The weight of skid steer loaders varies by type and brand. But typically, the range is between 1,500 and 12,000 pounds. The average weight of a full-size skid steer is approximately 7,500 pounds. Read on and review some examples of how much different types of skid steers weigh and some terms to keep in mind when considering buying a skid steer or accessory.
What is the difference between rated operating capacity, tilt load, and operating weight?
This is a common question for newbies and veterans alike when looking at a skid steer loader. Although depending on the manufacture, they also have a slight difference. For the most part, the meaning is very similar. I will go through a brief overview of all three and their meaning.
Tilt load
The tilt load is the weight the model can support with the loader arms fully extended flat paved land before falling straight on his face. Manufacturers will then take this number and divide it in half to develop the rated operating capability (ROC).
Nominal Operating Capacity (ROC)
The rated operating capacity is the weight that the loader arms can safely support at any given height. This is often referred to as tilt loading, but they are different. It is also important to note that using a pallet fork or boom attachment will reduce the rated operating weight because the load is further away from the machine and changes the center of gravity.
As mentioned, many variables can change the rated operating capacity, so caution should be used when approaching these weight limits.
operating weight
Operating weight, for the most part, is very similar across all minicart manufacturers. It usually includes the machine, fluids, standard bucket and operator. This will change if counterweights are used or if different attachments are used. This is useful information if you plan to tow the miniature to different jobs.
Few examples of full size miniature weights
Some of the brands that will come through are Bobcat, John Deere and Kubota. They all have very similar weights in terms of their respective models.
Bobcat S64
Rated Operating Capacity: 2,300 lbs
Tilt Load – 4600 lbs
Operating Weight – 6974 lbs
Kubota SVL 75
Rated operating capacity: 3,278 pounds
Tilt Load – 6,556 lbs
Operating Weight – 9039 lbs
John Deere 332G
Rated Operating Capacity: 3,600 lbs
Tilt Load – 7,200 lbs
Operating Weight: 10,000 lbs
The heaviest skid steer sold on the market is the Gehl V420 weighing in at 11,665 pounds with a rated operating capacity of 4,200 pounds.
Mini skid steer loader weights
Mini skid steers weigh one-third the weight of a full-size skid steer. The weight range for mini skid steers is between 1500 and 4000 pounds, with an average of 3300 pounds.
The most common brands of skid steer loaders are Vermeer, Dingo, Toro, Bobcat, Ramrod and Ditchwitch. They all have different types and models to choose from and can keep a buyer very busy going through all the specs.
Why do minicars weigh so much?
That’s a good question, since the average car only weighs 4,000 pounds. Most of the skid steer’s weight is in the skid steer counterweights. Without the counterweight, the miniature would be very limited in how much it could lift. Most machines even include an option to add even more counterweight if the owner wants to get the most out of the rated operating capacity.
Take away
I hope this short article has given you a better understanding of the different weight specifications and what they mean. When looking for your next machine or accessories, you should refer to these weights to ensure you are operating safely and efficiently. When transporting a skid steer on a trailer, check the operating weight and gross vehicle weight (GVWR) to ensure you can safely transport the skid steer.
