JCB unveiled two new skid steers to replace two of its longstanding models, while offering a new class size for the company.
The 250 will replace the 270, and the 290 will replace the 300.
The company says the new midsize 250 skid steer and the previously released companion 250T compact track loader better position the company in the market with their 2,500-pound rated operating capacity, a new size for JCB. The 270 has an ROC of 2,722 pounds.
The existing 270 and its tracked counterpart, the 270T, were a little too large and heavy to compete in the popular 2,500-pound ROC segment and had a higher price, the company says.
The same goes for replacing the 300 with the new 290 in the 3,000-pound ROC segment, according to JCB. "This allows the 290 to be priced competitively in that market class vs. our competitors."
No DEF, DPF; Single Boom; Side Entry
JCB's new 250 skid steerJCBBoth new wheeled models run on 74-horsepower diesel engines with no diesel exhaust fluid, diesel particulate filter or engine aftertreatment and will be equipped with JCB’s trademark single-arm boom and side-door entry.
“Our industry-exclusive side-door entry eliminates the need to climb over buckets, pallet forks and other attachments every time operators enter or exit the machine,” says Lee Tice, senior product manager for compact equipment at JCB North America.
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The vertical-lift Powerboom enables 60% increased visibility for the operator and gets 20% more steel than conventional twin-arm configurations, according to JCB.
“This results in greater rigidity, less wear and improved retention of material in the bucket. The Powerboom also provides safe internal routing for hydraulic hoses, for protection from damage.”
The 250 gets a Kohler engine, while the 290 runs on JCB’s 4.4-liter EcoMax.
“The new 250 and 290 skid steer loaders are designed to help a single operator accomplish more throughout the day,” Tice says.
The loaders are designed for material movement on construction sites, as well as on landscaping jobs and on the farm. Their 2,500- to 3,000-pound rated operating capacities paired with hinge pin heights around 10 feet enable them to perform such tasks as truck loading and moving and placing pallets, aggregates and jobsite supplies.
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The company says the new models deliver “an ideal balance of lifting performance, maneuverability and versatility.”
Buyers can choose optional high-flow hydraulics for running attachments beyond buckets and forks.
Other features on the new JCB skid steers include:
New sliding righthand window.
New light bar.
JCB’s myChoice control software — allows operators to tailor the sensitivity of joystick movement.
Standard ISO joysticks, and optional H-pattern controls.
Standard cooling system pulls air from above and forces hot air out through the sides and rear, away from the operator.
Optional Smoothride System (SRS) — allows the boom and load to move independently from the chassis for improved load retention, operator comfort and faster loading cycles.
All daily checks at ground level.
Tilting cab — can be operated by one person for deeper maintenance access.
O-ring face seal hydraulic fittings to reduce leaks.
Engine bay and cab floor can be cleaned with a power washer — no dirt-trapping footwells.
Fully welded chassis — provides a rigid structure for increased strength and reduced weight.
Solid undercarriage with cast-steel, triple-flanged rollers.
Quick hitch — constructed from high-tensile steel and high-strength welds for longer life. JCB claims the loaders “have the largest quick hitch pivot pins in the industry.”
Standard rubber tracks.
Standard Bluetooth radio.
Optional LED work lights.
The 250 and 290 are being produced at JCB’s plant in Savannah, Georgia, and are available for order now.
According to EDA equipment finance data, 9,465 new financed skid steer loaders were sold from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. (EDA and Equipment World are owned by Fusable.)
JCB 250 Skid Steer Specs
Operating weight: 7,813 Lbs
Rated operating capacity: 2,531 lbs.
Engine: 74-hp Kohler diesel
Travel speed: 11.5 mph
Max hydraulic flow: 18.5 gpm (standard) / 30.4 gpm (optional)
Hinge pin height: 9' 10"
Loader lift capacity: 4,129 lbs.
Bucket tilt breakout: 5,912 lbs.
JCB 290 Skid Steer Specs
Operating weight: 8,882 lbs.
Rated operating capacity: 3,029 lbs.
Engine: 74-hp JCB EcoMax diesel
Travel speed: 12.4 mph
Max hydraulic flow: 24 gpm (standard) / 31.7 gpm (optional)
JCB's new 250 skid steerJCB
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