Looking for a skid steer model for the farm that definitely earns its keep? Let’s see what your fellow small-scale farmers recommend.
To give you some ideas as to where to begin, we scoured the threads of Reddit to assemble this best-in-class list of esteemed skid steers recommended for farms and homesteads.
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According to Reddit users with firsthand experience, five models stand out as top choices—the Bobcat S185, John Deere 317, Case 1840, New Holland L218, and Caterpillar 226B.
From lift capacity to operator comfort, let’s take a quick look at what makes these skid steers favorite pieces of equipment for farm work—well suited for all kinds of daily tasks.
But before we get started…
If you’re at all familiar with heavy equipment, you may have noticed that no recommended piece of equipment on this list is a compact track loader—a skid steer loader with tracks rather than wheels and tires. How observant! But what gives?
This “best in class” listing will focus on wheeled types of skid steers—pieces of machinery known for their minimal impact to farm terrain, low maintenance for small farms, and definitely their lower price. We hope that remedies any confusion.
"Bobcat S185 is a solid choice for its reliability and versatility."
Looking for a farm workhorse skid steer ready for tough jobs with intuitive controls and versatility? The Bobcat S185 was a favorite among Redditor farmers. With a strong hydraulic system, the Bobcat S185 can be used with a wide range of skid steer attachments—from bucket attachments to excavators and beyond.
All of these features make it a Swiss Army Knife on four tires—one of the most versatile machines available. With slim dimensions for work in tight spaces, this piece of heavy machinery is especially useful on smaller farms and homesteads.
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John Deere 317: Durable and Powerful
"I've used the John Deere 317 on my farm for years, and it’s never let me down."
Need a tough skid loader that’s built to last for all sorts of daily tasks on the farm? Look no further than the highly acclaimed John Deer 317 skid steer.
The 317 can handle some of the heavier loads for skid steer loaders in its class and takes rough terrain in stride. And if you plan on being behind the sticks for longer jobs, this skid steer model’s ergonomic cab experience will make it a welcome addition to your farm equipment.
Find a John Deere 317 Skid Steer For Sale Near You
Case 1840: Low Maintenance Workhorse
"My Case 1840 has been a workhorse on my homestead—never had any major issues."
When it comes to dependable skid steers for the farm that are also cheap to fix, the Case 1840 should be floating around the top of consideration for a piece of farm equipment.
The Case brand, long known for making some of the best backhoes and compact tractors in the business, has continued this reputation for no frills resilience into their 1840 skid loader. Combine this no-nonsense maintenance with powerful hydraulics and you have a champion farm workhorse on four wheels.
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New Holland L218: Fuel-Efficient and Comfortable
"The New Holland L218 is excellent for small to medium-sized farms."
Want a comfy skid steer ride that sips fuel? Combine those features with great visibility and easy control and you have the nimble New Holland L218—a farmhand’s best friend.
Spend more time getting farm or homesteading work done and less time (and money) refueling your loader when you select the comfortable New Holland L218.
Find a New Holland L218 Skid Steer For Sale Near You
Caterpillar 226B: Tough and High-Performing
"My Caterpillar 226B is tough and handles everything I throw at it."
Any list of reliable skid steers for farm use would be incomplete without at least one CAT skid steer model on it—much less the Caterpillar 226B.
With notably simplified controls and a comfortable cab, any operator would be happy to use the Caterpillar 226B skid loader's tough and efficient system hydraulics—making hours of farm work fly by. All of this combined with the top-tier construction that Caterpillar heavy equipment is known for make the 226B a farm skid steer for the long haul.
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Your Farm-Ready Skid Steer Awaits
You’re invited to view the full listings of skid loaders—both wheeled and compact track loaders—for sale from sellers near you and all over the world.
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