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Contractor Upgrades to S510 with Makana.com

Lama H.July 11, 2025 · 6 min read

Makana.com has officially made its first sale, and it couldn’t be a better example of what this marketplace was built for: verified machinery, digital-first buying, and ready-to-work options for real contractors!

The machine was a 2023 Bobcat S510 skid steer loader - compact, powerful, and precision-built for demanding worksites. 

Acquired by Advanced Agricultural Systems contracting firm based in the UAE since 1987, with a portfolio spanning soft and hard landscaping, irrigation systems, greenhouse construction, sports fields, and public feature installations, their projects demand precision machinery that can work efficiently across diverse terrains.

The Search Begins: S130, S450, Or Something More.

With projects moving fast and job sites getting tighter, the company needed a reliable, used skid steer loader in the UAE that could offer strong breakout force, dependable uptime, and agile maneuverability, all without surprises. 

To meet this need, the company approached Makana.com with an urgent request to source a Bobcat skid steer loader for an active project. Their procurement manager, Mr. Saeed, specifically inquired about two familiar models they had used on previous sites, the Bobcat S130 and S450, both known for their compact utility and solid performance in lighter-duty tasks.

One Machine, Ten Less Workers: Why the S510 Was a Smarter Move

For a contractor managing multiple active projects, the value of a machine isn’t just measured in horsepower, it’s measured in hours saved, workers reassigned, and tasks completed faster. That’s exactly why the Bobcat S510 stood out.

While the client initially inquired about the Bobcat S130 and S450, and instead of settling for a mid-tier replacement, makana.com’s team presented the Bobcat S510 - as a productivity multiplier. The S510 doesn’t just match the compact agility of the smaller models, it jumps an entire size class. 

With a 46 HP Kubota engine, a rated operating capacity of 810 kg, and a 2.2m dump height, it’s built for higher output and tougher job cycles, especially across busy landscaping and municipal infrastructure projects.

The performance of the S510 will allow us to remove 10 manual laborers from loading and shifting tasks on-site, redirecting them to other tasks.  This machine didn’t just replace a loader, it freed up an entire crew, increasing site productivity while decreasing headcount.” - Saeed Mohammad, Advanced Systems Agriculture procurement manager

The S510 proved to be the right kind of investment, a machine that multiplies output and shrinks labor overhead in real time. It was all about how this machine will starts paying for itself, and how quickly it earns a permanent spot in the fleet.

Makana.com’s First Sale Proved It: More Output, Higher Productivity.

As a contracting company handling time-sensitive landscaping and infrastructure projects, the client required a machine that could deliver more output per shift, and handle tougher workloads.

The S510 stood out as the optimal solution due to its:

  • 46 HP Kubota V2403 diesel engine, offering increased breakout force and torque.

  • Higher rated operating capacity (810 kg) and tipping load (1,619 kg), essential for heavier material handling.

  • Joystick-based control system for smoother operation and faster learning curve across multiple operators.

  • 2.2m dump height, making it suitable for loading trucks efficiently on job sites.

This specific S510 unit, with 3,586 working hours only, combines compact maneuverability with enhanced strength, ideal for the high-output pace required on UAE projects. The recommendation was all about elevating productivity.

Buying Machinery With Transparency: Full Visibility on makana.com

What set this purchase journey apart wasn’t just the machine,  but the digital-first way it was inspected and evaluated. 

Using Makana.com’s 360° equipment view, the client’s team conducted a full online walkthrough of the Bobcat S510 through a virtual tour, rotating and zooming in on every angle of the machine, from the undercarriage and bucket teeth to the joystick controls and cabin structure.

What really impressed us was the fully digital process on Makana.com - the company has operated with true professionalism from start to finish. From Mr. Bassam at the beginning of negotiations to  Mr.Mohammed during the final handover, every step was handled with expertise and clarity. The comprehensive inspection report, the excellent condition of their machines, and the expert guidance we received.” - Saeed Mohammad, Procurement Manager.

Alongside the interactive visual tour, their mechanical technician reviewed the complete 75+ point inspection report online, available in detail directly through the listing. The report didn’t just skim over general specs , it included verified readings from the hour meter, start-up behavior, exhaust clarity, structural assessments, and visual checks of critical components like the loader bucket, fuel tank, hoses, and electrical systems.

This kind of full-circle visibility, from 360° imagery to technical deep dives, gave the procurement manager everything needed to pre-approve the S510 from behind a desk. Their technician reviewed the full report online, flagged no concerns, and greenlit the visit. It’s like getting a test drive without leaving the office.

By the time the company sent their technician and engineer for a physical inspection in the Dubai showroom, they already knew what they were getting.

The Bobcat S510 Skid Loader is just the beginning.

Makana’s first sale wasn’t just about moving a machine. It was about moving the industry forward. It showed that contractors in the UAE,  and across the GCC, are ready for a new kind of equipment experience:

  • Heavy equipment that’s inspected, verified, and online.

  • Buyers who can make real decisions before visiting the yard with 360 view and online inspection reports.

  • Contractors who want productivity and work-ready machinery, not surprises.

  • Machines that show you their flaws before you find them on the jobsite.

And the next construction company to power up their fleet?

It could be yours. With a fleet of inspected machines ready to go, your next project-ready unit is just a click away.

Explore your next ready-to-work machine on Makana.com.

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