,987 lb | 74 hp | – | 1.8 m |
| 279D3 | 2,220 lb | 10,095 lb | 74 hp | – | 2.0 m |
| S62Ds | 2,700 lb | 8,296 lb | 74 hp | 1.25 | 1.7 m |
| 289D3 | 2,890 lb | 10,688 lb | 74 hp | – | 2.0 m |
| 272D3 | 3,450 lb | 9,133 lb | 98 hp | 1.4 m | 1.8 m |
| 299D3 | 3,480 lb | 11,464 lb | 98 hp | – | 1.9 m |
How To Choose the Right Skid Steer Size
Because there are so many sizes and types to pick from, you should carefully weigh your alternatives before purchasing or renting a skid steer. When deciding on the optimal skid steer size for your project, consider the following guidelines.
Understand the Rated Operating Capacity.
Many dealers and manufacturers categorize skid steers according on their ROC. A machine’s ROC is the maximum weight it can raise without tipping over. Most machines’ horsepower and overall operating weight rise as the ROC increases. If your project needs a high ROC, you’ll probably need a bigger skid steer.
A skid steer’s ROC is the greatest weight it can raise without toppling over.
Know your budget.
The types and quantities of equipment available to project owners are influenced by their budget, and skid steer sizes are no exception. Larger compact track loaders are often pricier than small-frame skid steers. To keep a project within its budget, choose the smallest size that meets your demands. Selecting a skid steer size suitable for multiple applications can also reduce the cost of additional equipment.
Confirm the site dimensions and layout.
When selecting the right skid steer size, keep your site’s dimensions and layout in mind. If your task site has many obstacles or narrow places, you might pick a smaller skid steer that can easily navigate them. Small-frame skid steers also require less storage space and may be carried on smaller trailers.
Skid steer size possibilities include small-frame, medium-frame, and large-frame.
Consider Attachment Options.
Buckets, snow blowers, augers, trenchers, and pallet forks are among the accessories that may be used with a skid steer. Depending on the sort of connection you want, you may need to select a bigger skid steer to accommodate the additional weight.
