Mainstream capacity for daily contractor work
Compact Skid Steer Loader
The most common class in contractor fleets. Enough capacity for loading, grading and pallet work all day, while still transportable on a common tandem-axle trailer. Nearly every brand competes here, so dealer support and service distance usually decide the purchase.
Approximate specifications
| Specification | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Rated operating capacity | Approx. 1,300-1,900 lb |
| Operating weight | Approx. 5,500-7,500 lb |
| Width | Approx. 60-68 in |
| Height | Approx. 76-82 in |
| Engine power | Approx. 50-75 hp |
| Auxiliary hydraulic flow | Approx. 17-23 gpm |
Where this class fits
Best for
- General contracting
- Site prep
- Pallet and material handling
- Snow and seasonal work
Watch-outs
- Trailer and tow vehicle requirements step up sharply versus a mini loader.
- Higher flow options cost more but unlock better attachments — decide before ordering.
Pricing and rental guidance
Buying
Pricing spans a wide band depending on cab configuration, hydraulics and tires or tracks. Get multiple configured quotes rather than comparing list prices.
How pricing worksRenting
The most commonly rented skid steer size; expect consistent availability in most markets.
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Common attachments for this class
General Purpose Bucket
The default tool on nearly every machine: moving soil, gravel, mulch and spoil, plus rough backfill and grading.
No auxiliary hydraulics required. Match bucket width to machine width so you are not dragging spoil off-line.
Pallet Forks
Turns the loader into a rough-terrain material mover for pallets, sod, block and bagged goods.
No auxiliary hydraulics. Load capacity is limited by machine rated operating capacity and by load center distance.
Grapple Bucket
Grabs irregular material — brush, limbs, demolition debris, rock — that a plain bucket cannot hold.
Requires auxiliary hydraulics. Check the weight of the attachment itself against the machine's capacity.
Hydraulic Breaker
Breaks concrete, asphalt and rock in tight areas where a full-size breaker cannot reach.
Requires correct hydraulic flow and pressure. Undersized carriers reduce productivity and stress the machine.
Auger
Drills post holes and footing holes far faster than hand digging, with bit sizes matched to the job.
Requires auxiliary hydraulics. Flow rating must match the drive head; rocky soil needs rock-specific teeth.
Frequently cross-shopped with Kubota
Kubota's compact loaders appeal to buyers who also run the brand's tractors and excavators. Operator comfort and serviceability are common reasons cited by owners, and dealer coverage is solid across agricultural regions.
Read the Kubota overviewGet compact skid steer quotes from local sellers
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Other size classes
- Narrow Stand-On Mini Loader
Gate-width access for landscape and backyard work
- High-Capacity Stand-On Mini Loader
More lift and hydraulic flow, still trailer-friendly
- Small-Frame Skid Steer Loader
The smallest true sit-in skid steer class