The Ever-Stalwart Skid Steer – New Models Keep on Coming

In recent years, skid steer loaders have ceded significant market share to other compact machines, most notably compact track loaders. But that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from coming out with new skid steer models with compelling features.

Here’s a look at some new models added to the market in the past year, with two companies – Hyundai and Kioti – introducing their first-ever skid steers to the U.S. We also check out the latest from Bobcat, which has introduced the world's first electric skid steer, as well as from Caterpillar, John Deere, JCB, Kubota and Wacker Neuson.

The 105-horsepower Bobcat S86 has standard-, high- and super-flow hydraulic options providing up to 42 gpm at 4,061 psi. Operating weight is 9,728 pounds, and ROC varies from the standard 3,400 pounds up to 3,700 pounds with optional 400-pound counterweight. Bobcat Premium Power Performance improves efficiency and performance during multitask operations.BobcatAccording to Bobcat, its S7X is the world’s first all-electric skid steer. And “all electric” means not only the elimination of a diesel – or any other internal combustion – engine, but also the elimination of hydraulics.

Two electric motors power the wheels, while four ball-screw actuators power the workgroup functions. Ball-screw actuators use mechanical components to convert rotational forces to linear movement. Advantages include high precision and low-friction operation.

“By eliminating hydraulics, the S7X has 50% fewer components,” says Julie Portillo, marketing manager, Doosan Bobcat. “Overall, the design requires 96% less fluid, coolants and lubricants than traditional diesel-powered skid steers.”

Electric models have commonly been relegated to applications where noise, exhaust and other environmental considerations are drivers of machine selection. But instantaneous torque of up to three times that of traditional skid steers, the ability to operate a typical 8-hour shift on a single charge and familiar operator interface features are bringing the S7X to other applications, as well.

The newest addition to the diesel-hydraulic skid steer line for Bobcat is the S86. It is the most powerful skid steer ever from Bobcat. Features designed around that power include a cooling package with high-capacity radiator and a reversible cooling fan about twice the size of traditional fans, as well as three hydraulic-flow choices.