Which Skid Steer Brand Should You Buy?
A question we get asked often.
There is no single best skid steer brand for everyone. Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, John Deere, CASE, New Holland, ASV, Takeuchi, JCB, Gehl, Manitou, and other major brands all build capable machines. All with having ranges of models all within the same general spec's.
The better question is: which skid steer fits your work, your attachments, your local dealer support, and your budget?
Start With the Work
Before comparing brands, think about what you actually need the machine to do.
A landscaper running buckets, forks, grapples, and snow pushers may not need the same machine as a contractor running high-flow mowers or forestry attachments. A farm machine may need strong lift capacity, good visibility, and simple service access more than top-end horsepower.
Ask yourself:
- What attachments will I run most?
- Do I need standard flow or high flow?
- How much lift capacity do I need?
- Will I be working on dirt, concrete, gravel, mud, snow, or finished yards?
- Do I need wheels or tracks?
The right machine is not always the biggest one. It is the one that fits the work.
Dealer Support Matters
A strong local dealer in our opinion, is the biggest deciding factor. Every skid steer will eventually need parts, service, filters, tires, tracks, hoses, pins, or electrical help.
Before buying, ask:
- Is there a dealer close by?
- Do they stock common parts?
- How fast can they service the machine?
- Do local contractors and farmers trust them?
A machine that is down for two weeks is not saving you money, no matter what brand it is. Check the service ratings for local dealer support, not their sales ratings! You need support for the long term - not to be sold a new machine every 2 years.
Match the Machine to Your Attachments
Attachments are where skid steers really unlock their potential. Make sure the machine has the hydraulic flow, lift capacity, weight, and electrical controls needed for the tools you plan to run.
- Brush mowers and mulchers need proper hydraulic flow and cooling.
- Grapples and buckets need lift capacity and breakout force.
- Pallet forks and lifting attachments need stability and rated operating capacity.
- Multi-function attachments need the right electrical controls or adapters.
At Echo, we look at the whole setup. The machine and attachment need to work together.
Wheels vs. Tracks
A wheeled skid steer is usually cheaper to own, faster on hard surfaces, and easier to maintain. It is a good fit for concrete, gravel yards, barns, farms, snow work, and general material handling.
A compact track loader gives you better traction and flotation in mud, dirt, slopes, and soft ground. Tracks cost more to maintain, but they can be worth it if your work demands it.
New vs. Used
New machines give you warranty coverage, dealer support, financing options, and fewer surprises.
Used machines can save money, but condition matters more than hours alone. Look for hydraulic leaks, worn pins and bushings, poor track or tire condition, warning lights, rough operation, and missing service records.
Final Advice
Do not buy based only on the logo. Buy based on the work.
The best skid steer for you should have:
- Strong dealer support nearby
- Enough lift capacity
- The right hydraulic flow
- Compatibility with the attachments you need
- A price that makes sense for your business or household
Bobcat, CAT, Kubota, Deere, CASE, New Holland, ASV, Takeuchi, JCB, Gehl, and other brands can all be good choices. The key is matching the machine to your jobs, attachments, and support network.
Need help matching an attachment to your skid steer? Contact Echo Equipment and we’ll help you figure out what fits your machine, your work, and your budget.
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