- Home
- Buying Resources
- Loaders
- Compact Track & Skid-Steer Loader Buying Guide
- Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Sizes, Types and Specifications
Build Your Loader, Get a Free Price Quote
Customize your loader. Select the model, choose options, and submit to your local dealer for a free price quote.
Build & QuoteExploring Compact Track Loader and Skid-Steer Loader Types, Sizes and Specifications
Compact Loader Buyer’s Guide: Part 2 of 6
Discover the different sizes, types, and specifications of compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders to help you select the ideal machine for your specific needs.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to Compact Loader Sizes and Specifications
- Size of Compact Track Loaders by Frame Type
- Size of Skid-Steer Loaders by Frame Type
- Specifications of Compact Track Loaders and Skid-Steer Loaders
- Compact Track Loader Dimensions
- Performance Specs
- Lift Path
- Engine
- Hydraulics System
- What Makes the Right Compact Track or Skid-Steer Loader for the Job
- Continue the Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
Introduction to Compact Loader Sizes and Specifications
Bobcat compact loaders are highly versatile and come in various configurations. They are categorized by frame size, ranging from mini to large.
The specifications and dimensions of compact loaders directly influence their performance characteristics. Key factors include rated operating capacity (ROC), horsepower, operational weight, operational speed, hydraulic flow, ground pressure, and compatibility with various attachments.
Explore different types of compact loaders in this Buyer’s Guide, from our track loader lineup to our skid-steer lineup. We’ll clarify what defines each, what purpose(s) they serve and what each specification means for different applications. Then you can determine what compact loader to buy based on the jobsite conditions and use cases necessary.
Sizes of Compact Track Loaders by Frame Type
Mini-Frame Track Loader
Mini-frame track loaders, commonly known as mini-track loaders, are compact and versatile. They are ideal for small-scale jobs because of their ability to maneuver in tight and confined spaces where larger equipment cannot operate.
They are easy to transport and ideal when you’re looking for minimal ground disturbance. Their lightweight design minimizes damage to sensitive surfaces, making them excellent for landscaping, residential projects and light construction work.
They are particularly effective for tasks like trenching, digging and material handling in confined areas. It’s important to consider what applications you’ll be using your loader for when choosing a frame size as compatibility varies.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® MT100 and Bobcat® MT120
Resource: Mini Track Loaders
Small-Frame Track Loaders
Small-frame track loaders offer a balance of power and compact size, ideal for tasks requiring maneuverability. They are known for their ease of use and ability to operate in confined spaces such as urban environments and residential areas. Small-frame track loaders can handle a variety of attachments, increasing their versatility on jobsites. This makes them excellent for construction projects, landscaping and agricultural work. They are especially effective at grading, digging and moving materials in small spaces.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® T450, Bobcat® T550, Bobcat® T595
Medium-Frame Track Loaders
Medium-frame track loaders provide more power and capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. These loaders are well-suited for general construction, site prep and heavy-duty landscaping. Medium-frame track loaders can be used with a larger variety of attachments. Their robust design ensures durability and reliability in challenging work conditions.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® T64, Bobcat® T66, Bobcat® T650, Bobcat® T76
Large-Frame Track Loaders
Designed for tough jobs, large-frame track loaders offer higher horsepower and excellent lifting capabilities for larger projects. Ideal for large-scale construction, demolition, land clearing, and heavy-duty agricultural tasks, their powerful engines and increased hydraulic flow make them suitable for heavy lifting, digging and material handling. It’s important to consider what attachments you’ll be using when choosing a frame size as compatibility varies. Large-frame track loaders have the largest range of attachments available.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® T740, Bobcat® T770, Bobcat® T86
Electric Track Loaders
Electric track loaders provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional loaders. They offer quieter operation and lower operating costs compared to diesel-powered models. Electric track loaders are ideal for indoor applications, urban construction and environments where noise and emissions are a top concern. Consider what applications you’ll be working in before selecting an electric loader to make sure the attachment you need is compatible.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® T7X
Resource: The Future is Bright: Electric Compact Equipment
Learn More:
Sizes of Skid-Steer Loaders by Frame Type
Frame size is a general categorization used to differentiate between compact loaders. Similar to compact track loaders, skid-steers are classified by frame size. Factors that determine frame size include operating weight, rated operating capacity (ROC), horsepower, and more. These are all important considerations when selecting the right skid-steer.
Mini-Frame Skid-Steer Loaders
Mini-frame skid-steer loaders are designed for tight spaces and delicate tasks. These loaders provide excellent maneuverability and user-friendly controls, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced operators. Mini-frame skid-steers are versatile machines that support a range of attachments making them ideal for interior demolition, underground work, backyard landscaping, site prep and more.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® S70
Small-Frame Skid-Steer Loaders
Compact and agile, small-framed skid-steer loaders are designed for light to medium tasks. They are easy to maneuver and ideal for small jobsites. Perfect for landscaping, light construction and residential work, they excel at snow removal, material handling and more. Their versatile attachment options make them an excellent choice for small-to-medium scale projects.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® S450, Bobcat® S510, Bobcat® S590
Medium-Frame Skid-Steer Loaders
Medium-frame skid-steers offer a balance of power and compact size for a variety of uses. They can handle a range of tasks with efficiency and precision, including construction, site preparation and material handling. Medium-frame skid-steers are engineered for durability and can perform well in demanding environments.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® S64, Bobcat® S66, Bobcat® S650, Bobcat® S76
Large-Frame Skid-Steer Loaders
Large-frame skid-steers are built to take on heavy-duty tasks with ease. They are equipped with advanced features that enhance productivity and operator comfort. Ideal for heavy construction, demolition and large-scale projects, their robust frames and powerful engines ensure reliability and efficiency in challenging conditions.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® S770, Bobcat® S86
Electric Skid-Steer Loaders
Electric skid-steers are designed to meet modern sustainability standards while maintaining high performance. Compared to diesel models, they have zero emissions and low noise levels, which comply with strict residential regulations. Ideal for indoor work, urban construction and areas with emission restrictions.
Applicable Models: Bobcat® S7X
Resource: The Future is Bright: Electric Compact Equipment
Learn More:
Specifications of Skid-Steers and Compact Track Loaders
A compact loader’s specifications directly influence its capacity to perform in any given environment. It’s important to consider how you will use a compact track loader or skid-steer, so you select the right frame size and model. Consider the following specifications before you purchase a compact loader.
Compact Track Loader Dimensions
Length (1)
The overall length of a compact track loader or skid-steer determines transportation and worksite accessibility. Consider the length from one end to the other but also the total length with the bucket or attachment – this affects transport and storage options.
Machine Width (2)
The overall width of a track loader or skid-steer is measured from the outside of each track or tire to the other. Selecting the right width ensures the loader can access and operate effectively in narrow and confined spaces. The total width with the bucket or attachment is important to consider as it determines transport and storage options.
Track/Tire Width (3)
Track/tire width impacts the loader’s floatation and ground pressure. Wider tracks/tires provide reduced ground pressure, making the loader more suitable for work on muddy or sensitive surfaces.
Learn more: How To Choose Compact Track Loader Tracks
Overall Height (4)
The overall height of a compact track loader or skid-steer is the distance between the bottom of the tracks/tires to the top of the cab. This can affect transportation and worksite accessibility.
Dump Height (5)
Increased dump height allows operators to easily load materials into high-sided trucks or dumpsters, reducing the need for extra equipment.
Reach (6)
The reach represents the distance the bucket can move forward when the compact loader arm is raised. This specification is important when loading and unloading, whether that be in a high-sided truck box or a truck bed.
Height to Hinge Pin (7)
Maximum height at the hinge pin is critical for loading materials into trucks or bins. This specification helps determine the loader’s suitability for specific loading tasks.
Ground Clearance (8)
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the loader’s undercarriage and the ground. Higher ground clearance improves performance on uneven surfaces and can help minimize material buildup.
Turning Radius
The turning radius of a compact loader is the minimum circular space needed for the machine to make a complete turn. A smaller turning radius increases maneuverability, allowing the compact loader to make turns in tight spaces with ease.
Performance Specs
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC)
ROC is the industry-standard measure of a loader’s safe lifting capacity. ROC is typically 50% of the tipping load for skid-steer loaders and 35% for compact track loaders. Small-frame models generally have lower ROCs for lighter tasks, while larger-frame models have higher ROCs for heavy-duty operations.
Operating Weight
The operating weight is the total weight of the machine in operation. It's important to consider your job site conditions when comparing compact loader operating weights, as it affects the loader's ground pressure and floatation.
Travel Speed
There are two considerations for speed: single speed and two-speed (often referred to as 'high-range' in Bobcat compact loader owners manuals). Both options allow the compact loader to move at a consistent speed, providing steady control for precise tasks in confined areas. However, a loader with two-speed features higher speed settings, allowing the operator to switch between low- and high-speed travel as needed.
Ground Pressure
Ground pressure refers to how a compact loader’s weight impacts the surface underneath it. Compared to skid-steers, compact track loaders have low ground pressure, which helps reduce damage to sensitive surfaces like lawns and soft soil. Narrower tires and tracks create higher ground pressure, while wider tracks provide lower ground pressure.
Loader Cycle Time
Loader cycle time refers to the speed at which the lift arm or bucket moves. Faster cycle times result in quicker task completion, improving overall productivity.
Undercarriage Design
The undercarriage design includes the entire lower part of the compact track loader, such as the tracks, rollers and suspension. A robust undercarriage can help promote efficient operation in harsh conditions and reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
Learn More: 5 Advantages of Bobcat Solid Mount and Roller Suspension Undercarriages
Tire Type
Choosing the right tire type on a skid-steer ensures optimal performance and helps minimize wear on different surfaces.
Pneumatic Tires: Air-filled tires provide good shock absorption and are suitable for a variety of terrains.
Foam-Filled Tires: Pneumatic tires filled with foam to prevent flats, offering durability and puncture resistance.
Solid Rubber Tires: Tires made entirely of rubber, providing superior durability and puncture resistance but reduced shock absorption.
Non-Marking Tires: Specially designed tires that don’t leave marks on surfaces, ideal for indoor operations or on pavers and decorative concrete.
Traction Tires: Tires with deep treads designed for maximum grip on slippery or uneven surfaces, offering high traction in challenging conditions.
Learn more: Skid-Steer Pneumatic vs Solid Tires
Coupler Type
The coupler is a mechanism that enables compact loaders to securely connect to various attachments, such as buckets, augers, grapples, and cutters.
There are two primary types of attachment couplers: hydraulic couplers, which use hydraulic pressure for quick and effortless attachment changes, and manual couplers, which require the operator to exit the cab to secure the attachment to the loader.
Lift Path
Lift paths, whether vertical or radial, determine lift efficiency. Radial lift paths are ideal for dumping over walls, providing maximum reach at truck bed height, while vertical lift paths excel at clearing high-sided trucks or dumpsters while keeping the load closer to the machine as the arms are raised, offering better performance at max hinge pin height.
Engine
Emissions Tier
The emissions tier indicates the engine’s compliance with environmental regulations. Higher tiers, such as Tier 4, use advanced technologies to reduce exhaust pollutants and improve fuel efficiency compared to lower tiers.
Horsepower
Engine power is measured in horsepower and varies by model, affecting the overall power and fuel efficiency of the compact loader. When evaluating a machine’s ability to perform heavy-duty tasks, horsepower is just one factor to consider, along with other elements such as torque, hydraulic power and weight distribution.
Engine Displacement
Engine displacement is the total volume of all engine cylinders, typically measured in liters. Larger displacements generally provide more power and torque, increasing performance in demanding tasks like heavy lifting or operating high-flow attachments.
Engine Cooling
A compact loader’s cooling system cools the engine during operation, ensuring reliable performance under heavy loads and in high-temperature work conditions.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Fuel tank capacity, measured in gallons or liters, affects how long the loader can operate before refueling. A larger tank supports longer work periods without interruptions, making it great for long days or remote sites.
Fuel Type
Fuel type indicates the engine’s power source, such as diesel or electric. Each type has different operational costs, environmental impact and performance characteristics. For instance, diesel engines often provide higher torque for heavy-duty tasks, while electric models offer zero on-site emissions.
Hydraulics System
Hydraulic Flow
Hydraulic flow represents the volume of hydraulic fluid moving through the system per unit of time, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Higher flow rates allow for faster movement of hydraulic components, affecting attachment performance.
Learn More: How To Match Compact Loader Hydraulics With The Right Attachment
Hydraulic Pressure
Hydraulic pressure refers to the amount of force generated by the hydraulic system, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Compact loaders with high pressure can lift heavier loads or break through tougher materials than machines with lower pressure.
Standard Auxiliary Hydraulics
The standard auxiliary hydraulic system is designed to power the most common attachments, such as augers, grapples, sweepers and trenchers, providing great versatility for a wide range of applications.
High-Flow Auxiliary Hydraulics
High-flow auxiliary hydraulics offer an enhanced hydraulic system designed for more demanding attachments. This system provides greater power and efficiency, making it ideal for attachments that require increased hydraulic power, such as brushcat mowers, stump grinders or planers.
Super-Flow Auxiliary Hydraulics
Available on the T86, super-flow hydraulics provide superior power and performance, making this machine ideal for specialized, high-demand tasks such as pavement milling, clearing land and heavy brush. This system is suitable for demanding attachments designed specifically for super-flow hydraulics, including drum and disc mulchers, snowblowers and wheel saws.
Hydraulic Reservoir Capacity
Hydraulic reservoir capacity indicates the amount of hydraulic fluid the system can hold. Knowing your compact loader's reservoir capacity reduces the risk of overheating and ensures optimal fluid levels for consistent hydraulic performance.
Get a Free Quote From Your Local Dealer
Find A DealerWhat Makes the Right Compact Loader for the Job
When choosing a compact track loader or a skid-steer, it’s important to evaluate the specifications and size class that best fits current and future applications in your business.
Smaller-frame loaders are ideal for projects that require maneuverability in confined spaces, while larger-frame loaders are more effective for heavy-duty applications requiring higher lifting capacity. For each model, look at key aspects such as rated operating capacity (ROC), operating weight, horsepower, travel speed, and auxiliary hydraulic power to ensure you select the right machine for your needs.
Finally, consider the terrain conditions of your worksite, as this will determine whether you need a loader with tracks or tires. Track undercarriages are better for operations on muddy, uneven or soft terrain, delivering superior traction and lower ground pressure. In contrast, machines on tires, like skid-steers, are better suited for paved surfaces, offering faster movement and easier maintenance.
Continue the Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
- What Are Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders and Their Uses
- Explore Sizes and Specifications of Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Key Factors When Choosing a Compact Track Loader or Skid-Steer Loader
- Features and Options for Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Attachments for Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Service and Maintenance of Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders