“Good-Bye, Manual Labor!” — Mini Skid Steer Buyer’s Guide 2026
Stand-on mini loader sales have nearly quadrupled, making them more popular than wheel loaders while saving workers' backs.
machineryasia Compact utility loaders, also known as mini skid steers or mini loaders, are the relatively new kid on the construction equipment block, and its smallest in size, but their growth has been large and rapid.
In the past 10 years, the sales of the stand-on machines have nearly quadrupled, according to EDA, rising from 3,068 new financed units in 2016 to 11,620 as of August 31, 2026. (Equipment World and EDA are owned by Fusable).
They have also jumped another spot on the U.S. equipment sales category rankings, surpassing wheel loaders this year to take No. 4, behind compact track loaders, mini excavators and standard excavators.
And the number of manufacturers entering the U.S. market continues to rise, with Caterpillar, John Deere, SDLG, Gehl and Manitou joining the fray with their first-ever CULs announced in 2026.
At least seven lesser-known Chinese companies are also launching CULs here, offering nontraditional purchasing options through direct online orders. Some of them are even available on Amazon.
Not to be left out, companies better known for their lawnmowers have launched their own branded mini loaders in recent years.
That’s a far cry from the first U.S. mini loaders. Toro launched its debut walk-behind, wheeled Dingo in 1997. Three years later came its tracked model. Twenty years ago came Toro’s first stand-on loader, and the innovations keep coming.
The mini loaders have come to do more than just handle material, as sort of a motorized wheelbarrow. They can be an efficient, productive replacement for manual labor, running attachments for digging, grading, loading and unloading heavy material, clearing land, drilling holes, breaking concrete, sweeping jobsites and blowing snow.
Diesel models are the most prevalent, but companies are also offering gasoline models and, increasingly, battery-powered CULs are hitting jobsites where noise and emissions are concerns.
In this report, we look at the most popular models of compact utility loaders, as well as new models and features on the market.
Here’s the latest from Bad Boy, Bobcat, Boxer, Case, Caterpillar, Ditch Witch, Ecovolve, Gehl, Giant, Gravely, Kanga, Kubota, John Deere, Manitou, New Holland, Scag, SDLG, Sherpa, Toro, Vermeer, Viper and Wacker Neuson.
We also included a section on the new Chinese OEMs entering the market.
Bad Boy
The new Recon runs on a 25-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and has a rated operating capacity of 748 pounds. You can add another 76 pounds of ROC with an optional counterweight.
Features on the Recon include all-terrain wide tracks, 12 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow and a lift height of 6 feet 9.8 inches.
The company says the CUL delivers the power to dig, haul, grade and handle material with “exceptional maneuverability” and “superior traction across dirt, gravel, grass, mud and uneven terrain.”
The operator platform gets controls designed to reduce operator fatigue and deliver precise handling.
The company offers a full lineup of attachments, aside from the standard general-purpose bucket, including root rake, grader, trencher, auger, broom, pallet forks and brush cutter.
Bobcat
Bobcat MT120
Its MT100 is the top-selling model in the U.S., with 1,000 pounds of rated operating capacity and 24.8 horsepower.
Last year, the company launched its second and largest model, the MT120, which has moved up to third from fourth on the EDA list. The loader has rated operating capacity of 1,200 pounds and a 24.5-horsepower diesel engine. The 3,720-pound compact utility loader has a top travel speed of 4.7 mph and pilot controls. A new direct-drive system eliminates belts for less maintenance.
Two track widths are available. The standard 9-inch tracks keep width to just under 36 inches, and optional 11-inch-wide tracks increase width to about 44 inches.
Designed with a vertical lift, Bobcat says, the MT120 offers a “best-in-class” lift height of 88 inches and reach of 22 inches. Counterweights come standard to increase lifting performance.
Boxer
Boxer 700HDX
“Their compact size and agility allow them to operate in confined spaces, speeding up project timelines and improving overall productivity,” the company says. “Additionally, the intuitive joystick controls enable even less-experienced operators to perform complex tasks with ease, maximizing the available workforce's effectiveness and reducing downtime.”
In all, Boxer offers four “mini skid steers,” all with tracks:
- 375 — tip capacity of 1,071 pounds and 14.5-horsepower Kohler gasoline engine.
- 385D — tip capacity of 1,100 pounds and 24.8-horsepower Kohler diesel engine.
- 600HD — tip capacity of 1,535 pounds and 24.8-horsepower Kohler diesel engine.
- 700HDX — tip capacity of 2,020 pounds and 24.8-horsepower Kohler diesel engine.
Case CE
The new TL170 has a 1,700-pound rated operating capacity at 35% of tipping load with its wide-track (51.5 inches) configuration. A narrow-track configuration at 46.7 inches is also available.
It runs on a 43.5-gross-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and delivers standard auxiliary hydraulic flow of 13.2 gallons per minute and optional high-flow of 21.1 gpm. The CUL is a response to customers seeking more power and a higher tipping load, at 2,429 pounds. Features include a multifunction display, hydraulic pilot joystick controls and a heavy-duty undercarriage system.
Case also debuted an electric model this year at ConExpo, the TL100EV. Powered by a 102V battery with an onboard charger, it delivers 1,000 pounds of rated operating capacity — equivalent to its diesel counterpart — for a variety of landscaping, grounds maintenance, demolition and light construction tasks.
The TL100EV has a total runtime of up to 7 hours when fully charged, depending on the task. Onboard charging takes approximately 5 to 8 hours, while offboard fast-charging takes 1.5 to 6 hours.
Case launched its first CUL in 2023. The TL100 has moved up from ninth to eighth in sales of new financed models in the U.S., according to EDA.
The 25-horsepower CUL has an operating capacity of 1,000 pounds and a standard auxiliary hydraulic setup of 13 gallons per minute and 2,700 psi for attachments.
Caterpillar
The company’s debut TUL100 has a 1,000-pound ROC and runs on a 24-horsepower Cat 1.1 turbo diesel engine.
Auxiliary hydraulic flow is 16 gallons per minute at 3,046 psi. The loader weighs 3,600 pounds and has a maximum lift height of 7 feet.
The loader is available with a 35.7-inch-wide track for fitting in tight spaces or a 41.5-inch-wide track for increased stability and lower ground pressure.
Features on the new loader include a 4.2-inch color display, multifunction joysticks with thumb roller for auxiliary hydraulic control, two-speed travel, creep control for slower speeds when running attachments and a cushioned operator platform with ergonomic mat.
Buyers can choose a coupler configuration of common or narrow and an optional kit for additional rear counterweight.
Ditch Witch
The SK1750 is ranked fifth and is the company’s top-seller. The “stand-on mini skid steer” has a 2,000-pound ROC and was the first to be equipped with Ditch Witch’s TriTrax System with tension window, redesigned rollers and an upgraded outer frame.
Along with less maintenance, the system is designed to deliver “smooth performance, comfortable operation and reduced ground pressure.” The tension window allows operators to check track tension at a glance. It runs on a 43-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine.
The seventh-top-selling CUL is Ditch Witch’s SK1050, which has a 37-horsepower Yanmar diesel and an ROC of 1,062 pounds at 35% of tipping capacity.
Coming in ninth place is the SK800 with a 24.8-horsepower Kubota diesel and 911-pound ROC.
Other models from Ditch Witch range from the SK900, with 24-horsepower Kubota diesel and 932-pound ROC, to the SK300, with a 58.9-horsepower Yanmar diesel and 3,102-pound ROC.
Ecovolve
Ecovolve EL500 electric mini skid steer
At less than 32 inches wide, the loader will not scratch or damage finished surfaces or leave marks on floors, making it well suited for indoor use, the company says.
The EL500 is designed with a heavy-duty chassis and reinforced structure for demolition work. It has a maximum pushing force of 737.5 foot-pounds of torque.
Available attachments include a bucket, hydraulic breaker, floor scraper, vacuum lift, loading bucket and pallet fork.
It can also be operated with wireless remote control. A mechanical self-leveling system helps prevent bucket spillage across rough terrain.
Brokk is the North American distributor for Ireland-based Ecovolve’s battery-powered equipment.
Gehl/Manitou
Gehl SRT105
The Manitou 1050 SRT and Gehl SRT105 share identical specs and features but keep their separate branding and color schemes. They will be assembled at the France-based manufacturer’s plant in Madison, South Dakota, with machines starting to ship later this year.
They run on a 23-horsepower turbocharged Yanmar diesel engine and have a standard rated operating capacity of 1,050 pounds at 35% of tipping load. That ROC is achieved with two standard bolt-on counterweights.
An additional counterweight can be bolted on for a total 1,100-pound ROC. Counterweights can also be removed to lower ground pressure.
The mini loaders get a max 12.6 gallons per minute of flow at 3,000 psi. By lifting a lever, the operator can raise the platform and stow it vertically. Then by pushing a button, they can walk safely behind to move it on and off trailers and up steep slopes.
Creep mode on the loaders enables the operator to set travel speed anywhere from zero to 100% for precise movement or for enhanced speed control.
Giant
Giant GS950T
Both run on a 25-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, 9.2 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow and have a max speed of 4.3 mph.
Specs, however, differ after that:
- GS950T — tippling load of 2,534 pounds and a lift height of 6 feet 9.1 inches.
- GS900 — tippling load of 981 pounds and a lift height of 6 feet 10.7 inches.
The GS-series mini loaders come standard with an adjustable hip bracket, suspended operator platform, a double-acting hydraulic function, cast-iron counterweights and a universal mini-skid attachment plate that can run any manufacturer’s attachments.
A variety of tires are available for the GS900.
Gravely
Gravely Axis 200
Thomas is nearly 80 years old and has manufactured skid steers for other OEMs. It was also recently announced that Yanmar has acquired a majority stake in AriensCo, based in Wisconsin.
AriensCo, which will continue to operate independently under the Yanmar deal, offers the Gravely Axis 200 series and the Gravely Axis 100 series.
The Axis 200 series runs on a 25-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and can be configured in three ways:
- 200DT — The company’s top-seller, it features 9-inch-wide tracks, 489-pound lift capacity and lift height of 46 inches.
- 200DW — Wheeled with 631-pound lift capacity and lift height of 45 inches.
- 200DTN — 7-inch-wide tracks with 497-pound lift capacity and lift height of 46 inches.
The Gravely Axis 200 is described as “a multi-tool machine” that can run attachments like pallet forks, a general-purpose bucket, 4-in-1 bucket, auger, stump grinder, brush grapple, etc.
Other features include customizable hydraulics, two auxiliary hydraulic ports, self-leveling bucket design and easy-open maintenance access.
In 2023, the Gravely Axis 100 series was launched. The wheeled and tracked models run on a 23.5-horsepower Kohler gasoline engine. They share the same features as the Axis 200 models.
The Axis lineup actually represents a return to the mini skid steer market for Gravely, which launched a model in the 1900s that the company discontinued.
Kanga
Kanga DT825
Today, the company offers five series of CULs in tracked and wheeled models, gas and diesel engines and remote-control models.
In 2023, Kanga unveiled the next generation of the Kanga Kid 220, which it claims as “the world’s smallest multi-task compact skid steer loader.”
At 30 inches wide for the wheeled PW220 and 31.5 inches wide for the tracked PT220, the stand-on compact mini loaders can fit through narrow passages and standard doorways.
Both models run on a Honda gasoline engine. The PW220 has a tipping load of 785 pounds, and the PT220, 794 pounds.
Kubota
The SCL1000 is also the No. 2 top-selling model on EDA’s new financed list. It has a rated operating capacity of 1,000 pounds and runs on a 24.8-horsepower Kubota diesel engine.
The CUL has a standard 9.8-inch-wide track and a 36-inch-wide total machine width. The loader features pilot-operated controls. Push-button control of auxiliary hydraulics is incorporated in the control handle.
Operators get cushioned loader boom cylinders and an adjustable platform suspension system. Keyless start with passcode protection is standard. It also has a 12-volt charging port and a 4.3-inch LCD color dash monitor.
John Deere
John Deere's 10 G-Tier utility track loader unveiled at Equip Expo 2026.Equipment World
Making its debut at Equip Expo in October, the new 10 G-Tier “utility track loader” comes in at just under 36 inches wide and delivers 24 horsepower with a Yanmar diesel engine. It has a rated operating capacity of 1,000 pounds.
It will be followed by the 12 G-Tier. Both models feature a common industry interface coupler for running attachments. Deere plans to launch new attachments for CULs, including a log grapple, stump grinder, auger, hammer, pallet forks and several buckets of various sizes.
New Holland
New Holland C324
The C324, now New Holland’s largest mini track loader, and the electric C314X join the C314, released in 2023 and the company’s top-seller.
The C314 runs on a 24.8-gross-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and has a rated operating capacity of about 1,000 pounds at 35% of tipping load.
The C324 delivers 2,400 pounds of rated operating capacity and can lift up to 4,800 pounds.
It runs on a 43-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and has standard auxiliary hydraulic flow of 13 gallons per minute with a high-flow option of 21 gpm. Two track configurations will be available: 47 and 51 inches wide.
Dump height is 68.4 inches, and top speed is 5 mph.
Features on the C324 include cushioned operator’s platform, four-roller undercarriage for stability over uneven terrain and dual direct-drive hydrostatic motors.
The electric C314X gets a 23.5 kWh lithium-ion battery to power three electric motors: two for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. The company says it matches the capabilities of its diesel counterpart but with less noise, emissions and lower owning costs.
Scag
The CUL comes with three diesel engine options: a 24.8-horsepower Kubota, 24.7-horsepower Kohler or 24.7-horespower Yanmar. Buyers can also choose track widths of 7 or 9 inches.
The Jackal has a 1,125-pound lift capacity, a 3,142-pound tip capacity and an 83-inch hinge pin height for unloading into Dumpsters, containers and truck beds. It has 15 gallons per minute of auxiliary hydraulic flow at 3,000 psi.
Top speed is 4 mph. The company touts its low center of gravity, narrow stance and shorter length for increased maneuverability. The operator platform features suspension and padded cushions. It comes equipped with a 34- or 40-inch-wide bucket.
SDLG
This year, the China-based manufacturer launched its first stand-on mini track loader. The new STR1000H was unveiled at ConExpo 2026, about a year after Volvo Construction Equipment sold the company to Lingong, which also owns China-based LGMG aerial lifts.
The STR100H runs on a 23-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and has a loading capacity of 1,000 pounds.
It is less than 3 feet wide for fitting in narrow areas. “Its compact footprint, intuitive controls and strong lifting capabilities make it an ideal solution for contractors seeking maximum productivity without sacrificing maneuverability,” the company says.
The STR1000H is for material handling, site prep, residential and commercial construction, landscaping, property maintenance, and tree and nursery operations, according to SDLG.
Max hydraulic flow is 14.5 gallons per minute, and it has breakout force of up to 2,473 pounds.
SDLG’s website notes that it has plans to add two more stand-on mini loaders to its lineup, the STR800H and STV1300H. No further details on those models have been released.
Sherpa
At 38 inches wide and 55 inches in height, the Z40T and Z50T can fit through narrow passages or be transported in a commercial van.
The Z40T runs on a 22-horsepower Honda gasoline engine, and the Z50T runs on a 25-horsepower Kubota diesel.
The loaders deliver 2,006 pounds of breakout force and a push-pull force of 1,500 pounds. The track system evenly distributes the loader's weight for reduced ground pressure and increased traction.
Sherpa offers a variety of attachments, including brooms, demolition hammers and forks, for its Z Series machines.
Toro
Toro TX1000
Its Dingo TX 1000 is No. 4 on EDA’s top-selling new financed CULs list. The model was the first in its class with a 1,000-pound ROC. It runs on a 24.7-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine.
Features on the TX 1000 Turbo include Smart Power that automatically adjusts traction speed to maximize engine, auxiliary and traction torque; a patented traction control system designed for operators of all skill levels; a 60.3-inch dump height; and patented intuitive traction control.
Toro offers CULs in wheeled, tracked, diesel, gas and electric versions.
Last year, it unveiled its all-electric Toro TX 750 eDingo. The TX 750 has 250 pounds more capacity than the company’s first eDingo, the wheeled TX 500, and it is the first eDingo to come with tracks.
The electric compact utility loader comes in two models, narrow at 31.5 inches wide and able to fit through standard doorways and wide at 37.2 inches for less ground pressure for outdoor projects, such as moving gravel, soil, rock or concrete.
Other models in the Toro lineup range include the Dingo TXL 2000 mini track loader with telescoping arm for reaching up to 10 feet high and 44 inches out. It has a 2,000-pound ROC and 46.9-horsepower Kubota diesel.
On the smaller, wheeled side, Toro offers the 25-horsepower gasoline Dingo 323 with 515 pounds ROC and the 20-horsepower diesel Dingo 320-D at 524 pounds ROC.
Other popular mini track loader models include the TX 700 with 700 pounds of ROC and a 24.7-horsepower Yanmar diesel, and the TX 1300 with 1,300 pounds of ROC and a 37-horsepower Yanmar diesel. The TX 1300 also has telescoping arms for an additional 26 inches of reach.
Vermeer
Vermeer ML150
The company’s top-seller is the ML150, at sixth place on the EDA list. Next is the ML100 in 10th place.
The ML150 runs on a 40-horsepower Rehlko diesel engine and has an ROC of 1,530 pounds. (Kohler changed its name to Rehlko in 2024.)
The ML100 runs on a 24.7-horsepower Rehlko diesel and has an ROC of 950 pounds.
The ML lineup offers radial lift with the ML80 and ML100 for digging and loading, while the vertical-lift ML130 and ML150 are designed for loading and material handling at height.
The ML80 has a 760-pound ROC and 25 horsepower.
The ML130 has a 1,270-pound ROC and 40 horsepower.
Operators will find an updated hydraulic system for increased power transfer, a greaseless track system and easier engine access.
Vermeer continues to offer its older models. Its CTX160, at 1,600-pound ROC and 40-horsepower Kohler diesel, and the S925 TX, at 950-pound ROC and a 24.5-horsepower Kubota diesel or a 40-horsepower Kubota gasoline engine, remain popular.
The company also revealed a prototype ML180 mini track loader at Utility Expo 2025. The new loader, which isn’t production-ready, was displayed to gather customer feedback and, at 48 horsepower, would be Vermeer’s largest mini loader.
Viper
The V1300X has a rated operating capacity of 1,300 pounds and runs on a 24-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine.
The mini loader is manufactured in Cedartown, Georgia. The company says it “is owned and managed by industry professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in manufacturing and dealership ownership.”
Features on the V1300X include self-leveling boom, intuitive joystick controls, LED display with multifunction presets and universal attachment mounting plate.
Auxiliary hydraulic flow tops out at 11.5 gallons per minute. Its rubber tracks are 8 inches wide and designed for minimal ground disturbance. It has a top speed of 3.5 mph.
The loader is 41 inches wide and comes standard with a 49-inch-wide bucket. The operator platform is mounted by rubber bushings, and its pad is suspended. The company also added front and side bumpers for additional safety and comfort.
Wacker Neuson
Wacker Neuson SM100
The company’s SM100 is its best-selling new financed model and is ranked 11th by EDA in U.S. sales. It runs on a 24.8-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine and has an ROC of 998.7 pounds at 35% of tipping load.
Features on the SM100 include:
- Operator presence pedal and hydraulic function lockouts to prevent accidental movement of lift arm and drive functions.
- Large, spring-suspended operator platform.
- Fine-tuned, forward angled joysticks that position the operator’s hands in a neutral position to reduce fatigue.
- Front-mounted coolers to eliminate hot or dusty air blowing across the operator’s legs.
- Cupholder, 12-volt charging port and storage compartment.
Wacker Neuson’s next top-selling model is its largest, the SM120, with an ROC of 1,226 pounds at 35% of tipping load and a 24.8-horsepower Yanmar diesel.
The SM60 is the smallest in the lineup with a 24.9-horsepower Kohler gasoline engine and ROC of 601.9 pounds.
Chinese Manufacturers Increasing in Numbers
Rippa's RS06 is among the top-selling compact utility loaders by a Chinese manufacturer in the U.S. It is also the company's largest CUL, with a 24.4 Kubota diesel engine and 1,323-pound load capacity.Rippa
Here’s a list of the ones starting to show up on EDA’s sales list:
- Agrotk-Industrial — https://www.agtequipment.com/collections/mini-skid-steer
- Brawler — https://brothersequipmentsales.com/product/brawler-bx1100-mini-skid-steer/
- Derette — https://deretteusa.com
- Eagle — https://www.eagleequipmentusa.net/
- Huayee — https://www.huayeeusa.com/collections/skid-steer-loader
- Qingdao Haiju Industrial — https://www.haijuloader.com/product/skid-steer-loader.html
- Rippa — https://usa-rippa.com/
