Top 5 Skid Steer Manufacturers in the World
A skid steer, also known as a skid steer loader or a skid loader, is a compact yet versatile construction equipment that can perform various tasks. The equipment comes with two tracks or four wheels and can be steered with ease.
Typically, a skid steer comes with a bucket. Still, its arm can be attached to various tools, allowing the machine to suit a wide range of applications, including digging, landscaping, clearing snow, excavating, material handling, mowing, etc. A skid steer loader comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large, each appropriate for different situations. The price of this multi-functional equipment ranges from $25,000 to $65,000, depending on specs and its size. Here are the top five skid loader manufacturers in the world.
1. Bobcat
Capturing a market share of approximately 30%, Bobcat makes the top of the skid steer loader manufacturer list. Known for inventing the first skid loader, the company offers a lineup of the best equipment with operating capacities ranging from 760 to 2,000 pounds (0.91 t). As an industry leader, it offers skid steer with superior lift arms, powerful hydraulics, sound dampening features, and an improved cooling system.
- Founded: 1947
- Headquarters: North Dakota, USA
- Skid Steer Models: 5100 (Small Skid Steer category), S450 (Small Skid Steer category), and S650 (Large Skid Steer category)
2. Caterpillar
Since 1999, Caterpillar has held a firm footing in all things construction. The company offers an extensive range of models ranging in horsepower (66 to 106), capacity (1550 to 3650), and design (radial and vertical lift). CAT skid steers are multipurpose equipment offering impeccable ground-level access, a Tubular lift arm design, and an electronic throttle for precision. Operating weights up to 10,000 lbs, the skid loader manufactured by this company can be used in various landscaping sites.
- Founded: 1925
- Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois, U.S.
- Employees: 97,300
- Hot-selling models: 272D2 XHP, 216B3, 232D3
3. Case
Ranked as the third famous skid steer manufacturer, CASE’s products are a popular choice for construction projects worldwide. The skid loader lineup from this leading manufacturer features unique lift patterns, sizes, power, and emissions solutions to match any application. The equipment offers power and versatility with an H link, rear hood design, and flexible loader arms. CASE offers the best visibility due to the thinnest side screens removed.
- Founded: 1842
- Headquarters: Turin, Italy
- Employees: Over 42,000
- Variants: SR130 (Small Skid Steers category) and SV250 (Large Skid Steers category)
4. Komatsu
Komatsu is a leading brand from Japan, committed to delivering user-friendly yet powerful skid steers for over 100 years. The company is known for producing efficient equipment with an impressive digging and lifting capacity. It manufactures four different skid loader models capable of handling loads ranging from 1,100 to approximately 2,000 pounds. Hub for innovativeness, Komatsu grants attention to customer demand and offers top-class performance products. Easy to maintain, low fuel consumption and restricted noise are some of the best features.
- Founded: 1921
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Employees: 59,632
- Horsepower: Variant accessible in 32, 46, and 48.
5. Terex
Hitting on number five is Terex, a major solid player as a skid loader manufacturer. The equipment offers 50-85 horsepower and an operating capacity of 1,500 to 3,600 lbs. The producer provides a wide range of distinctive features, including a unique suspension and traction system, improved stability with more wheels than any other skid steer, and higher ground clearance. All the skid steer variants offer unmatched performance.
- Founded: 1970
- Headquarters: Westport, Connecticut, United States
- Employees: Over 10,700
- Models: nine models (four radial-lift path models and five vertical-lift path units)
Skid Steer Manufacturers in India
Rising demand for compact construction equipment has led to the growing sales of skid steer loaders in the Indian market.
Some significant manufacturers in India include:
- Vikram Construction Co.
- Gayatri Engimech Pvt. Ltd.
- M. Overseas
- Doosan Bobcat
Skid Steer Manufacturers in the USA
The overall skid steer sector is growing in the USA from New Holland, CASE, Wacker to Caterpillar and Takeuchi. It is home to some of the best manufacturers worldwide.
Skid Steer Manufacturers in China
A majority of skid steer manufacturers are based in China. Over 30 well-established skid steer producers in the market are gaining a global foothold.
- SOCMA
- GroundMark International Cooperation
- Jiangsu Lionkin Industrial
- Xuzhou Zhongxu Construction Machinery Imp. & Exp.
Skid Steer Manufacturers in Australia
Australia holds a sizeable market share for skid steer loader manufacturing. Owing to an increase in industrialization and R&D investments, numerous manufacturers are upping the production of skid steers,
Top skid loader brands in Australia include:
- Hysoon Australia
- Himac Skid Steer Attachments
- Bobcat of Australia
Skid Steer Manufacturers in South Africa
Becoming a dominant market for skid loader manufacturing, South Africa is capturing a higher market share. The top manufacturers and suppliers in the South Africa are:
- Bobcat South Africa
- Barloworld Equipment Cat Rental Store
- Hitachi South Africa
- Liebherr South Africa
- MultiOne SA.
If you are searching for top skid steer manufacturers globally, contact us through email for the best equipment. Our support staff will help you connect with the best producer near you, whether you reside in the USA, South Africa, or Malaysia.
Summing Up
We have listed the top five skid steer manufacturers in the market. Bobcat, Deere, and Caterpillar have captured the majority of skid steer sales in market share. Recently, CAT 262-D Skid Steer Loader, Bobcat S650 Skid Steer Loader, and New Holland LS-170 Skid Loader are preferred. These brands believe in offering innovative solutions and are constantly optimizing their construction equipment to meet the demand.
FAQs
1. Are skid steer attachments universal?
Skid steer’s popularity comes from its adaptive usage in diverse construction tasks. For this reason, the most recent skid steer loader models come with a universal coupler, allowing you to utilize attachments from different manufacturers. Even though it is named universal skid steer quick attach, you will need to determine the hydraulic capacity imperative for each attachment. The attachment needs to match the hydraulic flow of the skid steer.
2. How long do skid steers last after purchase?
The equipment’s operability is contingent upon several factors comprising the number of hours used in a day and regular maintenance. Generally, a skid loader will function effectively for approximately 2000 to 5000 hours. Some skid steers from leading brands may also operate for 7000 hours.
