As a veteran employee of Bobcat for over a decade, I receive calls from novice buyers every day: "For the first time buying a skid steer loader, how do I choose?" "There are so many Bobcat models, and the price range is huge. I'm afraid I'll make a wrong choice and waste money."
To be honest, there's no need to panic when choosing a piece of equipment for a novice. The core points are three: understand your job, calculate your budget, and choose a reliable source. Today, I'll share my best experience to help you select the most suitable Bobcat skid steer loader.
I. Why do global experts all trust Bobcat skid steer loaders?
Many people ask me, there are so many brands on the market, why choose Bobcat? The answer is two words: reliable. Behind these two words lies 60 years of real efforts.
1. We are the "inventors" of skid steer loaders
This is not a boast. More than 60 years ago, the first skid steer loader was made by Bobcat. Over the years, we have not engaged in flashy gimmicks, but have focused on one thing: how to make the equipment more user-friendly and durable. From the earliest prototype to the current intelligent models, every generation of Bobcat skid steer loaders has been refined step by step based on user needs. Millions of Bobcat equipment units are still running on construction sites, which is the best proof.
2. "Build-up" quality developed from tough jobs
Construction workers all know that construction sites do not have good conditions - muddy, hot, heavy loads, continuous operation are common. Bobcat equipment uses high-strength steel for the body, and the welding points are fully welded by robots. The hydraulic system and engine have been tested for thousands of hours before being put into production.
I have seen a customer's S650 in the mine for five years. Apart from normal oil changes, it never had a major problem. And in the north, users in winter at minus several tens of degrees, snow removal operations for more than ten hours, Bobcat still started quickly and had sufficient power. Not to mention narrow alleys, indoor demolition, these tricky jobs, our compact body allows us to enter places that other brands cannot.
II. Three steps you must not make a mistake in when buying a new equipment
When choosing a Bobcat skid steer loader, don't start by asking "Which model is better?" First, clarify your needs.
1. First, understand: What kind of work will you do with it?
This is the most crucial step. Without understanding the job, even the best equipment is useless.
If you just do some small jobs: such as yard leveling, transporting some sand and stones, indoor demolition, choose a small machine. The body is narrow, it can turn easily, and the fuel consumption is low.
If you do general jobs: construction, landscaping, farm transportation, medium-sized machines are all versatile. They have enough power, more accessories, and can help with any job.
If you do heavy jobs: such as loading in mines, heavy excavation, continuous heavy loads for more than ten hours, you must use a large machine. It has sufficient power, strong load capacity, and is not in the same order as the other machines.
In simple terms, for moving materials weighing less than 2 tons, 25-50 horsepower is enough; for digging deep trenches, carrying heavy loads, directly choose a model with 70 horsepower or above and a rated load of 2,500 pounds.
2. Calculate the cost: Is Bobcat's price expensive?
Novices are most concerned about the skid steer loader price. To be honest, Bobcat is not cheap, but it is definitely not a "sky-high price". You get what you pay for. We are calculating a long-term account.
The price of new Bobcat equipment is roughly divided into three ranges. You can match it:
Minicomputers (such as S70): $28,000 - $35,000. Suitable for small tasks, narrow spaces, and quick return on investment.
Midsize computers (such as S650): $50,000 - $60,000. The most versatile, capable of handling most construction sites, and offers the highest cost performance.
Large computers (such as S86): $75,000 - $85,000. Specifically designed for heavy-duty operations. Once purchased, they become the main force for work.
A word of caution： Don't just consider the equipment cost. Reserve funds for later accessories， maintenance， and fuel expenses. Don't be tempted to buy inferior brands； when repairing later， you'll spend more money and delay the project schedule.
3. Selecting a Model： Don't blindly pursue the large size. The right one is the best.
Bobcat's models are categorized as compact， midsize， and large. There is no distinction between good and bad； only suitability matters.
Compact： With a width of 36-48 inches， it is narrow enough to fit in elevators. Suitable for interior decoration and narrow alley operations. Choose it for sure.
Midsize： Balancing flexibility and strength， it is the most popular model. Suitable for construction， landscaping， and farming. You can handle any job.
Large： Specifically designed for heavy-duty operations. With sufficient power and large load capacity， it is not tiring for continuous high-intensity work.
III. Three Bobcat Models Worth Buying in 2026
I have compiled a list of three of the best-selling models this year, with specifications, prices, and applicable scenarios clearly listed. You can just copy this list.
| Model | Power (HP) | Rated load (LB) | Applicable Scenarios |
| S70 | 23.5 | 760 | Work in confined spaces (e.g., indoor demolition, material handling in narrow passages), small yard maintenance |
| S650 | 74 | 2690 | General scenarios (construction, landscaping, farm material handling), small and medium-sized construction site operations |
| S86 | 105 | 3400 | Heavy work (large-scale construction site excavation, heavy material handling, mining operations), high-intensity continuous work |
IV. Some heartfelt suggestions for beginners
When purchasing equipment, always choose a legitimate authorized dealer. Don't be tempted by cheap imports as they lack after-sales service and there's nowhere to repair if it breaks down. The authorized dealers of Bobcat not only sell genuine products but also provide professional technical support and maintenance services.
If you can have a test drive, make sure to do it. Just looking at the parameters is not enough. Drive it yourself for a lap, feel the operation feel, the power output, and see if it suits you. You'll know in an instant.
Check the compatibility of the accessories in advance. If you want to expand functions later, such as installing a breaker bar or a bucket, you need to confirm whether the model supports it. Choose a model with strong compatibility, so one piece of equipment can serve multiple purposes.
After-sales service is more important than price. The skid steer loader is a heavy asset and requires regular maintenance. Before purchasing, ask the dealer if they have a professional repair team and if the supply of spare parts is fast.
Selecting equipment is like finding a partner. It needs to be reliable and compatible. The Bobcat skid steer loader is an old brand with decades of history and will not let you down.
