Skid steer loaders buyers guide 2007
Know what to look for in these adaptable -- yet compact -- machines before you purchase one for your acreage.
Compact size, maneuverability, and ability to easily switch from a wide range of attachments make the skid steer loader one of the most versatile pieces of equipment.
Before you purchase a loader, evaluate your specific requirements.
Physical size. Measure any openings (width and height) the skid steer loader needs to fit through (gates, stalls, barns). A typical machine ranges in width from about 3 feet to more than 6 feet. Heights are usually between 5 and 7 feet.
Dump height. Estimate how high you'll need the loader to lift. Dumping height is the distance between the pivot point and the arms of the loader and the bucket. It can range from around 8 feet to more than 10 feet.
Lift capacity (also known as operating capacity). Determine what you will be lifting with your skid steer loader. That way you can estimate a weight range. Be aware that as the lift capacity increases, so does the physical size of the loader.
Tires. Pneumatic (hollow rubber filled with air or polyurethane foam) and solid rubber tires are the main choices. When choosing a type, factor in where the machine will be used. Air-filled tires are best at smoothing the ride and are the least expensive. However, you run the risk of more flats. Foam-filled are impervious to flats but are more expensive (around $400 per tire). They are also heavier and can put more strain on the transmission. Solid rubber tires are thinner and never go flat, but they give the roughest ride.
Attachments. Not all skid steer loader attachments are compatible with every make on the market. Know whether or not your unit can handle the added stress of an attachment. Mismatched attachments create excessive wear and tear and heat buildup.
Following are some of the skid steer loaders that are available. Your local dealer is an excellent resource, too.
Bobcat
The Bobcat 463 (pictured) is the smallest skid steer loader manufactured by Bobcat. It measures 36 inches wide (with bucket) and features a 22.5-hp. liquid-cooled, diesel engine, a 700-lb. rated operating capacity, a 1,405-lb. tipping load, 9.8 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow, and a 94.5-inch height (to bucket hinge pin).
Overall, Bobcat has 12 models to choose from. Lifting capacity ranges from 700 to 3,300 lbs. A variety of attachments is available for all models.
MSRP is $16,500 (includes standard bucket) depending on options.
800/743-4340
Bulldog (Mapcon, Inc.)
Model B4230CS1 (pictured) features a 50-hp. diesel engine (Perkins/Deutz), a 1,323- lb. rated operating capacity, a 2,646-lb. tipping load, and 18 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow. It measures 34.7 inches wide and has a 77-inch dump height.
Customers can choose from six different models. A variety of attachments is available for all models. Bulldog skid steer loaders are equipped with the quick-coupler system for use with various attachments.
Based on configurations, models start at approximately the mid-$20,000 range.
866/404-9453
Case
Model 420 (pictured) features a 56-hp. liquid-cooled, diesel engine, a 1,750-lb. rated operating capacity, a 3,500-lb. tipping load, 18.5 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow, and a 85.9-inch dump height (with low-profile bucket).
Standard equipment includes ROPS/FOPS canopy with side screens and loader-control lockout system.
The 400 Series has eight models to take on loads from 1,500 lbs. up to 3,000 lbs. An array of attachments is available for all models.
MSRP starts at $27,500 (Model 420).
262/636-6011
Caterpillar
The 226B (pictured) skid steer loader is one of 10 models available from Caterpillar. This model features a 57-hp. liquid-cooled, diesel engine, a 1,500-lb. rated operating capacity, a 3,000-lb. tipping load, 15.6 gpm of loader hydraulic flow, and a 112-inch bucket pin height at maximum lift.
Standard features include 12-volt electrical system, ROPS cab, FOPS Level I, and hydrostatic transmission. A variety of work tools is available for each model.
Contact your local Caterpillar dealer for pricing.
Doosan Daewoo
The Doosan Daewoo line of skid steer loaders offers four models ranging in rated operating capacity from 1,450 to 2,250 lbs.
Pictured is Model 460 Plus, the largest model in the series. It features a Cummins 65-hp. engine, 2,250-lb. rated operating capacity, a 4,497-lb. tipping load, a 93.6-inch dump height, 8.6-inch ground clearance, 18.2-gallon fuel tank, 7.4-mph maximum travel speed, and 21.7 gpm of hydraulic flow. Contact a dealer for pricing information.
620/675-2224 (Advanced Power Distributors -- Kansas)
Gehl
Gehl's E Series includes six models with a rated operating load range of 1,175 lbs. to 2,900 lbs. (when equipped with optional counterweights).
The 4240E (pictured) features a Yanmar 46-hp. diesel engine, rated operating load of 1,350 lbs., overall operating height (fully raised) of 141.1 inches, 53-inch overall width, and a 116.2-inch length with 61-inch bucket. The All-Tach universal-type, quick-attach system makes changing attachments quick and easy.
MSRP is $23,200.
262/334-9461
Hyundai
Hyundai offers two models: HL850-7 and HL650-7 (pictured). Both models feature a direct cooling system, dual-element air cleaner, and canopy (ROPS/FOPS).
The HL850-7 features a Kubota 68-hp. water-cooled engine, 1,852-lb. rated operating capacity, a 3,715-lb. tipping load, and a 94.9-inch dump height.
Model HL650-7 features a Kubota 44.2-hp. (gross) water-cooled engine, a 1,433-lb. rated operating capacity, a 2,888-lb. tipping load, and a 88.2-inch dump height.
Contact a dealer for pricing information.
847/437-3333
JCB
The skid steer selection from JCB includes four models: 160, 170, 190, and 1110. Each model features a quick-hitch, auxiliary hydraulic options (standard or high flow), ROPS/FOPS integrated canopy, restraint-activated safety system, and side door.
Model 170 (pictured) features a 50-hp. water-cooled, diesel engine, a 1,543-lb. rated operating capacity, a 3,086-lb. tipping load, and a 90-inch dump height.
MSRP is between $26,000 to $30,000, depending on options chosen.
912/447-2000
John Deere
John Deere offers five models (317, 320, 325, 328, and 332) in its skid steer lineup. Units range in size from 57 (Model 317) to 85 (Model 332) net horsepower.
Model 317 (pictured) features a turbo-charged, four-cylinder, Deere 57-hp. diesel engine, vertical-lift boom, a 1,750-lb. rated operating capacity, a 3,700-lb. tipping load, a 88.8-inch dump height, a Quick-Tatch hitch, 16-gallon fuel capacity, and an 8.2-inch ground clearance.
MSRP ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on size and options.
866/993-3373
Komatsu
Komatsu offers six models in its wheeled skid steer loader line. They range from 1,350-lb. to 2,650-lb. rated operated capacity.
Model SK1020-5 (pictured) features a 70-hp. Komatsu water-cooled, diesel engine, a 2,000- lb. rated operating capacity, a 90.5-inch dump clearance, a 4,000-lb. tipping load, and a hydrostatic transmission. The tilt-forward ROPS/FOPS allows the cab to tilt with the loader arms down or up. Contact a dealer for pricing information.
800/655-4473
Mustang
There are eight models to choose from in the Mustang skid steer lineup. Rated operating load ranges from 1,000 to 2,600 lbs.
Model 2054 (pictured) has a reengineered ROPS/FOPS enclosure, larger rear window, and redesigned side screen. Other features include a 49-hp. Yanmar diesel engine, 1,650-lb. rated operating capacity, a 92-inch dump height, 18 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow, and a 3,300-lb. tipping load.
MSRP is $25,000. (Actual amount depends on how machine is configured.)
507/451-7112
New Holland
The Super Boom lineup from New Holland includes seven models. They range in rated operating load from 1,380 to 2,800 lbs.
Model L170 (pictured) features a 50-hp. diesel engine, a 1,750-lb. rated operating capacity, a 3,530-lb. tipping load, 15.5 gpm of hydraulic flow, and a 90-inch dump height.
MSRP is $27,675.
888/290-7377
Volvo
Volvo offers five models, which range from 1,400- to 2,400-lb. rated operating capacity and 45.3 to 80.5 hp.
The MC60B (pictured) is the smallest model in the lineup. It features a 45.3-hp. engine, a 1,400-lb. rated operating capacity, a 113.7-inch height to the loader hinge pin, and an 8.2-inch ground clearance.
MSRP is $25,000.
828/650-2000
