Bobcat S130 vs S450 vs S510: specs, comparison, and which one actually makes money

The S130, S450, and S510 might look close on paper, but out in the dirt, their differences show fast. Whether you're flipping soil, moving pallets, or chasing day-rate ROI, the specs behind each model tell a very different story about what it can actually do on site.

This article breaks down the specs, real-world performance, and ownership economics of all three, so you know which one pulls its weight and which one's just burning diesel.

Bobcat S130 vs S450 vs S510 specs at a glance

Skid steer loaders are grouped mostly by size and rated operating capacity (ROC). You can easily spot whether the values increase or decrease by looking at the model number. The higher the model number, the larger and more capable the machine.

Here's how our three Bobcat contenders compare, specs side by side:

Check the official Bobcat website for the most updated specs.

The Bobcat S130 is a legacy model. It's compact, light, but it got discontinued over a decade ago. The Bobcat S450 replaces it with a modern chassis, updated hydraulics, and improved efficiency. The latest Bobcat S510 jumps a size class up, offering heavier lift capacity, a better power-to-weight ratio, and more capable performance across a wider range of jobs.

Bobcat S130 vs S450 vs S510: side-by-side performance review

Let's break these Bobcat skid steers down based on how they actually perform on site.

Bobcat S130 review

• Smallest of the bunch, with a machine weight of roughly 2,300 kg and a lift capacity around 590 kg.
• Lower cycle speed and lift height compared to newer models.
• Struggles on commercial-grade jobs.
• Still fits tight urban or residential spaces.
• Discontinued, so no brand-new builds are available anymore, only used units.

Bobcat S450 review

• Keeps roughly the same footprint and lift capacity as the S130 (around 590 kg ROC) but performs significantly better, with a slightly heavier build at about 2,370 kg.
• Improved hydraulics and turning radius.
• Acceptable on most light construction and landscaping sites.
• Low fuel burn, low maintenance, and good for budget-focused users.
• Currently in production, with brand-new builds coming out annually.

Bobcat S510 review

• A clear upgrade in capacity and power, with lift capacity jumping to around 815 kg and machine weight near 2,690 kg.
• Lifts more, cycles faster, and supports more demanding attachments.
• Better traction and higher tipping load give it a more stable, rugged profile.
• More accepted on construction job sites due to its spec range.
• While recently discontinued, like-new and used models are still widely available.

In short, the S450 is your "modern starter," the S510 is your "all-rounder," and the S130 is your "only-if-it's-already-in-the-yard" machine.

Rental business: simple profit comparison

If you're buying for a rental fleet, profitability matters more than sentimental attachment or paint color. Here's how the numbers look:

Values are a raw estimate.

The Bobcat S510 clearly delivers the strongest ROI. More rental days, a higher rate, better specs, it's a machine that pays for itself quickly. The S450 holds up well as a cost-effective, reliable option, especially in rural or budget-focused markets. The S130 lags: maintenance is higher due to age, and daily rental value is falling.

Ownership angle: maintenance, resale, and demand

If you're buying as an end-user, maintenance, resale value, and market demand are what you should be looking at.

Based on aggregated 2021 GCC data.

All three are easy to repair, but S130 parts are getting harder to find. The S510 has slightly higher part costs, but lower downtime risk makes up for it.

Which one's made for you?

• Already own an S130? Keep it for niche jobs or personal use. Don't bet your business on it.
• Need an entry machine? Go with the S450. It gets you in the game without a hefty price tag.
• Want to maximize income and job-site fit? The S510 wins hands down. It earns more, works more, and sells better.

Skid steers are long-life machines. They're built to run easily for 4,000 to 7,000 hours without issue, if properly maintained. Choosing the right one at the start can be the difference between running a profitable rental business and nursing breakdowns.

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Bobcat S130 made?

The Bobcat S130 was produced for over a decade before being discontinued and replaced by the S450. No new units have been built for years, so any S130 on the market today is a used or refurbished machine.

How much does a used Bobcat S130 cost?

Pricing varies significantly based on hours, condition, and location, and parts availability has gotten tighter as the model ages. Rather than relying on a single number, check current verified listings to see real asking prices for inspected units.

What is the lift capacity of the Bobcat S450?

The Bobcat S450 has a rated operating capacity (ROC) of approximately 590 kg, in the same range as the S130 it replaced, but delivered with newer hydraulics and better overall efficiency.

What is the weight of the Bobcat S450?

The Bobcat S450 has a machine weight of approximately 2,370 kg, only slightly heavier than the S130's roughly 2,300 kg, despite offering meaningfully better performance.

Is the Bobcat S130 still in production?

No. The Bobcat S130 was discontinued over a decade ago and replaced by the S450. It's only available on the used equipment market now.

Final verdict

If you're shopping for used machinery, always arrange an inspection, verify the hours, and really kick the tires. Our full inspection process covers exactly what to check before you commit. For more guidance, our tips for choosing the best skid steer go deeper into what to look for beyond the model number.

Explore top deals on Bobcat and Cat skid steer loaders for sale on Makana, every listing includes full inspection reports, FHD 360° walkarounds, machine comparisons, and flexible financing options tailored for pro buyers like you.