The Skid Steer Dossier
Bobcat is currently producing the M-Series line of skid steer loaders, which includes 13 models ranging from 23.5 to 93 hp. This new generation of skid steer is certainly built for comfort. The striking cab-forward design improves all-around visibility and moves you closer to your work. Bobcat says it’s the most comfortable cab it’s ever made, with a spacious layout, optional pressurized cab, air ride seat and other premium features. M-Series skid steer loaders are compact in size, but they pack the power and performance of larger machines. Take on tough jobs with more powerful hydraulics, better digging and pushing power and increased fuel capacity for long days. For more info, visit www.bobcat.com.
The Cat brand has nine skid steer loaders in its brand portfolio today. From the nimble, 47-hp, 1,400-lb rated operating capacity (ROC) 216B Series 3 model to the hefty, turbocharged, 106-hp, 3,600-lb ROC 272D XHP unit, Cat has a line of small, medium and large skid steer loaders. In 2007, Cat launched its C-Series loaders, outfitted with (amongst other things) opulent cabs, impressive new controls, the Advanced Machine Information Control System (AMICS). In 2012, Caterpillar trumped that product with the D-Series skid steers, which feature more powerful engines (that are Tier 4 Interim compliant), stronger lift forces and even more high-flow capacity. And these new models (the 272D and 272D XHP) run even more powerful and productive work tools. For more information, visit www.cat.com.
Case Construction Equipment offers nine Alpha Series skid steer models with engines ranging from 46 to 90 hp and ROCs ranging from 1,300 lbs in the SR130 to 3,000 lbs in the SV300. Case Alpha Series skid steers deliver industry-leading bucket breakout force — up to 8,585 lbs — says Case. The radial-lift machines (designated with an R in the model name), are engineered for digging, prying and pushing, while the vertical-lift models (designated with a V), excel on lift-and-carry applications. The Case Alpha Series includes six radial-lift skid steers, the SR130, SR150, SR175, SR200, SR220 and SR250, and three vertical-lift models, the SV185, SV250 and SV300. For more info, visit www.casece.com.
Gehl offers a comprehensive line of 10 skid loader models to meet the diverse needs of the compact equipment industry. Manufactured and assembled in Madison, S.D., models range from 24 to 99 hp, with rated operating capacities from 850 to 4,000 lbs. Packed with features and designed to provide value, versatile Gehl skid loaders are engineered to be productive, durable, comfortable and deliver low operating costs, says the company. Models in the small-frame family include the 1640E and 3640E skid loaders. The medium-frame family includes hard-working, durable 4240E, 4640E Power2 and 5240E Power2 models, and the large-frame skid loaders round out Gehl’s range with the 5640E, 6640E, V270, V330 and V400 models. For more info, visit www.gehl.com.
Designed, engineered and manufactured in Savannah, Ga., JCB’s New Generation skid steer product line includes both large and small platform models featuring vertical or radial lift. Ten models range from 1,350- to 3,295-lbs ROC, each featuring JCB’s unique “PowerBoom” design that allows for a side entry door, 270-degree visibility and enhanced safety when entering or exiting the machine. The newest models in the New Generation line include the five small-platform models introduced in March 2012: the 135, 155, 175, 195 and 205. The large platform models — the 225, 260, 280, 300 and 330 — were introduced in November 2010. For more info, visit www.jcbvision.com.
John Deere’s lineup of skid steers range in size and power from under 50 hp (313 and 315) to 50 to 75 hp (318D, 320D and 326D) to over 75 hp (328D and 332D). The under 50-hp models are lightweight and agile yet surprisingly powerful. They boast a 2.4L turbocharged diesel engine that is EPA Tier 4 Interim certified. In the 50- to 75-hp range, the 318D, 320D and 326D models incorporate a roomier operator station, a quieter pressurized cab with best-in-class visibility and a curved-glass swing-out door. The 328D and 332D that are in the over 75-hp category feature optimal weight distribution, low center of gravity, high ground clearance and long wheelbase to deliver superior stability. For more info, visit www.deere.com.
Mustang currently offers a broad range of 10 skid steer loader models. The Mustang 2012 and 2026 comprise the small-frame skid steer loader family. These radial-lift models offer substantial productivity relative to their super-compact size, configured to a width of less than 36 in., providing access to restricted work environments. The medium-frame Mustang skid steer models include the 2041, 2044, 2054 and 2056 Series II. With rated operated capacities ranging from 1,350 to 1,900 lbs, these radial-lift skid steer loaders are characterized by their outstanding performance in a compact frame. The Mustang 2076, 2086, 2700V, 3300V and 4000V large-frame models with operating capacities up to 4,000-lbs complete the skid steer loader range. For more info, visit www.mustangmfg.com.
The new 200 Series from New Holland Construction marks the sixth generation of skid steer loaders for the company and represents major advancements in technology, such as pattern switching Electro-Hydraulic controls. New Holland Construction’s 200 Series skid steer loaders include seven models. The L218, L220, L223, L225 and L230 skid steer loaders feature the patented vertical lift Super Boom design, delivering best-in-class forward dump height and reach, says New Holland. The 200 Series also includes two compact models — the L213 and L215 — which feature a radial lift design, providing excellent digging performance. For more info, visit www.newholland.com.
Terex offers a full line of skid steer loaders to match the needs of customers — four vertical-lift units and four radial-lift units, ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 lbs of rated operating capacity and 50 to 83 hp. Terex skid steer loaders have many unique features, including: 10 in. of ground clearance for pushing through rugged underfoot conditions; one-side daily service checks to make routine maintenance easy; mechanically faced axle seals to provide long life for the axles bearings; low tower design for excellent visibility; high tractive effort to push harder; joystick control for smooth and easy operation; tilt-up ROPS to accommodate maintenance checks; and an optional hydraulic quick-attach system. For more info, visit www.terexconstruction.com.
A full offering of radial- and vertical-lift skid steer loaders is available with seven models in Volvo’s C-Series lineup — the MC60C, MC70C, MC85C, MC95C, MC110C, MC115C and MC135C. Rated operating capacities range from 1,350 to 3,000 lbs and gross engine power from 47 to 92 hp. Due to the single loader tower arm design, cab access is easier and safer. Operators enter and exit the cab through a large, wide-opening side cab door. This eliminates the need for operators to climb onto and over the bucket or attachment. Excellent lifting characteristics makes the Volvo C-Series ideal for truck loading and a wide range of material handling applications. For more info, visit www.volvoce.com.
After years of success with track technology and mini excavators, Yanmar added a lineup of skid steer loaders in 2012. Yanmar’s four new skid steer loaders will range in size from 46 hp and a rated operating capacity of 1,650 lbs to 70.7 hp and a rated operating capacity of 2,700 lbs. Yanmar skid steer loaders provide stability with a cab forward design that gives great balance with a heavy-duty, one-piece steel frame. All of Yanmar’s skid steers allow the operator to maintain and service their equipment with the ability to rollback the cab and access all hydraulic pumps and drive motors. With a wide range of attachment options, contractors will also enjoy the versatility to take on jobs that might normally require multiple machines. For more info, visit www.us.yanmar.com
