These Are the Biggest Skid Steers on the Market

Skid steers are one of the classic tool carrier categories. While compact track loaders are more popular these days, skid steers continue to thrive in a multitude of applications. From roadwork and demolition to silage and poultry, skid steers are made to handle various types of materials, terrains and attachments. There are still lots of manufacturers in this market — at least 11 according to our 2022 spec guide — ASV, Bobcat, Case, Cat, Gehl, JCB, John Deere, Kubota, Manitou, New Holland and Wacker Neuson. Units and brands abound, and there are a variety of different sizes to choose from.

This article will specifically deal with the biggest, most powerful skid steer units on the market. We reached out to the industry’s top brands to ask about their goliath models. Here’s the info they sent over. Learn more about the skid steer market right over here.

Bobcat

The Bobcat S86 skid steer loader is setting new standards for productivity, attachment versatility, speed, control and weight-to-horsepower ratios. It delivers three hydraulic flow options (standard, high and super) in one machine and features Bobcat’s exclusive Premium Power Performance tech, a power management system that distributes power more efficiently on loaders equipped with high-flow and super-flow hydraulics. Equipped with the latest Bobcat technology, the S86 loader is among the industry’s most powerful, maneuverable and efficient loader in its class size. Bobcat boosted the horsepower for the S86 while optimizing machine weight. The result is greater lifting capacity, impressive breakout forces and leading maneuverability for fast cycle times.

Case

With a rated operating capacity of 3,400 lbs and bucket breakout force of 9,531 lbs, the 90-hp SV340B is Case’s most powerful skid steer to date. The SV340B is a vertical-lift machine, offering optional high-flow (38.7 gpm at 3,450 psi) and enhanced high-flow (35 gpm at 4,000 psi) auxiliary hydraulics, as well as industry-leading visibility, updated operator interface and controls and simple start-up and operation. An 8-in. LCD display improves on industry-leading Case visibility with a new backup camera that is viewable in both forward and reverse operation. The display also showcases critical operating information and trip details.

Gehl

The R260 is the largest radial-lift skid loader in Gehl’s offering. With 2,600 lbs of rated operating capacity and high flow up to 35 gpm, it’s hard to find an application tougher than this machine. Various control options give owners the ability to select what is most comfortable to them, making them even more productive throughout a long day. The R260 has an overall height to hinge pin of up to 10 ft, 3 in., making it easy to load and unload into trucks or dump feed into mixer wagons. Compact yet rugged, this unit has a machine width of only 67 in., offering high performance with the ability to enter doorways under 6 ft wide.

ASV

ASV’s vertical-lift Max-Series VS-75 skid steer features a 5,920-lb breakout force and an impressive 3,500-lb-rated operating capacity for its 75-hp engine. The VS-75’s high capacity rivals many 95- to 100-hp units, giving operators the ability to have the fuel economy and reduced price of a lower horsepower machine but the performance of some of the largest skid steers out there. The VS-75 features a next-generation cab available with industry-leading 360-degree visibility, a roomier operator area, a more comfortable seat, a high-tech touchscreen display and more. Max-Series skid steers also feature proven ASV benefits, including rated operating capacities, departure angles, breakout force, hydraulic performance and more.

John Deere

The John Deere 332 G-Series large-frame skid steer offers a powerful tool for jobs of any scale. The 100-hp 332G offers superior productivity, enhanced visibility and simplified service. The 332G skid steer is powered by a smooth-running, turbocharged Tier 4 Final engine. With the optional electrohydraulic boom performance package, the 332G yields shorter cycle times and speed production in repetitive boom applications. The optional switchable EH joystick control features are integrated into this machine to help increase efficiency for the operator. Additionally, these advanced features lessen the learning curve for new operators, while helping pros maximize uptime.

Caterpillar

Cat’s D3 Series skid steer loaders advance their previous series’ reputation for quality, comfort and performance. The models deliver Smart Technology that ushers in a higher level of integration between the machine and new Smart Attachments. This advanced attachment technology will allow the models to automatically recognize Smart Attachments and convert machine controls to align with the operational and informational needs of that attachment. The D3 Series loaders are equipped with a wider opening cab door, and the distance between joystick pods has increased by 3 in., offering extra space for the operator inside the cab to deliver a more comfortable experience.

Wacker Neuson

Wacker Neuson’s 100-hp SW32 skid steer brings maximum power and efficiency to the jobsite. The machine has been optimized to provide more working power to achieve faster cycle times while pushing or digging heavy materials. The SW32 skid steer offers a rated operating capacity of 3,200 lbs, and the vertical-lift arm offers a hinge-pin height of 134.8 in., which is ideal for using pallet forks and loading high-sided trucks. Comfort features include a spacious, high-visibility cab with ergonomic joystick controls and convenient switches. Best-in-class service access includes the cab that fully tips forward with the loader arms down and a simple open design.

Manitou

The 3300 V NXT:2 vertical-lift skid loader is the largest in the eight model range for Manitou. This full-size loader offers more visibility from all sides, intuitive controls, precise movement and an ergonomic operator station. This beast of a machine will load capacities up to 3,300 lbs and has an impressive full-height advantage with a height to hinge pin of 131 in., that’s almost 12 ft. Made from the ground up for all-terrain applications, this loader is powered by a 72-hp Yanmar engine and offers up to 34.8 gpm of high flow to engage a variety of high performing attachments.

Kubota

With standard two-speed travel and optional high-flow hydraulics, Kubota’s SSV75 will meet the needs of construction, rental and agriculture customers. The rated operating capacity is 2,690 lbs for the SSV75. It features a unique, slide-up, front-entry door that rises overhead, a side light for better visibility and safe night operation and a spacious cabin with climate control. An optional multi-function lever is available, allowing for fingertip control of major machine and implement functions. In addition, the large fuel tank is located in the rear door for quick, clean and easy refueling and has enough fuel capacity to work all day.

JCB

The JCB Teleskid 3TS-8W, the world’s only skid steer with a telescopic boom, gives operators a lift height of 13 ft, 3 in., a forward reach of 8 ft and the ability to dig 3 ft below grade. JCB’s telescopic Powerboom features a pressed, U-shape profile for fewer joints and stress points and centralized lift and extension rams to distribute load stresses evenly. This purpose-built Teleskid comes with the proven JCB EcoMax engine that provides increased performance at low speed and no requirements for DEF or DPF. Whether choosing a climate-controlled cab or canopy option, the Teleskid cab boasts an operator environment 33 percent larger than industry average.

Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.