Advantage: Kubota, for power under pressure and smoother engine management.
Advantage: Kubota, for superior ride comfort and operator-focused features.
Advantage: Kubota for durability, easy maintenance, and purpose-built attachment compatibility.
Two popular mid-size skid steer class options stand out: the Kubota SSV75 vs. the Bobcat S650. Our team at Oregon Equipment Sales is comparing them side-by-side to help you find the skid steer you should invest in! We’ll be looking at performance, comfort, and durability. Let's see who comes out on top!
At first glance, the Kubota SSV75 and Bobcat S650 seem equal in capability. Let's look closer. The SSV75 has a 74.3 horsepower Kubota-built engine with a rated operating capacity of 2,690 pounds and a bucket force of 5,884 pounds. The SSV75 features Kubota’s Electronic Travel Torque Management, which helps maintain power during heavy-duty tasks without stalling. With vertical lift arms and a hinge pin height of 128.3 inches, the SSV75 can easily dump into high-sided trucks.
The Bobcat S650 matches Kubota’s operating capacity and horsepower but has a slightly higher hydraulic flow rate of 23.0 GPM standard vs. Kubota’s 20.9 GPM. It also edges out Kubota on travel speed, which reaches up to 12.3 miles per hour with its optional two-speed travel. Something to keep in mind is Bobcat’s 74 horsepower engine. It doesn’t include stall-reducing electronic torque management, which gives Kubota a smoother operator experience under maximum loads.
Comfort may not always be top of mind when buying equipment, but after spending eight hours in a cab, you’ll feel the difference! The Kubota SSV75 stands out with a pressurized cab, Kubota Shockless Ride (KSR) system, and air ride suspension seat. Operators benefit from a smoother ride, improved HVAC airflow, a sliding front door that opens regardless of loader arm position, and exceptional all-around visibility.
Its counterpart, the Bobcat S650, offers a well-insulated pressurized cab, seat-mounted joysticks, and excellent visibility from its cab-forward design. Deluxe instrumentation and fingertip hydraulic control are thoughtful and innovative additions. But while it’s comfortable, it lacks some of the built-in ergonomic features found standard or optional in Kubota’s configuration, like the KSR system and an easily accessible sliding door.
Do cylinder protection plates, bolt-on grab handles for easy replacement, and a tilt-up cab for fast hydraulic access sound like features you want in your skid steer? The SSV75 has them! Routine maintenance is less of a hassle, with wide rear access doors and tool-free battery access. Kubota’s DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) system cleans itself automatically while you work, so you don’t have to worry about sod build up in your engine. And when it's time to switch tools, Kubota’s performance-matched attachments ensure optimal performance and reliability, making this machine a powerhouse on any job.
The Bobcat S650 is equally durable, with excellent self-diagnostic capabilities, automatic shutdown protection, and steel-guarded quick couplers. Its legendary Bob-Tach attachment system and higher hydraulic flow options make it ideal for contractors who frequently change tools or are working with high-powered attachments. If your priority is maximizing attachment versatility, Bobcat takes the lead.
The verdict is in! If you value comfort, intelligent power management, operator-focused design, and sheer power, the Kubota SSV75 wins the matchup! It's engineered with the operator in mind and performs in challenging conditions, giving exceptional results. While the Bobcat S650 shines in attachment versatility and offers a slightly higher hydraulic punch, it can’t match Kubota’s engineering. Visit Oregon Equipment Sales today to get the Kubota SSV75 today! Located in Tangent, McMinnville, and Hubbard, Oregon, finding us is convenient. Give us a call or fill out our Get a Quote form below! We’re here to help you make that long-term investment!