Bobcat Skid Loader

Famous for its compact heavy equipment, Bobcat pioneered the skid-steer loader back in 1958. The ingenious design of Bobcat skidloaders moved Bobcat into the heavy equipment industry. Now, almost every major heavy equipment manufacturer has its own line of skid-steer loaders, patterned after the original Bobcat skid loader. Bobcat currently offers eleven different skid-steer loaders as well as several loader backhoes, track loaders, and even the new all-wheel steer loader.

The design behind Bobcat's skid loader is two-fold:

• First, the vehicle features wheels that turn in opposing directions (much like a crawler or track loader). Rather than steering with a steering wheel the driver then uses two hand levers--one controlling each side of the loader.
• Next, the small loader in the front is lifted by two hydraulic arms (commonly called a boom) from behind the cab. This allows the weight of the cab to counterbalance the loader making a smaller, lighter tractor possible. It also allows the driver to lift debris high above eyesight and maneuver the vehicle unobstructed.

Because Bobcat skid-steer loaders are so compact, they are much more affordable that conventional loaders. As a result, they are probably the most practical pieces of heavy equipment for residential use. Still, the versatility of the Bobcat skid-steer loader makes it a favorite for large construction companies as well. One of the most common reasons to purchase a Bobcat skid-steer loader is to become an independent contractor and provide usage for a fee. These ventures can be extremely profitable offering incredible hourly rates if you find contractors that don't already own the same loader.

Bobcat Loader Rental. Still, it is often more practical to rent a skid-steer loader than own one. You can rent skid-steer loaders daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your need. The longer you keep the Bobcat loader, the cheaper it is per day. Depending on the model, a loader rents for $100-$300/day, $300-$900/week, or $900-$3000/month. For rates in your area see Construction Equipment for Rent.

Bobcat Loader Sales. If you are looking to purchase a Bobcat skid-steer loader, its cost will depend on the loader's age and features. A used skid-steer loader usually costs between $3000 and $47,000. See Construction Equipment. A New loader can cost as much as $50,000. For the cost to finance or lease a new loader, contact Bobcat or a dealer near you. Other Skid-steer manufacturers include Caterpillar, Volvo, John Deere, JCB, Komatsu, Terex, Moxy, New Holland, Link Belt, and Case.

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