The market offers a wide variety of skid steer loaders in different brands, sizes, and horsepower. Choosing the wrong size can significantly impact your work efficiency. If you are looking for the right skid steer sizes, please read on.
Skid steers come in three main sizes: small (under 50hp, up to 1750 lbs), medium (50–70hp, 1750–2200 lbs), and large (over 70hp, 2200 lbs and above). Your choice depends on space, load, and task requirements.
Want to explore which size fits your needs best? Let’s break it down.
Skid Steer Sizes Comparison
Understanding skid steer size categories helps you select the right equipment for your job. Here’s a quick comparison chart:
| Size Class | Horsepower Range | Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) | Common Applications | Width Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 50 HP | Up to 1,750 lbs | Landscaping, indoor work, small construction | 36–50 in |
| Medium | 50–70 HP | 1,750–2,200 lbs | Construction, roadwork, utility tasks | 60–66 in |
| Large | Over 70 HP | 2,200 lbs and above | Industrial, heavy lifting, earthmoving | 70+ in |
This skid steer sizes chart makes it easy to compare small, medium, and large models by power, capacity, and usage.What Are the Sizes of Skid Steers from Various Brands?
Small Skid Steers (Under 50hp, Up to 1750 lbs)
Small skid steers are the best choice for tight job sites and light work. They are often used for small farm work, landscaping, or remodeling inside.
Most of these models weigh less than 6000 pounds, have between 25 and 50 horsepower, and can fit into spaces that are less than 50 inches wide.
Small skid steers are great for moving around. The Bobcat S70 and CAT 216 are two popular models in this class. They are easier to move and don’t need as much trailer space.
Medium Skid Steers (50–70hp, 1750–2200 lbs)
If you’re looking for a balance between power and compact design, medium skid steers might be perfect. They’re versatile enough for most jobsites.
With an operating capacity between 1750–2200 lbs and horsepower ranging from 50 to 70, they are well-suited for construction, excavation, and roadwork.
Most machines in this range fall within the 5–5.5 feet width range. They’re compatible with a variety of attachments, giving them wide application.
Large Skid Steers (Over 70hp, 2200 lbs and Up)
These are made to work hard. You can often find them on big building sites or in factories.
Many large skid steers weigh more than 8000 lbs and have a rated operating capacity of more than 2200 lbs. They also have more than 70 horsepower.
They can lift higher, have more torque, and dig deeper, but they need more space to work and move. Large-frame skid steers are built for serious performance.
What Are the Sizes of Skid Steers from Various Brands?
Each brand offers a wide range of models across size classes. Understanding their product strengths can guide your purchasing decisions more effectively.
CAT Skid Steer Sizes
Caterpillar (CAT) machines are known for durability, ease of maintenance, and strong resale value. Their models cover all size classes and are widely used in construction and mining industries.
| Model | Rated Operating Capacity | Operating Weight | Engine Power | Wheelbase | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 226D3 | 1550 lbs | 5678 lbs | 67 hp | 39 in | 58.9 in |
| CAT 232D3 | 1500 lbs | 5792 lbs | 67 hp | 40.6 in | 60 in |
| CAT 236D3 | 1800 lbs | 6229 lbs | 74.3 hp | 42 in | 66 in |
| CAT 246D3 | 2150 lbs | 7180 lbs | 74.3 hp | 43.5 in | 66 in |
| CAT 262D3 | 2700 lbs | 8011 lbs | 74.3 hp | 44 in | 66 in |
CAT offers balanced performance across the board. For mid-to-large projects, CAT 246D3 and 262D3 deliver excellent lifting power and stability.
CASE Skid Steer Sizes
CASE skid steers are popular for their smooth controls and powerful hydraulics. They’re especially appreciated in roadwork, demolition, and agriculture applications.
| Model | Rated Operating Capacity | Operating Weight | Engine Power | Wheelbase | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR130B | 1300 lbs | 5200 lbs | 49 hp | 36 in | 58.5 in |
| SR160B | 1600 lbs | 5700 lbs | 60 hp | 40 in | 59 in |
| SR210B | 2100 lbs | 7000 lbs | 68 hp | 42 in | 63 in |
| SV280B | 2800 lbs | 8100 lbs | 74 hp | 43 in | 66 in |
| SV340B | 3400 lbs | 9200 lbs | 90 hp | 44 in | 68 in |
From light-duty landscaping with the SR130B to the heavy-duty SV340B, CASE provides options that meet a variety of project requirements and budgets.
Bobcat Skid Steer Sizes
Bobcat is a leader in compact equipment and widely known for innovation and attachment variety. Their skid steers are agile, reliable, and easy to operate.
| Model | Rated Operating Capacity | Operating Weight | Engine Power | Wheelbase | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S70 | 760 lbs | 2892 lbs | 23.5 hp | 28.4 in | 36 in |
| S450 | 1300 lbs | 5270 lbs | 49 hp | 35.4 in | 58.6 in |
| S590 | 2000 lbs | 6765 lbs | 68 hp | 42.6 in | 65.2 in |
| S650 | 2690 lbs | 8060 lbs | 74.3 hp | 45 in | 69.6 in |
| S770 | 3350 lbs | 8794 lbs | 92 hp | 45.3 in | 72 in |
Bobcat’s smaller models like the S70 are perfect for indoor demolition, while larger ones like the S770 are built for heavy-duty earthwork.
How Much Does a Skid Steer Weigh?
The weight of a skid steer varies significantly based on size. Small models weigh under 6000 lbs, mediums range from 6000 to 8000 lbs, and large units can exceed 9000 lbs.
Transporting skid steers requires careful planning, especially with larger models needing heavy-duty trailers. Skid steer sizes for sale often include transport specs for buyer reference.
How Wide is a Skid Steer?
When there are only a few ways to get in or out of your job site, width is important. This is a short guide:
Small skid steers are usually 36 to 50 inches wide, medium ones are 60 to 66 inches wide, and large ones can be more than 70 inches wide.
Always look at the skid steer sizes chart to make sure it will fit your site. For instance, the cat skid steer size chart shows that some models are just over 5 feet wide.
How To Choose the Right Skid Steer Size
The kind of skid steer you choose will depend on where you work, what you need to do, and how flexible you want to be in the future.
Smaller machines are better for landscaping, indoor work, or places where you need to turn quickly. Mid-range is flexible. In open spaces, larger models work best for getting the most done.
Before you buy, use a skid steer size comparison to look at different brands.
What is the Biggest Skid Steer?
The largest skid steers in the market are high-horsepower beasts. Models like the Bobcat S850 or CASE SV340B reach over 90 hp with lift capacities above 3400 lbs.
These machines are built for max productivity, suitable for heavy construction, industrial lifting, or high-volume excavation.
If you prioritize power over size restrictions, go big.
Summary
Skid steer sizes impact cost, performance, and versatility. Compare wisely and choose smart. Need help picking the right size?
Contact Us for Expert Advice
At HIXEN, we help clients across Africa, the Middle East, and South America find the perfect used skid steer.
👉 Message us today for free consultation and machine recommendation!
