The Ultimate Skid Steer Spec and Size Guide (2023)

Updated, July 10, 2023

Skid steers are one of the most common pieces of heavy equipment on every construction or landscaping project due to their versatility. They can lift, dig, move, drill, and more if they have the right attachments. But it's their range of sizes that really makes them such popular loaders for any project.

When picking the right skid steer for the project, it's important to know all of the options you have to choose from. While there are several skid steer manufacturers, not every company builds products within every size category or with the power to handle every scale of the job.

That's why we've put together this overview and list of the three frames of skid steers, the manufacturers of skid steers, and the models and size guides for each skid steer manufacturer. Skip ahead to the following brands:

• ASV
• Bobcat
• CASE
• Caterpillar
• GEHL
• Hyundai
• JCB
• John Deere
• Kubota
• Manitou
• New Holland
• Wacker Neuson

The Three Sizes of Skid Steer Frames

Every model of skid steer fits into three different size categories: small-frame, medium-frame, and large-frame. The standard size range for small-frame skid steers is any machine with a ROC under 1,750 lbs and 50 horsepower. The medium-framed spec range is between 1,750 to 2,200 lbs and 50 to 70 horsepower. And lastly, the large-framed wheeled skid steer spec range is anything over 2,200 lbs and 70 horsepower. Based on what your ideal use for the equipment is, you'll want to pick any model within those ranges.

Typically, small-frame machines are used for smaller jobs or ones that don't require lots of lifting and power. For example, they're great for landscaping projects, interior demolition, underground construction, and working in buildings because those spaces are often more restricted. Because of their small size and ease with navigating corners and tight spaces, small-frame skid steer loaders are very common for small-scale projects. They're also much easier to haul from site to site which can help save on costs when job sites may require less machinery or time.

Mid-frame models are the most commonly used size in construction and landscaping as a whole. That's because they're a really safe bet for getting the job done on any site with the power and rated operating capacity (ROC) they provide. For the most part, they can also safely fit through most residential or suburban backyards which makes them great for DIY or homebuilding projects in general. Between mid-frame and small-frame skid steers, you really can't go wrong. All you should be doing is checking the size requirements or dimensions for any heavy equipment on the job before picking.

Lastly, there are the large-framed models. These machines are great when moving large amounts of dirt, gravel, or bricks and require attachments like buckets or blades because they typically require more horsepower. You will also need large-framed skid steers for most road building, demolition, and drilling jobs because of the heavy materials and demand for sheer power and force in these types of projects.

Now that we know about the different size ranges, let's get into each brand and its skid steer models.

Read our in-depth compact track loader spec guide.

Skid Steer Models, Specs, and Sizes for Every Brand

The most common skid steer specs that people care about are ROC, operating weight, engine horsepower, width, and wheelbase. The ROC is usually the most important factor when determining what model to choose. This is because the ROC number signifies the safest load capacity that a specific machine can carry. The ROC is normally 30 to 50 percent of the tipping load limit - the amount of weight that the skid steer could carry without flipping.

Operating weight is the weight of the actual machine and normally factors in the operator's weight and fuel. Wheelbases are typically set out for each frame size. For example, small-frame have wheelbases of about 36 inches, middle-frame have wheelbases of 40 inches, and large frames have wheelbases of 48 inches. The wider the wheelbase, the more stability the machine can provide for the job.

Horsepower is important to consider when the machine might be used for multitasking purposes like using hydraulic systems and other machine functions at the same time. However, balance, ROC, operating weight, and wheelbase are typically more important.

ASV

With their radial and vertical skid steer models, ASV manufactures two machines that perform incredibly well. Built for large-scale projects, their hydraulic systems ensure that power is shifted as efficiently to the attachments as possible.

While ASV does only manufacture two skid steer loaders, they have a wide range of skid steer attachments that work on their machines and are compatible with others as well. Compare ASV skid steer models.

ASV Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Bobcat

In construction and landscaping, Bobcat is almost synonymous with the name skid steer. That's because they are credited with inventing the world's first skid steer more than 60 years ago. They also have the most selection of any skid steer manufacturer and makes sense why they are the best-selling company for this equipment.

Bobcat has three series of wheeled skid steer loaders: the M2-Series, M3-series, and R-series. The M2 series is more fuel efficient, quiet, and has non-DPF engines. The M3 skid series have bigger cabs for operators, wider ranges of attachments, and very easy maintenance features. Lastly, the R series has more powerful hydraulics, increased uptime, and are very comfortable.

The M3-Series and R-Series are Bobcat's newest models of the skid steer. However, they mostly exist to serve the small-frame and medium-frame markets. If you're looking to do demolition jobs or anything with extremely heavy lifting, the Bobcat M2-Series is probably your best bet. Check out Bobcat's full skid steer product line.

Bobcat Skid Steer Specs and Size

CASE

CASE has more than 50 years of engineering and experience behind them and they've developed the B Series to be workhorses for the construction and landscaping industries. What sets CASE apart from other brands is their industry-leading visibility from within the skid steer cab and hydraulic options.

With a variety of sizes, horsepower, and attachments, CASE skid steers are a great choice for any fleet or rental. Compare CASE skid steer models and specs in more detail.

CASE Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Caterpillar

The Caterpillar D3 skid steer loader series covers a wide range of lift heights, ROCs, and horsepower. They are known for their reliability and durability while their hydraulic system is one of the best in the industry and provides lots of additional power.

Read more about Caterpillar's skid steer loader specs.

CAT Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

GEHL

As hydraulics have become more efficient over the years, small machines are able to do more without losing power. Since GEHL manufactures some of the smallest skid steer options, this is incredibly important. However, the range of GEHL's models is something to be highlighted. Their smallest model, the R105 has a ROC of 1,049 while their biggest skid steer, the V420, has a ROC of 4,200.

As you can see, whether you're working on a big job or a small one, GEHL's skid steer options have you covered. Learn more about GEHL's radial and vertical skid steers.

GEHL Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Hyundai

Hyundai has only recently rejoined the compact loader market in North America. Their one and only skid steer model, the HS120V, is a vertical path lift that can meet the demands of small and medium-sized construction projects. With great cab comfort and visibility, Hyundai loaders are a great brand choice.

Hyundai Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

JCB

As engine advancements for skid steers continue to be improved, JCB has figured out ways to enhance torque and power while consuming less fuel. They're also the first company to create a skid steer with a telescopic boom, the Teleskid 3TS-8W, for increased lift and reach potential.

Focusing primarily on the large-frame machines, JCB models aren't perfect choices for every construction or landscaping project. However, when heavy duty is what you need, heavy duty is what you'll get. Read more about JCB skid steer features and models.

JCB Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

John Deere

John Deere is another legacy company with a great range of models. They have options for each type of frame size ranging from the 316GR model to the 332GR. John Deere is also a great option for the chassis of a skid steer because of all the different attachments they manufacture as well. But we'll talk about that another time. For now, here is the comprehensive list of John Deere's skid steer models.

While offering a smaller variety of skid steers than Bobcat, John Deere manufactures models across every frame size making them great options for any construction or landscaping job. Feel free to read John Deere's full skid steer product line.

John Deere Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Kubota

With Kubota manufacturing and sourcing many of the engines for skid steers on this list already, they decided to make their own models as well. The Kubota SSV Series are powered by their own diesel engines and are designed for both radial and vertical movement.

While not having the range of options that other brands provide, you know that their power and engines are going to be high quality and last a long time. However, they don't have machines for every job site so make sure you know what is required before picking a Kubota skid steer. Read more about the Kubota SSV65 and SSV75.

Kubota Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Manitou

With a range of options only matched by GEHL on this list, Manitou has 10 different models to choose from. With their reliability and performance, they also have the same range of power.

Another brand able to satisfy the small-frame, medium-frame, and large-frame markets, Manitou's diverse list of skid steers is perfect for every job. Compare all Manitou skid steer models.

Manitou Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

New Holland

The New Holland 300 series are another popular option for construction and landscape workers. With six models on the market, they are powerful machines with great fuel usage.

The six 300 series models provide options across every skid steer loader frame making New Holland a great option for any digging, demolition, or small-scale job. Read more about the New Holland skid steer specs.

New Holland Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Wacker Neuson

While they are most known for their incredibly comfortable medium and large-frame skid steers, Wacker Neuson manufactures models of every size. Their catalog has eight skid steer models with ROCs ranging from 1,600 lbs to 3,200 lbs.

Great for any size project, Wacker Neuson skid steers are reliable and efficient. Compare all Wacker Neuson skid steers.

Wacker Neuson Skid Steer Specs and Sizes

Renting a Skid Steer

As we've learned, not every skid steer will work on every job. There are important factors, like lift height, ground clearance, power, and ROC, that play into picking the right piece of equipment. We hope this summarization of specs is helpful in determining the best fit for your next construction or landscaping project.

Whether you're searching for a small, medium, or large skid steer from Bobcat, Cat, Takeuchi, John Deere, Manitou, Kubota, Wacker Neuson, GEHL, CASE, or ASV, you can find your next skid steer rental on DOZR Marketplace.

Next, check out our compact track loader spec guide to help you in picking out the perfect compact track loader rental.