The Bobcat skid steer has a good reputation all over the world due to their tough build, trusted performance, and innovative design.
However, there are many different types of Bobcat skid steers, making the choice difficult. And that’s why this guide was born. We will introduce them by size, rated operating capacity (ROC), and power, helping you easily find the model that fits your job and budget.
What Is ROC: Rated Operating Capacity
Think of ROC as your loader’s safe lifting limit — just like knowing how much weight you can lift without losing balance.
In a skid‑steer, ROC means the maximum weight the machine can safely lift and carry without tipping forward.
It’s usually set at 50% of the skid‑steer’s tipping load.
Example:
If a machine tips at 3,400 lbs, its ROC would be 1,700 lbs.
That’s the safe, stable weight you can lift all day without risk.
- Higher ROC = more lifting power
- Lower ROC = more agility in tight spaces
Understanding ROC helps you quickly choose whether you need a small, medium, or large‑frame Bobcat skid‑steer for your job.
Small‑Frame Skid Steers
ROC < 1,700 lbs
Ideal for tight spaces, landscaping, and farm jobs.
These loaders are light, narrow, and easy to transport — perfect for gates, garages, and indoor work. For a broader look at this category across brands, check out our Most Complete Mini Skid Steer Models Guide.
S70
- Rated Operating Capacity: 760 lbs
- Horsepower: 23.5 hp
- Operating Weight: 2,892 lbs
- Lift Path: Radius
- Best for: Interior demolition, backyard projects, sidewalks
S450
- Rated Operating Capacity: 1,370 lbs
- Horsepower: 49 hp
- Operating Weight: 5,370 lbs
- Lift Path: Radius
- Best for: Landscaping, small dump‑truck loading, general farm use
Medium‑Frame Skid Steers
ROC 1,700 – 2,200 lbs
The most popular size range for contractors and rental fleets.
They provide an excellent balance of power, maneuverability, and cost.
S510 (M3‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 1,876 lbs
- Horsepower: 55 hp
- Operating Weight: 6,208 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Material handling, general construction, truck loading
S590 (M3‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,100 lbs
- Horsepower: 68 hp
- Operating Weight: 6,765 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Demolition, pallet work, attachment‑heavy applications
Large‑Frame Skid Steers
ROC > 2,200 lbs
When heavy lifting and hydraulic power matter most, large‑frame models deliver. It’s interesting to see how these top-tier Bobcats stack up against competitors like the biggest Kubota skid steer.
Built for roadwork, grading, and high‑flow attachments like cold planers and forestry cutters.
S64 (R‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,300 lbs
- Horsepower: 68 hp
- Operating Weight: 6,974 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Construction sites, rental fleets, material lifting
S66 (R‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,400 lbs
- Horsepower: 74 hp
- Operating Weight: 7,154 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Heavy lifting, truck loading, hydraulic attachments
S650 (M2‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,690 lbs
- Horsepower: 74 hp
- Operating Weight: 8,061 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Demolition, grading, demanding jobsites
S76 (R‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,900 lbs
- Horsepower: 74 hp
- Operating Weight: 8,615 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Large‑scale construction, heavy‑duty earthmoving
S770 (M2‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 3,350 lbs
- Horsepower: 92 hp
- Operating Weight: 9,314 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: High‑flow attachment operation, big demolition projects
S86 (R‑Series)
- Rated Operating Capacity: 3,400 lbs
- Horsepower: 110 hp
- Operating Weight: 9,728 lbs
- Lift Path: Vertical
- Best for: Forestry, cold planing, heavy‑duty commercial projects
Bobcat Skid Steer Weight Comparison Chart
| Model | Frame Size | ROC (lbs) | Horsepower (hp) | Operating Weight (lbs) | Lift Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S86 | Large | 3,400 | 110 | 9,728 | Vertical |
| S770 | Large | 3,350 | 92 | 9314 | Vertical |
| S76 | Large | 2900 | 74 | 8615 | Vertical |
| S650 | Large | 2,690 | 74 | 8,061 | Vertical |
| S66 | Large | 2,400 | 74 | 7,154 | Vertical |
| S64 | Large | 2300 | 68 | 6,974 | Vertical |
| S590 | Medium | 2100 | 68 | 6,765 | Vertical |
| S510 | Medium | 1876 | 55 | 6,208 | Vertical |
| S450 | Small | 1370 | 49 | 5,370 | Radius |
| S70 | Mini | 760 | 23.5 | 2,892 | Radius |
Final Thoughts
Small frames provide agility, medium frames offer cost and strength balance, and large frames supply top performance for demanding tasks. Based on the correct size, power, and payload database, you can select the ideal Bobcat Skid Steer for your specific needs.
After choosing, FridayParts can also offer the help of their maintenance. We stock lots of OEM-quality Bobcat skid steer parts, as well as fast delivery & global shipping to avoid long-term downtime.
