Kubota Skid Steer vs Bobcat Skid Steer: Which is Best?
8/3/2025
If you've come across this article, you're doing your homework, comparing two of the most popular loaders in the game: the Kubota Skid Steer vs Bobcat Skid Steer. Which is best? Our team at APCO Equipment will be looking at the Kubota SSV Series and the Bobcat R Series' durability, operator experience, maintenance, and versatility to help you make the most informed decision for your line of work.
Kubota's SSV Series is designed with operator comfort in mind, knowing users are confined to working eight-plus hours in a cab. In this series, you'll find spacious, quiet, sealed cabs with ample legroom and excellent 360-degree visibility. The A/C system pushes air through nine optimized vents, keeping you cool and alert even under the desert sun. If you're hauling material across cratered job site grounds, you'll appreciate Kubota's optional KSR (Kubota Shockless Ride), which reduces bounce and keeps the ride smooth.
Bobcat's Skid Steers emphasize in-cab technology. Their R-Series loaders feature sealed, pressurized cabs with touchscreens, Bluetooth radio, multiple operator profiles, and ride-control systems. Bobcat might be your style if you like tech-driven precision and the ability to tweak settings on the fly. Their joystick control setup allows users to customize it to their liking, such as adjusting the seat for maximum comfort and reducing fatigue on long shifts.
Downtime is your worst enemy when you're on a deadline or managing multiple properties. Daily checks are simplified with a swinging rear door that opens wide. This is great for checking fluids, and the tilt-up cab gives you more access to hydraulics without raising the arms. Inspecting the battery is tool-free, too. Get ready for quicker cleanup after dirty and muddy jobs with mud-cleaning ports and floor drains.
Bobcat doesn't slack in this department either. Their loaders offer a one-piece cab that lifts for deep maintenance, and the internal diagnostics system sends alerts before minor issues become big problems. However, this digital dependence can be a double-edged sword. It's convenient when everything works right, but it can be potentially frustrating if you're troubleshooting in the field without dealership support nearby.
Attachments are where you start to see value in a skid steer. Both Kubota and Bobcat understand this well. Whether you're trenching, snow pushing, tilling, or sweeping, these skid steers have high-flow and standard-flow hydraulic options to handle larger-sized implements.
Bobcat's S76 model offers slightly higher high-flow capacity, and its control systems can automatically recognize and optimize performance for specific attachments. That can greatly benefit companies that rotate through implements daily.
Kubota answers with high-capacity auxiliary hydraulics (up to 30.4 GPM on the SSV75), and the optional multi-function lever provides fingertip control for primary attachment functions. The layout is intuitive, and everything from pressure-release couplers to hydraulic lines is built with protection and longevity in mind.
So is it Kubota or Bobcat? If you're looking for a rugged, standard skid steer loader that provides incredible reliability, strong breakout power, and a straightforward approach to comfort and service, Kubota's SSV Series is hard to beat. It's an operator's machine, great for long days, rough terrain, and easy maintenance.
If you prioritize advanced controls, customizable settings, and smart system automation, Bobcat's R-Series offers modern features that some operations may find more efficient, especially for large-scale projects.
At APCO Equipment, we're proud to offer the Kubota SSV Series Skid Steer. We're backed by our expert service and local support. Give us a call, fill out our Get a Quote form below, or visit us today in North Las Vegas!
The Kubota SSV65 and Kubota SSV75 feature Kubota-built diesel engines, designed for professionals who need high-grade equipment. The SSV75, in particular, delivers 71.6 horsepower and a bucket breakout force of 5,884 lbf (nearly 6,000 pounds). That's enough to handle pallet forks, rock buckets, and grapples easily.
Bobcat's R-Series skid steers include four models: S64, S66, S76, and S86. Their horsepower ranges from 68 to 105, with a rated operating capacity from 2,300 to 3,400 pounds. These machines use a hydrostatic drive system with advanced electronic controls, offering responsive handling and quicker cycle times. Bobcat's tech-forward approach appeals to equipment managers or operators who prioritize automation and on-screen diagnostics.
