Skidsteers and bobcats in South Africa — the IronYard view
The skidsteer loader — universally called a "bobcat" in South Africa — is the most versatile compact machine on any site. One machine, hundreds of jobs: load and carry, dig, sweep, drill, break, mulch, plough, fork. For landscapers, small builders, farmers, municipalities, warehouses and rental yards, a skidsteer earns its keep every working day.
Bobcat vs skidsteer — the naming
In SA, "bobcat" is generic. The actual Bobcat Company (US, part of Doosan) still leads the segment, but CAT, Case, JCB, New Holland, Volvo, Kubota and Wacker Neuson all build strong competitors. When someone says "I need a bobcat", they usually mean any skidsteer — check the badge on the listing.
Wheeled vs tracked (CTL)
Wheeled skidsteers are the classic bobcat — fast, agile, cheap to run, ideal for hard surfaces. Compact track loaders (CTLs) have rubber tracks — better in mud, sand, snow and on soft ground, with far less turf damage. CTLs cost 30–50% more but rent for a premium too. For landscaping, forestry and farm work, tracks usually pay back. For construction yards, municipal work and warehouses, wheels are the right call.
Sizing and lift capacity
Small (1,300–1,700 lb / 590–770 kg ROC): Bobcat S70, CAT 216, JCB 135 — landscaping, tight urban work, indoor demolition. Medium (1,800–2,200 lb): Bobcat S550/S570, CAT 236/246, Case SR200 — the mainstream size, best all-rounders. Large (2,300–3,000+ lb): Bobcat S650/S770, CAT 262/272, Case SR250 — heavy lifting, pallet handling, big attachments.
What to inspect on a used skidsteer
Hydraulics — cycle the lift, tilt and auxiliary circuits, listen for pump noise, check oil cleanliness. Chain cases (on wheeled units) — the sealed drive chains are the heart of the machine; leaks or noise mean expensive rebuilds. Undercarriage (on tracked units) — track wear, sprocket teeth, roller condition. Cab — safety bar, seatbelt, controls, ROPS integrity. Attachment plate — universal Bob-Tach or CAT-style, check for wear and cracks. A skidsteer with a sound powertrain and clean hydraulics is a strong buy even at high hours.
Finance, transport and attachments
IronYard finances skidsteers over 36–60 months through all major SA lenders, arranges transport nationwide, and sources attachments alongside the machine — buckets, forks, augers, breakers, sweepers, trenchers. Buy machine plus attachments in one deal, one number, one delivery.