Bobcat vs Kubota skid steers: which brand offers better value for small contractors?

Bobcat wins on parts availability, resale value, and attachment ecosystem. Kubota competes hard on new-unit pricing and low-maintenance hydraulics. For most small contractors, the deciding factor isn’t the badge, it’s whether you’re buying new on a tight budget or buying used with an eventual resale in mind. Here’s how the two actually compare, and where Gehl and John Deere fit if your needs push into the large-frame category.

Which is cheaper, Bobcat or Kubota?

Kubota generally costs 5 to 10 percent less than Bobcat on comparable new models. A new Bobcat runs $45,000 to $90,000 depending on configuration, with entry-level models like the S70 starting near $30,000 and high-flow machines like the S850 pushing toward the top of the range. Kubota’s SSV65 and SSV75 undercut equivalent Bobcats on new pricing by that same 5 to 10 percent, which matters more for a small operation watching capital outlay than it does for a fleet buyer amortizing cost over dozens of units.

Which brand holds resale value better?

Bobcat holds resale value more predictably because more units trade hands, giving both buyers and sellers better comparables. At auction, low-hour Bobcats from 2018 to 2022 typically sell for $28,000 to $55,000, mid-life units from 2014 to 2018 for $15,000 to $30,000, and older or high-hour machines for $8,000 to $15,000. Kubota holds value reasonably well too, but the used market is thinner. That can work in a buyer’s favor if you catch a seller who needs to move a machine quickly, but it also means fewer comparables when it’s your turn to sell, and thinner markets tend to produce more volatile pricing in either direction.

For contractors specifically hunting the best used skid steer, the sweet spot tends to be a 2016 to 2020 Bobcat S550, S570, or S650 with 1,200 to 2,000 hours. That combination has proven reliability, full attachment compatibility, and the widest parts support of anything in this class. You can see current pricing on exactly that range by browsing used skid steers at auction.

Which has better parts and maintenance support?

Bobcat’s larger dealer and parts network gets you back to work faster when something breaks, while Kubota’s hydraulic systems need less attention in the first place. Kubota’s hydraulics are widely regarded as low-maintenance, with straightforward filter access. Bobcat’s advantage shows up after the sale rather than during ownership: when a pump or hose does need replacing, Bobcat parts are easier to source and typically cheaper on the open market simply because there’s more supply and more shops that stock them.

Whichever brand you’re running, hydraulic maintenance is the single biggest factor in how long the machine lasts. Fluid changes every 1,000 to 2,000 hours and filter changes every 500 hours are the baseline; skipping either is the most common cause of premature pump and motor failure on used units. If you’re buying used, check the service records before anything else. Dark or burnt hydraulic fluid, milky engine oil, and worn loader arm bushings are the fastest tells that maintenance was neglected.

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What about attachment compatibility?

Bobcat’s attachment ecosystem is the deepest in the industry, which matters if your work changes season to season. If you’re running tillers, power rakes, or vibratory rollers across different jobs, confirm the machine’s auxiliary hydraulic flow rating matches what those attachments need before you buy. A standard-flow machine can’t run a high-flow attachment, and retrofitting one is expensive. Kubota and Gehl use similar joystick layouts to Bobcat, so operators moving between brands adapt quickly. The compatibility gap that matters is hydraulic capacity, not the controls.

What if I need a larger machine than Bobcat or Kubota typically offer?

The Bobcat S850 is the largest in Bobcat’s lineup, but the John Deere 333G is worth shortlisting if you need more capacity than either brand’s mid-range covers. The S850 runs a 3,450 lb rated operating capacity and over 10,000 lbs of operating weight, more machine than most small contractors need. The 333G competes directly at that upper tier, with a 3,600 lb rated capacity, strong cab visibility, and solid dealer support. Gehl sits closer to Kubota on price and is worth a look at auction, where it often shows up at attractive prices relative to its specs. Ritchie Bros.’ broader rundown of skid steer brands is a useful next stop if you’re weighing options beyond these two.

So which should you buy?

Buy Bobcat if you’re purchasing used and want the strongest resale position and easiest parts access. Buy Kubota if you’re buying new on a tighter budget or already run Kubota equipment and value the dealer relationship. The brand decision matters less than getting the size, hour count, and maintenance history right, since those three factors move price more than the name on the machine does. Whatever you land on, buying through a transparent auction marketplace gives you inspected machines and real comparables, so you know you’re paying fair market value rather than a dealer’s asking price.

See also

How to sell surplus for government agencies: 5 tips for better results