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Bobcat’s skid-steer loaders are renowned for their versatility, durability, and performance across construction, landscaping, and agriculture. Among popular models, the S650 and S300 often come up for comparison. Understanding their differences, capabilities, and ideal applications can help operators and buyers make informed decisions. This article compares the Bobcat S650 and S300, defines key terminology, and provides real-world insights to aid equipment selection.
Overview of Bobcat S650 and S300
Both models feature ergonomic cabs with intuitive controls, but the S650 offers a slightly larger cab space and optional features like advanced display panels and enhanced suspension seats, improving operator comfort during extended use.
Attachment Compatibility
A municipal maintenance crew invested in both models: the S300 for routine park maintenance and the S650 for roadwork and heavier cleanup. They found the S300 easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces, while the S650 handled large debris and heavy pallet loads efficiently, complementing each other on diverse tasks.
Summary List of Key Differences
Choosing between the Bobcat S650 and S300 depends on job requirements, site conditions, and budget. The S300 suits lighter, confined-area jobs, while the S650 is ideal for heavier, more demanding applications. Both machines embody Bobcat’s quality and versatility, making them dependable assets in various industries. Operators and fleet managers should assess workload intensity and attachment needs to select the model that maximizes efficiency and value.
Overview of Bobcat S650 and S300
- Bobcat S300: A compact skid-steer loader designed for light to medium-duty tasks. It offers a balance of maneuverability and power suited for residential and small commercial jobs.
- Bobcat S650: A larger, more powerful skid-steer loader targeted at demanding medium to heavy-duty applications. It provides greater capacity and performance for tougher workloads.
- Operating Weight:
- S300: Approximately 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg)
- S650: Approximately 7,650 lbs (3,470 kg)
- S300: Approximately 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg)
- Engine Power:
- S300: About 74 horsepower
- S650: About 74 horsepower (same engine but tuned differently)
- S300: About 74 horsepower
- Rated Operating Capacity (ROC):
- S300: Around 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
- S650: Around 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
- S300: Around 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
- Lift Height:
- S300: Approximately 115 inches (2.92 meters)
- S650: Approximately 119 inches (3.02 meters)
- S300: Approximately 115 inches (2.92 meters)
- Hydraulic Flow:
- S300: Standard flow suitable for general attachments
- S650: Higher hydraulic flow, better for heavy-duty attachments
- S300: Standard flow suitable for general attachments
- Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): The maximum load the machine can safely lift at full reach, typically half of the tipping load.
- Hydraulic Flow: The volume of hydraulic fluid the system can deliver, impacting attachment power.
- Operating Weight: Total weight of the machine including standard equipment and full fuel.
- Lift Height: The maximum vertical reach of the loader arm.
- Tipping Load: The load at which the machine would tip over, used to calculate ROC.
- The S300 excels in tight spaces and jobs requiring nimble handling, such as landscaping, small-scale excavation, and material handling.
- The S650 is designed for more demanding tasks, including heavier lifting, pallet work, site cleanup, and use with power-intensive attachments like breakers or augers.
Both models feature ergonomic cabs with intuitive controls, but the S650 offers a slightly larger cab space and optional features like advanced display panels and enhanced suspension seats, improving operator comfort during extended use.
Attachment Compatibility
- The S300 supports a broad range of attachments suitable for lighter tasks.
- The S650’s higher hydraulic capacity allows it to handle attachments requiring greater hydraulic power, expanding versatility on heavier projects.
- A landscaping company prefers the S300 for residential jobs due to its compact size and ease of transport between sites.
- A construction contractor opts for the S650 on larger projects where heavy lifting and frequent use of hydraulic breakers are common.
- Both machines benefit from regular checks on hydraulic fluid, filters, and engine oil.
- The S650 may incur higher maintenance costs due to heavier usage and larger hydraulic systems.
- The S300 is generally more affordable upfront and has lower operating costs.
- The S650, while more expensive, offers better productivity on challenging jobs, potentially reducing overall project time.
A municipal maintenance crew invested in both models: the S300 for routine park maintenance and the S650 for roadwork and heavier cleanup. They found the S300 easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces, while the S650 handled large debris and heavy pallet loads efficiently, complementing each other on diverse tasks.
Summary List of Key Differences
- Operating Weight: S300 lighter than S650
- Rated Operating Capacity: S650 higher
- Lift Height: Slightly higher on S650
- Hydraulic Flow: Greater on S650 for demanding attachments
- Size and Maneuverability: S300 smaller and more nimble
- Cost: S300 lower purchase and operating costs
Choosing between the Bobcat S650 and S300 depends on job requirements, site conditions, and budget. The S300 suits lighter, confined-area jobs, while the S650 is ideal for heavier, more demanding applications. Both machines embody Bobcat’s quality and versatility, making them dependable assets in various industries. Operators and fleet managers should assess workload intensity and attachment needs to select the model that maximizes efficiency and value.
