A skid steer is a type of heavy equipment primarily used for earthmoving tasks, like digging, loading, and hauling, especially heavy loads. It gets its name from its design — typically, the wheels have no steering mechanism, so the vehicle turns by slowing the wheels on one side to skid. In addition to construction, skid loaders are also used in applications like landscaping.
Skid steer loaders are often confused with compact track loaders. Though these vehicles are used in similar applications, compact track loaders are heavier and have tracks instead of wheels, giving them superior traction and force. Skid steers have the advantage of more speed and maneuverability.
Though they may not be as big as other types of loaders, skid steers are still heavy-duty machines. In this article, we rank the world’s largest skid steers by their operating weight, and go over key details about each vehicle, like lifting capacity, size dimensions, manufacturers, and more.
Here’s how the biggest skid steers rank in terms of their operating weight and horsepower:
| Skid Steer Model | Operating Weight (lb) | Horsepower (hp) |
| 1. Gehl V420 | 11,665 | 121 |
| 2. Mustang 4200V | 11,665 | 121 |
| 3. Gehl SL7810E | 10,520 | 99 |
| 4. Bobcat S850 | 10,237 | 100 |
| 5. John Deere 332 G | 10,000 | 100 |
| 6. JCB 3TS-8W | 9,859 | 74 |
| 7. Bobcat S86 | 9,728 | 105 |
| 8. Case SV340B | 9,100 | 90 |
| 9. Manitou 3300 V NXT:2 | 9,090 | 72 |
Operating weight refers to the overall weight of the machine when it’s in use. In addition to the base weight of the piece of equipment itself, it also includes the weight of fuel, the operator, its engine, bucket capacity, and any attachments on the machine. The operating weight of a loader is typically listed in tons, tonnes, or pounds (lb).
The skid steer’s auxiliary hydraulics system is what powers the machine’s attachments. Most skid steers come with standard-flow hydraulics systems, but some vehicles have high-flow hydraulics, meaning they can supply even more hydraulic power to support more difficult jobs.
In our listings, we include important specs you need to make accurate comparisons, including operating height (the height from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the cab), horsepower, dump height, and rated operating capacity (ROC), which is a stability measurement factoring 50 percent of the tipping load. ROC measures how much a skid steer can safely lift to specific heights without the threat of tipping.
1. Gehl V420
The world’s largest skid steer is the Gehl V420. This high-capacity skid loader has an impressive operating weight, clocking in at 11,665 lbs. Its high-flow hydraulics system powers a vertical lift path with a capacity of up to 4,200 lb, and a powerful tilt breakout force of 9,039 lb. The Hydraglide™ ride control system “floats” the lift arm for extra stability and mobility, reducing material loss during transit.
Unique features
- Hydraglide™ ride control system
- Air-ride suspension seat
- LCD display
- Hydraulic fan with swing-out cooler
Specs
- Manufacturer: Gehl
- Operating weight: 11,665 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 121 hp
- Overall operating height: 15 feet 7 inches
- Dump height: 9 feet 7 inches
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 4,200 lb
2. Mustang 4200V
The second-largest skid steer, Mustang’s 4200V, boasts an operating weight of 11,665 lb. It’s designed for versatility, with five easily accessible high-flow hydraulic lines to power a variety of attachments, from cold planers to mulching heads. Its glass front door and west side windows make it easy to ventilate and increase visibility for operators.
Unique features
- Increased visibility through a large domed glass front door
- Pilot joystick controls
- Hands-free Bluetooth
- Impact resistant door
Specs
- Manufacturer: Mustang
- Operating weight: 11,665 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 121 hp
- Overall operating height: 15 feet 7 inches
- Dump height: 9 feet 7 inches
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 4,200 lb
3. Gehl SL7810E
Coming in third on the list is the Gehl SL7810E skid steer loader. An impressive 10,520 lb in operating weight, this vehicle is also equipped with high-flow hydraulics and a Hydraglide™ ride control system for increased efficiency. It also provides industry-leading safety features, like its interlock system and auto-shutdown system, making it easier for operators at any level to work safely.
Unique features
- Safety interlock system
- Auto-shutdown system
- Hydraglide™ ride control system
- High-flow auxiliary hydraulic control
Specs
- Manufacturer: Gehl
- Operating weight: 10,520 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 99 hp
- Overall operating height: 15 feet 6 inches
- Dump height: 9 feet 2 inches
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,850 lb
4. Bobcat S850
The Bobcat S850 is Bobcat’s largest skid steer, with a 10,237-lb operating weight and 12-foot lift height. Its impressive specs include high-flow hydraulics of 36.6 gpm, a durable single-plane design to stabilize loader arms, a keel-shaped undercarriage to increase maneuverability, a non-DPF diesel engine to reduce emissions, increased drivetrain, and uptime protection to help maximize efficiency on your jobsite.
Unique features
- Selectable joystick controls
- Two-speed travel boost
- Smart cooling
- Automatic ride control
Specs
- Manufacturer: Bobcat
- Operating weight: 10,237 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 100 hp
- Overall operating height: 6 feet 11 inches
- Dump height: unlisted
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,950 lb
5. John Deere 332 G
In addition to providing impressive power, John Deere 332 G 10,000-lb skid steer also offers versatility. Its customizable joystick controls allow operators to adjust the machine to their needs and preferences. The loader’s 11-foot hinge pin height makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, from filling dump trucks to moving pallets.
Unique features
- Electrohydraulic ISO-pattern joystick controls
- Two-speed transmission
- Onboard grade-indication
- Large cab entryway
Specs
- Manufacturer: John Deere
- Operating weight: 10,000 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 100 hp
- Overall operating height: 7 feet 2 inches
- Dump height: 8 feet 10 inches
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,600 lb
6. JCB 3TS-8W
Next on the list is JCB’s Teleskid 3TS-8W. Though it isn’t as big as some of the previous skid steers, coming in at 9,859 lb in operating weight, it more than makes up for that in power and versatility. It combines the functionalities of both vertical and radial lifts, with a lift height of 13 feet and 3 inches, an 8-foot forward reach, and the ability to dig 3 feet into the ground.
Unique features
- Climate-controlled cab
- Telescopic Powerboom™ attachment
- Bucket-positioning leveling system
- Wide-opening side entry cab
Specs
- Manufacturer: JCB
- Operating weight: 9,859 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 74 hp
- Overall operating height: 6 feet 11 inches
- Dump height: 7 feet 7 inches (retracted)
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,208 lb
7. Bobcat S86
The Bobcat S86 has an operating weight of 9,728 lb. The company says it’s their most powerful thanks to its super-flow hydraulics and incredible horsepower. Premium Power Performance helps automatically distribute power as you operate the machine, making it easier to take on a variety of jobs and even multitask.
Unique features
- Super-flow hydraulics
- Touch display
- Dual-direction bucket positioning
- Max-control remote operation
Specs
- Manufacturer: Bobcat
- Operating weight: 9,728 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 105 hp
- Overall operating height: 6 feet 11 inches
- Dump height: unlisted
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,400 lb
8. Case SV340B
The Case SV340B skid steer is the largest and most powerful vehicle in the company’s lineup. With an operating weight of 9,100 lb, this vehicle can handle a variety of tasks, from moving heavy palletized loads to powering attachments like stump grinders and cold planers. Its front-view and rear-view cameras help increase visibility for operators in the cab, making it easier to work safely on challenging job sites.
Unique features
- Backup camera
- Electro-hydraulic configurations
- Cab-wide rear-view mirror
- 8-inch LCD multi-function display
Specs
- Manufacturer: Case
- Operating weight: 9,100 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 90 hp
- Overall operating height: 13 feet 6 inches (with foundry/excavating bucket)
- Dump height: 8 feet 9 inches
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,400 lb
9. Manitou 3300 V NXT:2
The final skid steer on our list, Manitou’s 3300 V NXT:2, comes in at an operating weight of 9,090 lb. Being a little smaller comes with some major advantages. This skid steer can not only provide impressive power, but it can also operate in harder-to-reach areas and stay stable on uneven terrain.
Unique features
- Travel speed with two-speed option
- High-flow auxiliary hydraulics
- Vertical-lift design
- Soft-shift drive
Specs
- Manufacturer: Manitou
- Operating weight: 9,090 lb
- Horsepower (gross): 72 hp
- Overall operating height: 14 feet 4 inches
- Dump height: 8 feet 3 inches
- Rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load): Up to 3,300 lb
Looking To Rent a Skid Steer?
Skid steers can come in different sizes: small-frame, medium-frame, and large-frame. Each type of skid steer comes with its own advantages and limitations, so make sure you choose the right one for your needs. For example, large-frame skid steer models can typically lift up to 3,000 lb, while small-frame skid steers are designed for lighter loads.
If you’re in need of a skid steer to rent, you’ve come to the right place. BigRentz has a variety of skid steers available, ranging from small 500-pound machines to industrial-sized 3,900-pound vehicles. So, whether you’re looking for a small-frame loader or something a little closer to the world’s biggest, we’ve got you covered.
