3 Skid Steer Brands to Avoid: Real-World Problems + Better Options

That shiny new skid steer with the unbeatable price might become your most expensive investment once frequent breakdowns and costly repairs add up. While operators praise their favorite brands, few openly discuss the skid steer brands to avoid:

Based on operator feedback and reliability data, approach Volvo skid steers (parts availability issues), Terex models (particularly the underpowered PT-50), and New Holland units (visibility and control problems) with caution. Even reputable brands have common failure points worth knowing before purchase.

Skid Steer Brands to Avoid

Based on our analysis and the factors discussed earlier, here are some skid steer brands that you should generally approach with caution:

Volvo

Volvo skid steers have been reported to have issues with rattling, parts availability, and overall reliability. One user described their experience with a Volvo skid steer as "the worst machine that for a skid loader that I've ever had". They also mentioned problems with parts availability and breakdowns.

While Volvo excels in manufacturing loaders and excavators, their skid steers, which may be produced in collaboration with JCB, have not received the same level of positive feedback. It's like they put all their engineering talent on the excavator team and left the skid steer to the interns.

Terex

Terex skid steers, particularly the PT-50 model, have been criticized for being underpowered and prone to mechanical issues. One user described their Terex PT-50 as a "pile of trash" and highlighted problems with bushings and lack of power.

When your operators are constantly muttering under their breath about having to baby the machine through basic tasks, that's a problem.

New Holland

Some users have reported issues with New Holland skid steers, particularly with their visibility and control systems. One user mentioned that New Holland skid steers "sit way too low in them and can't see what the cutting edge of the bucket is doing".

Another user described the controls as "jerky" and criticized the visibility. In an industry where precision matters, poor visibility can turn a simple job into a frustrating exercise in guesswork.

Common Problems with Top Skid Steer Brands

While the brands mentioned above are generally considered reliable, it's important to be aware of potential issues that can arise with any skid steer brand.

graph LR
    %% Main categories
    Root["Common Skid Steer Issues"]
    
    %% First level categories - problem systems
    Hydraulic["Hydraulic System Issues"]
    Engine["Engine & Power Issues"]
    Control["Control & Ergonomics"]
    Dealer["Dealer Support Problems"]
    Attach["Attachment Issues"]
    
    %% Connect main categories
    Root --> Hydraulic
    Root --> Engine
    Root --> Control
    Root --> Dealer
    Root --> Attach
    
    %% Hydraulic System specific problems
    HL["Hydraulic Leaks"] 
    HB["Pressure Build-Up"]
    HC["Unresponsive Controls"]
    
    %% Engine specific problems
    EU["Underpowered Engine"]
    EF["Fuel System Issues"]
    ES["Starting Problems"]
    
    %% Control specific problems
    CV["Poor Visibility"]
    CJ["Jerky Controls"]
    CO["Operator Discomfort"]
    
    %% Dealer support specific problems
    DP["Limited Parts Availability"]
    DS["Poor Service Response"]
    DC["High Service Costs"]
    
    %% Attachment specific problems
    AL["Limited Attachment Options"]
    AC["Connection Difficulties"]
    AH["Hydraulic Flow Issues"]
    
    %% Connect problems to categories
    Hydraulic --> HL & HB & HC
    Engine --> EU & EF & ES
    Control --> CV & CJ & CO
    Dealer --> DP & DS & DC
    Attach --> AL & AC & AH
    
    %% Connect specific problems to brands
    HL --- HLB["Bobcat, Case"]
    HB --- HBB["Case"]
    HC --- HCB["Caterpillar"]
    
    EU --- EUB["Terex"]
    EF --- EFB["Bobcat"]
    ES --- ESB["John Deere, Kubota"]
    
    CV --- CVB["New Holland"]
    CJ --- CJB["New Holland"]
    CO --- COB["Volvo"]
    
    DP --- DPB["Volvo"]
    DS --- DSB["Terex"]
    DC --- DCB["JCB"]
    
    AL --- ALB["Terex"]
    AC --- ACB["Case"]
    AH --- AHB["Takeuchi"]
    
    %% Styling
    classDef category fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px,font-weight:bold
    classDef problem fill:#f9d5e5,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef brand fill:#e6f2ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px,font-style:italic
    
    class Root,Hydraulic,Engine,Control,Dealer,Attach category
    class HL,HB,HC,EU,EF,ES,CV,CJ,CO,DP,DS,DC,AL,AC,AH problem
    class HLB,HBB,HCB,EUB,EFB,ESB,CVB,CJB,COB,DPB,DSB,DCB,ALB,ACB,AHB brand

Let's face it - every machine has its quirks, and knowing what to watch for can save you thousands in repair costs and downtime. Here are some common problems reported by users:

Bobcat: Hydraulic leaks, A/C problems, fuel system issues. Even the industry standard isn't immune to problems - those hydraulic leaks seem to find a way to manifest just when you're furthest from the shop.

Caterpillar: Low hydraulic fluid level, unresponsive hydraulic system, electrical issues. CAT machines are built tough, but their electrical systems sometimes seem designed by someone who never had to troubleshoot them in the field.

Case: Hydraulic leaks, connection difficulties, pressure build-up. Great machines overall, but that pressure build-up issue can be particularly vexing when you're trying to connect hydraulic attachments.

John Deere: Engine problems, electrical issues, hydraulic/hydrostatic system malfunctions. The green machines have a loyal following, but ask any dealer mechanic about their hydrostatic systems and watch their expression change.

Kubota: Engine problems, accessibility issues for maintenance. Ever tried to reach that filter tucked behind three other components? Kubota technicians know the struggle.

Takeuchi: Final drive issues, faulty steering, corrosion, loss of control over loader functions when running auxiliary lines. These machines can be absolute workhorses, but when the auxiliary hydraulics act up, you might find yourself doing a complex dance between the joysticks and pedals.

Metrics and Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Skid Steer Brand

When evaluating a skid steer brand, several factors contribute to its overall quality and suitability for your needs. These factors include:

Cost: Consider the skid steer purchase price, as well as long-term operating costs such as fuel consumption, maintenance, and repairs. Prices for new skid steers can range from around $46,707 for a Bobcat S510 to over $118,339 for a JCB 3TS-8T.

Used skid steer prices vary significantly depending on the model, year, and condition, with some older models available for under $20,000. Remember that sticker shock at purchase can sometimes be better than sticker shock every time you need a repair.

Performance: Evaluate the skid steer's horsepower, rated operating capacity (ROC), lift height, and breakout force to ensure it meets your project requirements. Horsepower can range from around 60 hp for smaller models to over 100 hp for larger, heavy-duty machines.

ROC, which indicates the amount of weight a skid steer can safely lift, is another crucial performance metric. Those specs matter - nothing worse than bringing a knife to a gunfight, or in this case, an underpowered skid steer to a job that needs more muscle.

Reliability: Research the brand's reputation for reliability and durability. Look for brands with a track record of producing machines that can withstand demanding conditions and require minimal repairs. Talk to actual operators who run these machines daily - they'll tell you which ones spend more time working versus sitting in the shop.

Maintenance: Consider the ease of maintenance and the availability of parts. Brands with readily available parts and a comprehensive dealer network can minimize downtime and repair costs. Ever waited three weeks for a specialized filter? Then you understand why this matters.

Dealer Support: A strong dealer network provides essential support for maintenance, repairs, and warranty claims. Look for brands with a widespread dealer presence and a reputation for excellent customer service. When your machine is down, the difference between a dealer 20 minutes away versus two hours away becomes painfully apparent.

Operator Comfort: The skid steer's cab should provide a comfortable and ergonomic environment for the operator, with features such as adjustable seating, good visibility, and climate control. Happy operators are productive operators - and they're also less likely to jump ship to your competitor.

Attachments: Ensure the skid steer is compatible with a wide range of attachments to maximize its versatility for different tasks. Most skid steers offer universal attachment capabilities, but it's essential to confirm compatibility with specific attachments you might need. The right attachment turns your skid steer from a one-trick pony into a multi-function tool that earns its keep year-round.

It's important to consider the specific application when choosing a skid steer brand. For example, if you primarily work on smooth, even surfaces, a skid steer with wheels might be sufficient. However, if you frequently operate on uneven or soft terrain, a compact track loader might be a better choice.

To help you compare some of the top skid steer brands, we've compiled a table summarizing their key features and potential drawbacks:

Alternative Brands to Consider

To understand which skid steer brands to avoid, it's crucial to identify the best skid steer brands. These brands generally have a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and customer support.

They also tend to hold their value better, making them a wiser long-term investment. Some of the most popular and well-regarded skid steer brands include:

Bobcat: Bobcat offers a wide range of models with excellent features and a long history of reliability. They also have a strong dealer network, which can be a significant advantage compared to brands like Volvo, which have been criticized for poor parts availability. When your machine is down and you're burning daylight, having a responsive dealer nearby isn't just convenient - it's essential.

Caterpillar: Caterpillar is known for its high-quality and durable machines, making them a good alternative to brands like Terex, which have been criticized for being underpowered and prone to mechanical issues. CAT machines might cost more upfront, but they tend to pay that back in reliability and resale value.

Case: Case skid steers are known for their innovative features and operator comfort, offering a potentially better user experience compared to New Holland, which has received some negative feedback regarding visibility and control systems. As one operator told me, "I can run a Case for 10 hours and still walk straight at the end of the day."

Conclusion

Choosing the right skid steer is a bit like choosing a truck - the logo on the hood matters less than how it performs on your specific jobs. The brands to avoid aren't necessarily terrible across their entire lineup, but they've shown patterns that should raise caution flags.

When it comes down to it, dealer support might be the most underrated factor in the equation. That shiny new machine with all the bells and whistles won't impress anyone while it's sitting idle for three weeks waiting on parts.

Focus on finding that sweet spot where reliability, performance, and dealer proximity intersect for your particular application. The machine that keeps running when others are in the shop is almost always the most profitable choice in the long run, regardless of what the initial price tag says.

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