Mini Skid Steer Showcase: Consider These Top Units from Ditch Witch to Kubota

Mini skid steers have transformed small-scale earthmoving and tool carrying machinery. These units (sometimes called compact utility loaders, mini track loaders and compact tool carriers) replace manual labor with compact efficiency. Today’s machines handle everything from tight residential landscaping to busy construction sites. This showcase highlights two ends of the spectrum: giant machines and nimble 1,000-lb capacity models. Mini skid steers evolved from walk-behind pedestrian models into agile stand-on machines. They now conquer diverse tasks, including digging, backfilling, grading and loading. Compact tool carriers move materials, reduce crew size and boost productivity. They feature advanced hydraulics, versatile attachments and user-friendly controls. Whether running on tracks or tires, these machines work hard and maneuver in tight spaces. Let’s look at a few, shall we?

Ditch Witch SK3000 Stand-On Skid Steer

Ditch Witch manufactures the industry’s largest stand-on skid steer, the SK3000, which has a 59-hp engine and can direct up to 51 hp to the attachment. The SK3000 brings greater convenience, maneuverability and 360-degree visibility to any jobsite. Built with power, lift capacity and stability, the SK3000 delivers 5,500 lbs of breakout force to help contractors stay efficient. The SK3000 is available with an optional ride-control system which creates a smooth, comfortable ride with great maneuverability and stability — even on hilly, uneven terrain.

The hop-on, hop-off ability of Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers is a unique machine factor that is pertinent to jobsite success. Operators of a cabbed machine often stay in their machine all day, while operators of a stand-on skid steer can easily dismount and remount their machine, helping them work more confidently as they move from one project to the next. This is especially crucial for projects with a limited crew, as it streamlines the process for operators to quickly help with tasks such as digging and loading materials, enhancing overall team efficiency.

Case TL100 Mini Track Loader

Case Construction Equipment’s stand-on TL100 mini track loader gives contractors a dynamic, cost-effective option for upleveling productivity on small jobs. Its ultra compact profile allows for easy maneuvering through yard gates, tree groves and other tight areas without sacrificing power or performance. Whether digging, earthmoving, setting fence posts, grappling brush or grading, the TL100 offers ultimate versatility with 40+ different attachment options, matched to Common Industry Interface (CII) connectors and standard auxiliary hydraulics and an optional 14-pin connector. The TL100 also boasts a lower cost of ownership than the typical machine, and thanks to its compact size, is easy to transport, easy to get on and off and causes minimal disruption to the ground. The construction-grade build brings a new level of toughness and power to subcompact equipment, empowering crews to work more efficiently than ever with less manual work. For more info, visit casece.com.

New Holland C314 Mini Track Loader

The C314 and all 3,536 lbs. of operating weight on narrow tracks and 3,783 lbs on wide tracks, have your back on the jobsite. The radial lift geometry means a simple linkage system with a single pivot point to provide greater forward reach at mid-range heights. This machine may have mini in its name — a 56.5 in machine height and 85.6-in. machine length — but believe it is mighty, providing 2,833 lbs of rated operating capacity on the narrow track. Plus, a direct drive hydraulic motor offers maneuverability and control to complete the most precise jobs in tight areas.

The C314’s interface and 14-pin electric multifunction control offers greater versatility with new and older attachments ranging from augers, trenchers, grapple buckets, rakes, and beyond. The 24.8-hp engine provides quiet and smooth operation, and the Tier 4 Final solution means no required DEF or a DPF. Operators can maximize the total cost of ownership with less maintenance and maximum uptime without the need for a parked regeneration. For more info, visit newhollandconstruction.com.

Toro Dingo TX 1000 Compact Utility Loader

Toro revolutionized the compact utility loader market in 2015 with the groundbreaking Dingo TX 1000, the first in its class to boast a 1,000-lb rated operating capacity. We were there to cover it. Nearly a decade later, Toro has raised the bar again with the all-new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo. Launched in 2024, this turbocharged powerhouse delivers more torque, faster performance and impressive productivity. The first big wow factor is in the name — that turbochargered Yanmar diesel engine delivering 24.7 hp and ground speeds up to 4.1 mph.

We also love the new patent-pending Smart Power system. This allows the TX 1000 Turbo to optimize engine, auxiliary and traction torque for superior jobsite efficiency. Then there’s the vertical-lift design, 81-in. top hinge pin height and 1,000-lb rated operating capacity, making it ideal for heavy lifting and tight spaces. With intuitive controls, a focus on operator comfort and minimal maintenance downtime, this machine is engineered for non-stop productivity, making it a standout innovation for 2025 and beyond. For more info, visit toro.com.

Kubota’s SCL1000 Stand-On Track Loader

Kubota Tractor Corp, entered the stand-on track loader market with its highly anticipated SCL1000. The SCL1000 is well-positioned with wide tracks, narrow body and a Rated Operating Capacity of 1,000 pounds and meets the demands of landscape contractors and rental yards alike. The SCL1000 features a wide 9.8-in. track that comes standard on the overall narrow, 36-in, machine. The integrated track design is engineered for durability with the undercarriage welded to the mainframe of the body. Kubota’s SCL1000 boasts a powerful 24.8-hp turbocharged Kubota diesel engine with quiet operation, high altitude performance and no diesel particulate filter requirement. The loader arms reach high and far with a hinge pin height of 84.7 in. and a reach of 25.9 in, at a 45-degree dump angle. The SCL1000 has a best-in-class travel speed of 4.9 miles per hour. For more info, visit kubotausa.com.

Gravely Axis Compact Utility Loader

The Gravely Axis is a great fit to the needs for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers, standing out as one of the most versatile compact utility loaders on the market. The Axis is available with tracks or wheels, and unique to Gravely, the Axis has two auxiliary hydraulic ports to support attachments like power brushes which are both motor- and cylinder-driven. Adjustable hydraulics on the 25-horsepower diesel-fueled Axis 200-Series models also allow operators to direct 100 percent of the machine’s hydraulic flow to the attachment if desired, giving the machine greater dependability and efficiency in high-load applications. The Axis’ adaptability continues to its universal attachment mounting plate that accepts a wide range of OEM and approved third-party attachments, and it features a simplified controls layout that’s easy and comfortable for operators of all experience levels. For more info, visit Gravely.com.

Bobcat MT100 Mini Track Loader

Featuring impressive power and lift height, the Bobcat MT100 mini track loader travels most anywhere with ease and offers the versatility to handle a wide variety of tough jobsite tasks. At just 36 in. wide with a bucket and under 85 in. long without an attachment, it goes where other machines cannot and can work in close quarters on all many types of surfaces — indoors and outdoors. Powered by a Tier 4 diesel engine, the MT100 delivers fast cycle times, strong breakout force and excellent pushing ability. Two different track size options also provide a combination of performance and jobsite compatibility.

For example, with the narrow track (under 36 in. wide) you can slip through narrow fence gates or doorways depending on your attachment size; and the narrow track ground pressure of 5.2 psi helps protect turf and finished surfaces. While the optional wide track (under 42 in. wide) improves flotation and ride quality while reducing the machine’s ground pressure to just 3.9 psi, which is great for soft ground conditions. For more info, visit bobcat.com.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.