Compact utility loaders, stand-on track loader, mini skid steers – whatever it is you want to call them – have been booming in popularity in recent years, and it's easy to see why.
These little loaders make light work of landscaping and construction tasks thanks to their compact footprint and compatibility with a wide range of attachments.
I recently had the opportunity to demo the Kubota SCL1000, the company’s sole stand-on compact loader and the second-highest selling model of all brands, according to Fusable's EDA. I put it to the test on a few landclearing and stump-removal projects around my property.
After 10 hours of testing, here were my biggest takeaways:
- Compact and versatile for tight jobsites: The SCL100 features a narrow 36-inch width with 9.8-inch-wide tracks, making it small enough to pass through gates while minimizing ground disturbance.
- Intuitive and ergonomic operator station: Standout features included the passcode-protected keyless ignition, digital display and intuitive T-drive and joystick controls. These features, combined with the cushioned loader boom cylinders and adjustable platform suspension, make it easy and comfortable to use, even for novice operators.
- Ideal for lighter-duty work: With a 24.8-horsepower engine, 15 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow and a 1,000-pound rated operating capacity, the SCL1000 is ideal for landscape management tasks such as brush cleanup, grading and material handling.
To find out more about my test run and observations of Kubota’s SCL1000, check out our video above.
Looking for even more field-tested equipment? Watch our previous episode of The Dirt.
Equipment World serves up weekly videos on the latest in construction equipment, work trucks and pickup trucks – everything contractors need to get their work done. Subscribe and visit us at equipmentworld.com!
