Though not as popular as they once were, skid steers – those with wheels – still maintain a place on the construction site, with sales increasing in recent years and new models continuing to arrive.
Caterpillar and John Deere were among manufacturers introducing new models in 2024. This report also includes the latest from Bobcat, Case, JCB, Kubota and New Holland.
Bobcat
At 105 horsepower, the S86 is the most powerful skid steer loader in the Bobcat lineup. Advanced hydraulic features include three flow options – standard, high and super – for a maximum of 42 gallons per minute and 4,061 psi. Patented sensing technology controls power between hydrostatic and hydraulic pumps. Operating weight is 9,728 pounds, and joystick control is standard.Bobcat
Bobcat Machine IQ is offered on select models. It monitors the health of connected Bobcat machines, whether singly or in a fleet, and provides information to help optimize maintenance, security and performance.
Case
The 74-gross-horsepower, vertical-lift Case SV280B has a 2,800-pound ROC, bucket breakout force of up to 8,620 pounds when properly equipped, and an operating weight of 8,000 pounds. EZ-EH electrohydraulic joystick controls are standard as is an 8-inch LCD monitor. LED lighting is standard with two front, two side and two rear flood lamps.Case CE
Standard auxiliary hydraulics provide 24.2 gallons per minute of flow and 3,050 psi of pressure. Optional second auxiliary hydraulics are available as are Hydraulics on Demand high-flow hydraulics with 37.6 gallons per minute at 3,050 psi, add-on counterweights and a hydraulic attachment coupler (a manual coupler is standard).
Like all Case B-Series skid steer loaders, the SV280B features low-entry, large steps and a wide door for entry and exit, adjustable armrests, heated air-suspension seating and a powerful HVAC system.
Caterpillar
The next-generation Cat 270 runs on a Cat C3.6TA engine rated at 111 gross horsepower and 370 foot-pounds of torque. Operating weight is 10,441 pounds. Standard hydraulics provide 23 gallons per minute at 3,500 psi, while high-flow and high-flow XPS options feature up to 30 gallons per minute and 4,061 psi.Caterpillar
Closed-center auxiliary hydraulics make them compatible with all Cat Smart Attachments. All models are shipped as “High Flow ready” via software-enabled attachment. High Flow XPS is available as a factory option for customers whose applications require higher auxiliary hydraulic capability, and an XE configuration is available for even greater auxiliary hydraulic performance on the 270 XE model.
Options include a range of mechanical and air-ride suspension seating, a standard 5-inch LCD or optional 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor and advanced joysticks for enhanced functionality. Available Cat Product Link Elite provides a full range of telematics as well as remote flash and remote troubleshooting capabilities.
JCB
The 74-horsepower 3TS 8W Teleskid from JCB has an operating weight of 9,859 pounds. The standard configuration is a cab – canopy model is available – with climate control, electrohydraulic joysticks with switchable ISO/H pattern controls and JCB’s MyChoice software to choose the level of joystick responsiveness. The unique design provides the benefits of both radial- and vertical-lift geometries.JCB
The 3TS 8W has a lift height of more than 13 feet and a forward reach of 8 feet, as well as the ability to dig 3 feet into the ground. This versatility allows the 3TS 8W to perform the functions of a loader, an excavator and a skid steer. “It’s an ideal solution for contractors juggling diverse projects or smaller teams,” says product manager Lee Tice.
The design also allows forward positioning of the operator station for maximum visibility to the front. The bucket-position leveling system helps retain material.
The 3TS 8W shares its single-arm design with all JCB skid steer models, providing a side-door entry that enables the operator to enter and exit without climbing over attachments or beneath a raised boom.
John Deere
The 330 P-Tier skid steer loader (pictured at the top of this story) is the smaller of two P-Tier models in John Deere’s eight-model lineup (the others are G-Series), and it has all the features that make P-Tier machines ideal for extensive skid steer use.
“It is a versatile solution for a variety of tough jobs,” says Emily Pagura, product marketing manager.
The one-piece cab is fully sealed and pressurized to reduce noise, water and dust intrusion. It has a brand-new premium heated and ventilated seat that is found in all new P-Tier skid steer and compact track loader models. Improvements of the P-Tier over the G-Tier models include 20% better visibility and the replacement of rocker switches with a 25-button sealed switch module.
An optional 8-inch touchscreen display enables a number of other features, including Attachment Manager to match attachments with machine performance and Slope Indicate displaying the cross-slope (roll) and main-fall (pitch) of the machine in degrees or percentages.
Kubota
The vertical-lift Kubota SSV75 has 74.3 gross horsepower and an operating weight of 8,466 pounds with cab. Numbers for loader hydraulics are 20.9 gallons per minute at 3,271 psi. Available add-ons include demolition, material-handling and dirt working packages; hitches; seeders and snow tools.Kubota
Jerry Corder, Kubota product manager for construction equipment, says that Kubota’s overhead door differentiates it in a crowded market. “Kubota pioneered the overhead door in skid steer loaders.”
The door can be kept closed to minimize noise, dust and weather ingress or can be left open for comfort in mild weather and for improved communication at any time. “In addition, should the machine run out of fuel or incur a failure where the loader arms can’t be completely lowered, the operator can still get the door opened and exit the cab.”
New Holland
The vertical-lift L328 from New Holland has a 7,895-pound operating weight. Loader control choices include mechanical hand only, hand and foot, or electrohydraulic hand. Ride control and self-leveling are standard.New Holland
With 74 horsepower, the L328 is the second most powerful of New Holland’s skid steers. (The L334 has 90 horsepower.) But with its 69-inch width and 143-inch length with bucket, it can maneuver in tight spaces.
Herritt says the company is seeing increasing demand for higher hydraulic performance to run attachments such as mulchers. The L328 has 3,046 hydraulic psi with either the 24.2-gallons-per-minute standard flow or the 37.6-gallons-per-minute high-flow option to meet this higher demand.
