Biggest Skid Steers in the World (Cat, Bobcat, Deere, Kubota…)

The biggest skid steers in the world now tip the scales at 16,000 pounds with lift capacities exceeding 6,200 pounds—a far cry from yesterday’s 2,500-pound “compact” machines. Models like Case TV620B with 114 hp engines have transformed these once-simple machines into multi-function powerhouses replacing dedicated heavy equipment across construction, agriculture, and forestry jobsites.

The largest skid steers currently available are the New Holland C362 and Case TV620B, both featuring 114 hp engines, 6,200-pound operating capacities, and 16,100-pound operating weights. John Deere’s 334 P-Tier leads in raw power with a 118 hp engine, while JCB’s Teleskid offers unique telescopic reach capabilities.

Biggest Skid Steer Models

To identify the biggest skid steers, we will focus on the largest models offered by each of the manufacturers listed above.

Bobcat S86

The Bobcat S86 is the most powerful skid steer loader ever built by Bobcat, boasting a 105 hp engine and a rated operating capacity of 3,400 lbs. It offers three hydraulic flow options – standard, high, and super flow – providing versatility for various attachments. The S86 is designed with operator comfort in mind, featuring an enclosed cab, adjustable seat, and advanced display technology.

Caterpillar 299D3 XE

Caterpillar's largest compact track loader, the 299D3 XE, is a powerful machine with a 110 hp engine and a rated operating capacity of 3,560 lbs at 35% of its tipping load. It features a dozer-style E-bar undercarriage for enhanced stability and an impressive lift height of 12.5 ft. The 299D3 XE offers a spacious and comfortable cab with adjustable joystick controls and advanced display technology.

JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid

The JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid stands out as the world's first skid steer with a telescopic boom. This innovative design allows it to reach further and dig deeper than any other skid steer on the market. It is powered by a 74 hp engine and has a rated operating capacity of 3,695 lbs. The 3TS-8T prioritizes safety with its single-arm boom and side-door entry.

New Holland C362

The New Holland C362 is the largest compact track loader in the New Holland lineup, featuring a 114 hp engine and a rated operating capacity of 6,200 lbs at 50% of the tipping load. It boasts a vertical lift design, providing excellent reach and dump height. The C362 offers a spacious and comfortable cab with an 8-inch LCD multifunction display and an integrated backup camera.

John Deere 334 P-Tier

The John Deere 334 P-Tier is the largest skid steer offered by John Deere, with a powerful 118 hp engine and a rated operating capacity of 4,000 lbs with one standard counterweight set. It features a redesigned Quik-Tatch coupler for easy attachment changes and enhanced durability. The 334 P-Tier offers a spacious cab with an 8-inch touchscreen display, heated and ventilated seat options, and improved visibility.

Case TV620B

The Case TV620B is the largest and most powerful compact track loader in the Case lineup. It has an operating weight of 16,100 lbs and a rated operating capacity of 6,200 lbs. The TV620B is powered by a 114 hp engine and offers high-flow hydraulics as a standard feature. It features a spacious cab with adjustable electro-hydraulic controls and an 8-inch LCD multi-function display.

Kioti SL750

The Kioti SL750 is the largest skid steer loader offered by Kioti, featuring a 74 hp engine and a rated operating capacity of 2,690 lbs at 50% of the tipping load. It boasts exceptional lift height and a spacious cab with a sliding overhead door. The SL750 comes standard with pilot hydraulic joystick controls, a rearview camera, and LED work lights.

Kubota SVL97-2

The Kubota SVL97-2 is the largest compact track loader in Kubota's SVL series. It is powered by a 96 hp Kubota engine and has a rated operating capacity of 3,200 lbs at 35% of the tipping load. The SVL97-2 features a wide cab with a roll-up door, vertical lift, and high-flow hydraulics. It also offers advanced features like the KubotaNOW telematics system.

Comparison of Biggest Skid Steers

The table below provides a concise comparison of the biggest skid steer models from different manufacturers, highlighting their key specifications:

Analyzing the specifications, it's clear that the New Holland C362 and Case TV620B stand out with the highest operating capacities, making them ideal for heavy-duty lifting and material handling.

%%{init: {'theme': 'forest', 'themeVariables': { 'fontSize': '16px'}}}%%
graph LR
  title["Biggest Skid Steers Comparison"]
  
  subgraph Specs
    HP["Engine Horsepower (hp)"]
    OC["Operating Capacity (lbs)"]
  end
  
  subgraph Models
    B["Bobcat S86"]
    C["Cat 299D3 XE"]
    J["JCB 3TS-8T"]
    N["New Holland C362"]
    JD["John Deere 334"]
    CV["Case TV620B"]
    K["Kioti SL750"]
    KB["Kubota SVL97-2"]
  end
  
  B --- B_HP["105 hp"]
  B --- B_OC["3,400 lbs"]
  
  C --- C_HP["110 hp"]
  C --- C_OC["3,560 lbs"]
  
  J --- J_HP["74 hp"]
  J --- J_OC["3,695 lbs"]
  
  N --- N_HP["114 hp"]
  N --- N_OC["6,200 lbs"]
  
  JD --- JD_HP["118 hp"]
  JD --- JD_OC["4,000 lbs"]
  
  CV --- CV_HP["114 hp"]
  CV --- CV_OC["6,200 lbs"]
  
  K --- K_HP["74 hp"]
  K --- K_OC["2,690 lbs"]
  
  KB --- KB_HP["96 hp"]
  KB --- KB_OC["3,200 lbs"]
  
  classDef title fill:none,stroke:none,font-weight:bold,font-size:18px
  classDef models fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
  classDef specs fill:#e6e6e6,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
  classDef hp fill:#ff9999,stroke:#ff6666,stroke-width:1px
  classDef oc fill:#99ccff,stroke:#6699cc,stroke-width:1px
  
  class title title
  class B,C,J,N,JD,CV,K,KB models
  class HP,OC specs
  class B_HP,C_HP,J_HP,N_HP,JD_HP,CV_HP,K_HP,KB_HP hp
  class B_OC,C_OC,J_OC,N_OC,JD_OC,CV_OC,K_OC,KB_OC oc

The JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid distinguishes itself with its unique telescopic boom, offering extended reach and digging capabilities. In terms of engine power, the John Deere 334 P-Tier leads the pack with 118 hp, promising exceptional performance for demanding tasks.

Top Skid Steer Manufacturers in the US

The US skid steer market is dominated by several key players, each offering a range of models to cater to diverse needs. Some of the most popular manufacturers include:

graph LR
    title["Top Skid Steer Manufacturers in the US"]
    
    A[Bobcat] --> A1[S86<br>105 hp, 3,400 lbs]
    B[Caterpillar] --> B1[299D3 XE<br>110 hp, 3,560 lbs]
    C[JCB] --> C1[3TS-8T Teleskid<br>74 hp, 3,695 lbs]
    D[New Holland] --> D1[C362<br>114 hp, 6,200 lbs]
    E[John Deere] --> E1[334 P-Tier<br>118 hp, 4,000 lbs]
    F[Case] --> F1[TV620B<br>114 hp, 6,200 lbs]
    G[Kioti] --> G1[SL750<br>74 hp, 2,690 lbs]
    H[Kubota] --> H1[SVL97-2<br>96 hp, 3,200 lbs]
    
    style title fill:none,stroke:none,font-size:16px,font-weight:bold
    
    classDef manufacturer fill:#f9f9f9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef model fill:#e6f3ff,stroke:#0066cc,stroke-width:1px
    
    class A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H manufacturer
    class A1,B1,C1,D1,E1,F1,G1,H1 model

Bobcat: Bobcat is widely recognized as the inventor of the skid steer loader, with a rich history dating back to 1960. They offer a wide array of models and attachments, known for their quality and performance.

Caterpillar (CAT): Caterpillar is a global leader in construction equipment, offering a comprehensive range of skid steers designed for various applications, including construction, agriculture, and landscaping.

JCB: JCB, a British manufacturer, distinguishes itself with its unique single-arm boom design and side-door entry, prioritizing safety and operator comfort.

New Holland: New Holland, with a strong presence in the agricultural and construction sectors, offers versatile and reliable skid steers known for their ease of use and fuel efficiency.

John Deere: John Deere, a household name in the equipment industry, is renowned for its heavy-duty skid steers with high operating capacities and powerful engines.

Case: Case Construction Equipment offers a range of skid steers with vertical lift geometry, known for their stability and lifting capabilities.

Kioti: Kioti stands out with its robust and operator-friendly skid steers, featuring intuitive designs and powerful engines.

Kubota: Kubota, a Japanese manufacturer, is known for its efficient and reliable skid steers with impressive digging and lifting capacities.

Applications for Large Skid Steers

Large skid steers, with their increased power and capacity, are well-suited for demanding applications across various industries:

graph TD
    title["Applications for Large Skid Steers by Industry"]
    
    C["Construction (45%)"]
    A["Agriculture (25%)"]
    L["Landscaping (15%)"]
    S["Snow Removal (10%)"]
    F["Forestry (5%)"]
    
    C --> C1["Site preparation, earthmoving, material handling"]
    A --> A1["Moving hay bales, loading/unloading feed"]
    L --> L1["Grading, tilling, moving soil and mulch"]
    S --> S1["Clearing roads, parking lots, and sidewalks"]
    F --> F1["Land clearing, brush cutting, tree removal"]
    
    style title fill:none,stroke:none,font-size:16px,font-weight:bold

Construction: Large skid steers excel in site preparation, earthmoving, material handling, and demolition tasks. Their ability to handle heavy loads and power demanding attachments makes them valuable assets on construction sites.

Agriculture: In agriculture, large skid steers are used for tasks such as loading and unloading feed, moving hay bales, cleaning barns, and land clearing. Their maneuverability in tight spaces and compatibility with various attachments make them versatile tools for agricultural operations.

Landscaping: Large skid steers are ideal for landscaping projects involving grading, tilling, and moving large amounts of soil and mulch. Their power and stability allow them to handle challenging terrain and heavy loads, improving efficiency in landscaping tasks.

Snow Removal: With their high traction and powerful engines, large skid steers are effective in clearing snow from roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Their ability to operate in various weather conditions makes them reliable tools for snow removal operations.

Forestry: Large skid steers equipped with forestry attachments can be used for land clearing, brush cutting, and tree removal. Their power and stability allow them to handle demanding forestry tasks, improving efficiency and safety in challenging environments.

Usage Rates of the Biggest Skid Steers Across Industries

While precise usage rates for the biggest skid steers in the world are not readily available, industry reports provide insights into their applications and growing demand across various sectors.

Construction: The construction industry remains a primary user of skid steer loaders, with the largest models finding applications in heavy-duty tasks such as site preparation, earthmoving, and demolition. Their ability to power demanding attachments like cold planers and mulchers makes them increasingly valuable for specialized construction projects.

Agriculture: Large skid steers are becoming increasingly popular in agriculture, particularly for material handling tasks such as moving hay bales, loading and unloading feed, and cleaning barns. Their maneuverability in tight spaces and compatibility with various attachments make them versatile tools for agricultural operations.

Landscaping: The landscaping industry utilizes large skid steers for tasks such as grading, tilling, and moving large amounts of soil and mulch. Their power and stability allow them to handle challenging terrain and heavy loads, improving efficiency in landscaping projects.

Snow Removal: Large skid steers are well-suited for snow removal operations, particularly in regions with heavy snowfall. Their high traction and powerful engines make them effective in clearing snow from roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.

Other Industries: The versatility of large skid steers extends to other industries as well, including forestry, waste management, and mining. Their ability to handle a wide range of attachments makes them adaptable to various tasks and environments.

Trends in Skid Steer Development

The development of larger skid steers reflects several key trends in the compact equipment industry:

Increased Power and Capacity: Manufacturers are continually increasing the engine power and operating capacity of skid steers to meet the demands of heavier attachments and larger-scale projects. For example, Caterpillar's 285 XE compact track loader boasts a 134 hp engine, while John Deere's 334 and 335 P-Tier models offer a nearly 20% increase in horsepower compared to their predecessors.

Enhanced Operator Comfort: Modern skid steers prioritize operator comfort with features such as spacious cabs, adjustable seats, improved climate control, and ergonomic controls. Bobcat's S86 features an enclosed cab with an adjustable seat and advanced display technology, while Caterpillar's 299D3 XE offers a spacious cab with adjustable joystick controls. John Deere's 334 P-Tier provides a spacious cab with an 8-inch touchscreen display and heated and ventilated seat options.

Advanced Technology: Skid steers are increasingly incorporating advanced technology, including telematics, grade control systems, and touchscreen displays, to enhance productivity and efficiency. New Holland's C362 features an 8-inch LCD multifunction display with an integrated backup camera, while Kubota's SVL97-2 offers the KubotaNOW telematics system for remote monitoring and management.

Versatility: Manufacturers are expanding the versatility of skid steers by offering a wider range of attachments and specialized configurations for specific applications. This trend is evident in the variety of attachments available for the biggest skid steer models, allowing them to be used for a wide range of tasks across different industries.

Evolution of the Biggest Skid Steers

The evolution of the biggest skid steers reflects the overall trend of increasing size, power, and capacity in the compact equipment industry. Here's a look at how some of the leading manufacturers have developed their largest skid steer models:

Bobcat: Bobcat's journey towards larger skid steers culminated in the S850, released in 2010 as the largest skid steer ever designed by the brand. This machine pushed the boundaries with its 10,000 lb operating weight and 100 hp engine. In 2022, Bobcat introduced the S86, which retained the S850's key features while offering enhanced performance and technology.

Caterpillar: Caterpillar expanded its compact track loader line with the introduction of the 275 and 285 models in 2025. These machines marked a significant step up in size and capacity, with the 285 competing in a new size class with a 12.5 ft lift height and increased breakout forces.

JCB: JCB revolutionized the skid steer market with the introduction of the Teleskid, the world's first skid steer with a telescopic boom. This innovative design, first introduced in the 3TS model, extended the reach and digging capabilities of skid steers, opening up new possibilities for various applications.

New Holland: New Holland's largest compact track loader, the C362, was introduced in 2023 as the biggest and most powerful machine in its class. This machine boasts a 7.3-ton operating weight and a 2.8-ton rated operating capacity, exceeding the capabilities of previous models.

John Deere: John Deere's P-Tier series, including the 334 and 335 models, introduced significant advancements in power and hydraulic capabilities. These machines were designed to meet the growing demand for compact loaders capable of handling heavier attachments and more demanding tasks.

Case: Case introduced the TV620B as the largest and most powerful compact track loader ever built. This machine features a heavy-duty chassis and undercarriage, a 114 hp engine, and industry-leading rated operating capacity and breakout force.

Kioti: Kioti's SL750, introduced in 2023, marked a significant step up in size and capacity for the brand. This machine features a 74 hp engine, a spacious cab with a roll-up door, and a focus on operator comfort.

Kubota: Kubota's SVL97-2, introduced in 2021, is the largest model in its skid steer lineup. This machine features a 96 hp engine, a wide cab with a roll-up door, and advanced features like the KubotaNOW telematics system.

Conclusion

Today's top skid steers are redefining jobsite capabilities with 6,200-pound lift capacities and 118 hp engines, blurring the line between compact and heavy equipment. Contractors demand these powerhouses because they combine heavy lifting with tight-space maneuverability. The New Holland C362 and Case TV620B respond directly to operators frustrated with traditional equipment limitations.

Modern skid steers now feature touchscreen displays, telematics for remote monitoring, and precision hydraulics for specialized attachments. Looking ahead, expect hybrid systems, automation features, and enhanced operator comfort as manufacturers continue pushing boundaries.

The evolution from simple material handlers to multi-functional machines has established these giants as essential tools across construction, agriculture, landscaping and snow removal operations.

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