Most Popular Skid Steer Brands on Equipment Trader
Skid steers remain one of the most versatile and in-demand pieces of compact equipment on the market. From construction and landscaping to agriculture and property maintenance, these machines continue to draw strong interest from buyers nationwide.
To better understand what shoppers are looking for, we analyzed marketplace data on Equipment Trader from Feb. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026. The rankings below reflect the skid steer makes that generated the most visits and shopper interest over the past year for equipment display pages and listings.
Move machines with these new and pre-owned equipment trailers for sale online.
1. Bobcat
Bobcat led all named skid steer manufacturers by a wide margin. Popular models frequently listed on Equipment Trader include the S590 and S650, as well as track-equipped machines like the T770 for improved traction on softer ground.
Bobcat’s strength lies in its appealing lineup, strong dealer network, and wide attachment compatibility. For buyers looking for equipment that can handle everything from light-duty landscaping to heavy-duty construction, Bobcat continues to be a top option.
2. Caterpillar
Caterpillar ranked second for visits, namely with models such as the 262D3 skid steer and 259D3 compact track loader that are common on the marketplace. Buyers often gravitate toward CAT machines for their operator-focused cab design, technology integration, and strong hydraulic performance.
For contractors already running CAT fleets, brand consistency is another factor driving interest.
3. Kubota
Kubota followed closely behind Caterpillar in third place for visits. The brand has built significant traction in the compact equipment market over the past decade.
The SSV75 skid steer and SVL series compact track loaders are frequently searched models. Buyers often cite reliability, smooth controls, and competitive pricing as key advantages.
4. John Deere
Coming in fourth for visits, John Deere has remained a name brand for this segment on the market. Its G-Series skid steers, including the 324G and 332G, are common fixtures on Equipment Trader.
Deere’s crossover appeal between agriculture and construction markets gives it a broad buyer base. Many operators appreciate the intuitive controls and compatibility with a wide range of attachments and upgrades for skid steers. Brand loyalty also plays a role here, particularly among buyers already invested in John Deere equipment.
5. CASE Construction Equipment
CASE Construction Equipment landed at fifth place for visits during the reporting period. Models such as the SR210 skid steer and SV280 compact track loader are frequently listed and viewed. For buyers focused on job site performance and durability, CASE remains a competitive choice in the upper tier of shopper interest.
Additional Brands Rounding Out the Top 10
The remaining top brands also saw substantial shopper activity, each drawing a large number of visits over the past year:
JCB
Known for its single-arm Powerboom design, JCB skid steers stand out visually and structurally in a crowded field.
New Holland
The L-Series skid steers from New Holland continue to attract buyers in both farming and construction markets.
Takeuchi
Takeuchi has built a loyal following among contractors needing reliable power, particularly with their compact track loaders.
Wacker Neuson
The compact equipment lineup from Wacker Neuson appeals to both urban contractors and rental fleets.
Toro
Toro’s compact utility loaders and smaller skid steer options remain popular with landscaping professionals.
What the Data Tells Us
A few trends stand out from this year’s visit data reflecting the overall marketplace and underlining points when considering how much you should be spending on skid steers.
1. Brand recognition still matters.
Legacy manufacturers such as Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, and John Deere dominate the upper tier of shopper interest.
2. Compact equipment demand remains strong.
All top 10 brands here garnered a large portion of total marketplace visits for skid steers, signaling sustained buyer activity across the category.
3. Buyers are researching before committing.
Many shoppers begin their journey exploring general skid steer options before narrowing down to a brand.
Marketplace Inventory
The skid steer market on Equipment Trader remains highly competitive, but a handful of brands consistently capture the majority of shopper attention.
Bobcat leads decisively in total visits, while Caterpillar and Kubota form a strong second tier. John Deere and CASE round out the top five, with JCB, New Holland, Takeuchi, Wacker Neuson, and Toro maintaining a meaningful presence in the marketplace.
For sellers, aligning listings with high-interest brands and clearly highlighting popular models may help capture buyer attention. For buyers, the data reinforces where most of the market research is happening, and which manufacturers continue to dominate interest year after year.
As equipment demand evolves, these rankings provide a snapshot of where skid steer shoppers are focusing their attention right now.
Shelby Ballou
You might also like
