What Is the Difference Between a Skid Steer & a Bobcat?

Mona Prestenbach

A skid steer, also known as a skid loader, is a compact machine used for digging. It also has the ability to push, pull and lift material. It is lighter and more maneuverable than a tractor front loader, and is used typically in construction and landscaping work.

Skid steers are heavy equipment machinery used in various construction applications.

The Skid Steer

Skid steers are available in various sizes. As the size increases so does the load capacity. Skid steers have a load capacity of less than 800 pounds to over two tons. Skid steer attachments enable the machine to perform various tasks that generally would take significant time and effort without machine assistance.

The Bobcat

Bobcat is a brand name. Bobcat offers skid steers and many other types of construction equipment. There are over a dozen models of Bobcat skid steers. Bobcat also offers more than 70 attachment options.

Attachments for Skid Loaders

Skid loaders have numerous attachment options, including buckets of various types and sizes, backhoes, forks, hammers, brooms,and augers. These attachments enable the loader to move material, dig, aid in landscaping tasks and perform many other jobs in construction.