Bobcat skid loaders guide: What to buy, what to skip

Simply put, skid steers are go-to on any jobsite: quick, compact, and tougher than they look. Bobcat’s lineup has long ruled the pack, but when you're eyeing one for your own crew or plant hire, not all models hit the mark the same way. 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, this side-by-side breakdown will show you which machine pulls its weight, and which one’s just burning diesel.

A look at the Bobcat skid steer lineup

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 line up:

*Check the official Bobcat website for the most updated specs.

The Bobcat S130 skid loader 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, better power-to-weight ratio, and a more capable performance across a wider range of jobs.

Side-by-side: Productivity and practicality

Let’s break these Bobcat skid steers down based on how they actually perform on site:

The Bobcat S130 skid steer loader:

• Smallest of the bunch.

• Lower cycle speed and lift height.

• Struggles on commercial-grade jobs.

• Still fits tight urban or residential spaces.

• Discontinued- so no brand-new builds out there.

The Bobcat S450 skid steer loader:

• Keeps the same footprint as the S130 but performs significantly better.

• 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 up annually.

The Bobcat S510 skid steer loader:

• A clear upgrade in capacity and power.

• 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 spec range.

• While recently discontinued, like-new and used models are everywhere.

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 skid steer loader clearly delivers the strongest ROI. More rental days, 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/residual value, and market demand is what you should be looking at. Here’s how the Bobcats stand:

*Based on aggregated 2021 GCC data.

All three are easy to repair, but S130 parts are getting harder to find. 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 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 4,000–7,000 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.

If you're shopping for used machinery, always arrange an inspection, verify the hours, and really kick the tires. Consider using verified marketplaces like makana.com, which offer full inspection reports, FHD 360º walkaround, machine comparisons, and flexible financing options tailored for pro buyers like you. Explore top deals on Bobcat skid steer loaders for sale and Cat skid steer loaders for sale on makana.