Which Skid Steer Is Better CAT Bobcat or Kubota

[MikePhua]

The Origins of Skid Steer Innovation
Skid steer loaders emerged in the late 1950s as compact, maneuverable machines designed for tight spaces and versatile tasks. The first commercially successful model was the Keller brothers’ invention, later developed by Melroe Manufacturing—now known as Bobcat. Bobcat essentially defined the category and remains a dominant force in the market. Caterpillar entered the skid steer segment in the 1990s, leveraging its global dealer network and engineering pedigree. Kubota, a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1890, joined the compact equipment race more recently, bringing its reputation for reliable engines and agricultural machinery.
Today, the global skid steer market exceeds $2 billion annually, with Bobcat, CAT, and Kubota among the top contenders. Each brand offers unique strengths, but choosing the right one depends on application, dealer support, and operator needs.
Dealer Support Matters More Than Brand
One of the most overlooked factors in equipment selection is the quality of local dealer support. A machine’s performance is only as good as the service backing it. While CAT boasts one of the largest dealer networks in North America, service quality varies by region. Some dealers offer rapid parts delivery and field service, while others struggle with responsiveness.
Terminology annotation:

• Dealer Network: A system of authorized sellers and service providers for a specific brand.
  
• Field Service: On-site maintenance or repair performed by dealer technicians.
  
• Parts Availability: The speed and reliability of obtaining replacement components.
  

Operators consistently report that the relationship with the service department often determines long-term satisfaction. A good salesman may sell the first machine, but a competent service manager ensures the next purchase.
Machine Reliability and Hydraulic Performance
Bobcat machines are known for their simplicity and ruggedness. Their hydraulic systems are straightforward, making them easier to service in the field. CAT skid steers, on the other hand, offer advanced electronic controls and smoother hydraulic modulation, which can be beneficial for precision tasks like grading or material placement.
Kubota’s skid steers are praised for their fuel-efficient engines and quiet operation. However, some users have reported hydraulic quirks in older models, such as inconsistent flow rates or slow cycle times under load.
Key performance metrics to compare include:

• Hydraulic flow rate (GPM): Determines attachment responsiveness
  
• Rated operating capacity (ROC): Indicates lifting capability
  
• Tipping load: Maximum weight before machine destabilization
  
• Ground clearance and turning radius: Important for maneuverability
  

For example, the CAT 262D3 offers up to 23 GPM of standard flow and 37 GPM in high-flow configuration, making it ideal for demanding attachments like cold planers or mulchers. Bobcat’s S650 provides similar specs but with a more mechanical control layout, preferred by some operators for tactile feedback.
Operator Comfort and Accessibility
Traditional skid steers require a front-entry maneuver that can be awkward, especially for older operators or those with limited mobility. JCB introduced a side-entry design that eliminates the need to climb over the bucket arms, offering a safer and more ergonomic solution.
Terminology annotation:

• Side Entry: A cab design allowing access from the side, improving safety and ease of use.
  
• Ergonomics: The study of operator comfort and efficiency in machine design.
  
• Joystick Controls: Electronic or hydraulic levers used to operate machine functions.
  

While Bobcat and CAT have improved cab layouts with suspension seats, climate control, and touchscreen displays, the entry method remains a challenge for some users. If mobility is a concern, side-entry models or compact track loaders with lower step-in heights may be preferable.
Tires or Tracks and Terrain Considerations
Choosing between a wheeled skid steer and a compact track loader (CTL) depends on terrain and maintenance priorities. Wheeled machines are less expensive to maintain and perform well on hard surfaces. Track machines offer superior traction on soft or uneven ground but require more frequent undercarriage service.
Factors to consider:

• Rubber tire machines: Lower maintenance, better for paved surfaces
  
• Track machines: Higher traction, better for mud, snow, or slopes
  
• Track replacement cost: Can exceed $2,000 per side depending on model
  
• Tire wear: More frequent but cheaper to replace
  

Operators working in forestry, landscaping, or snow removal often prefer CTLs for their stability and flotation. However, for general property maintenance, wheeled machines may offer better value.
Routine Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Skid steers have become increasingly complex, with emissions systems, electronic diagnostics, and hydraulic multiplexing. This complexity raises maintenance costs and requires skilled technicians. DEF systems, required on machines over 75 hp, add another layer of upkeep.
Terminology annotation:

• DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid): A urea-based solution used to reduce emissions in diesel engines.
  
• Multiplexing: A method of transmitting multiple signals over a single wire, used in modern machine electronics.
  
• Preventative Maintenance: Scheduled service to avoid breakdowns and extend machine life.
  

For owners who prefer to do their own maintenance, simpler machines like Bobcat or Kubota may be more appealing. CAT’s advanced systems offer diagnostic advantages but may require dealer intervention for software updates or fault resets.
Anecdotes and Operator Wisdom
One operator shared that his father, a turf equipment salesman for over 40 years, built his reputation not by pushing brands but by building relationships. He would demo machines with the actual operator, not just the buyer, ensuring the equipment fit the real-world task. That philosophy still holds true—demoing a skid steer before purchase is essential.
Another user recalled struggling to enter a traditional skid steer while hauling hay. The duck-and-pivot move required to climb into the cab became a daily acrobatic challenge. Switching to a side-entry model solved the issue and reduced fatigue.
Conclusion
Choosing between CAT, Bobcat, and Kubota skid steers is not just about specs—it’s about service, comfort, terrain, and long-term support. Each brand has its strengths, but the best machine is the one backed by a dealer who treats you like a partner, not just a sale. Whether clearing land, moving hay, or grading driveways, the right skid steer is the one that fits your workflow and keeps running when you need it most. In compact equipment, loyalty is earned not by horsepower, but by uptime.