Skid Steer Selection Guide: Compact vs Full-size

Did you know that there are many types of skid steers on the market, the most common being compact and full-size. Bobcat Machinery is best known for its compact skid steers and mini excavators. In addition to size, do you know the differences and applications? It sounds a bit complicated, but don’t worry, I’ll help you figure out what the differences are.

Compact Skid Steer: Small & Flexible, Suitable for Small Projects

First of all, a compact skid steer, as the name suggests, is relatively “small”. This type of machine is small in size and flexible in operation, especially suitable for working in narrow spaces. For example, if you are in some urban construction areas or those small construction sites, a compact skid steer loader is particularly advantageous. It can easily shuttle through alleys and driveways and do things handy. Bobcat Machinery’s compact skid steer loaders have a high market share in North America, and there are many Bobcat parts online or on the market, which are relatively easy to buy.

Besides, the price of compact ones is relatively cheap, and the cost performance is high, especially suitable for small farms and small businesses. Unlike those large machines, Bobcat Machinery has a high personal market share in North America.

Full-size Skid Steer Loaders: Powerful Horsepower, Suitable for Large-scale Operations

But you might think, “Wouldn’t the full-size one be better?” Well, this is about the characteristics of the full-size one. Full-size skid steers are usually larger than compact ones and can carry heavier materials and accessories. Therefore, it is particularly stable in heavy-duty work. Generally speaking, these large machines are collectively purchased by American companies for projects and engineering.

If you are doing some larger projects, such as road construction, large-scale building demolition, or need a high-performance bucket to move earth, sand and gravel, then full-size skid steers come in handy. They have stronger horsepower and are suitable for higher-intensity work. Of course, the price is relatively high.

Flexibility vs. Stability: Choice Between the Two Depends on Working Environment

One thing to note is that although the full-size model seems to be stronger, it is larger in size and less flexible. So, if you need to operate frequently in a narrow space, the full-size model may make you feel a little “bulky”. At this time, the advantages of the compact model are reflected- its flexibility and high maneuverability are simply worry-free.

How to Choose? 

In summary, if you have a relatively small piece of land or a small project with a limited budget, a compact skid steer loader is definitely a good choice. It is not only easy to operate, but also can complete most of the work. If you need to deal with large, high-intensity engineering tasks, a full-size skid steer loader can better meet your needs and provide greater strength and stability.

In general, which model to choose depends on your actual work needs. If you are not sure, the best way is to try it on site. Are you in any need of skid-steer loader parts? Try FridayParts.com! They cover a wide range of loader parts that are compatible with various equipment types and brands, including Bobcat.