Skid Steer Financing Comparison Guide

Bobcat vs Caterpillar Skid Steer — Head to Head

Complete side-by-side analysis of Bobcat S770, Cat 272D3, Case SR270, and John Deere 332G large-frame skid steers covering rated operating capacity, engine specs, hydraulic systems, attachment ecosystems, OEM financing programs, residual values, and which brand is easiest to finance for startup and established contractors.

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$65K–$95KLarge Skid Steer Price Range

48–72 moTypical Loan Terms

10–15%Typical Down Payment

60–68%Cat 5-yr Value Retention

Key Facts: Bobcat vs Cat Skid Steer Financing

Bobcat S770 Price$65,000 – $85,000

Cat 272D3 Price$75,000 – $95,000

Typical Term48–72 months

Down Payment10–15% established; 15–20% startup

5-yr Bobcat Residual55–65% of purchase price

5-yr Cat Residual60–68% of purchase price

Head-to-Head Comparison

Bobcat S770 vs Cat 272D3 vs Case SR270 vs John Deere 332G — Full Comparison

The large-frame skid steer segment (3,000–3,700 lb ROC) is dominated by Bobcat and Caterpillar, with Case Construction and John Deere competing closely on specifications and pricing. All four brands are well-recognized by equipment lenders with documented secondary market histories. The decision comes down to attachment ecosystem compatibility, dealer access, financing program quality, and total cost of ownership over the expected ownership period.

Feature	Bobcat S770	Cat 272D3	Case SR270	John Deere 332G
Price New	$65,000–$85,000	$75,000–$95,000	$68,000–$88,000	$70,000–$90,000
Rated Operating Capacity	3,650 lb	3,600 lb	3,200 lb	3,450 lb
Operating Weight	9,700 lb	9,870 lb	9,500 lb	9,600 lb
Engine	Bobcat/Doosan 92hp	Cat 3.8L 100hp	FPT/CNH 90hp	JD 100hp
Hydraulic Flow	32.4 gpm (Hi-Flow opt)	35.4 gpm (Hi-Flow opt)	32 gpm	31 gpm
Attachment System	Bob-Tach	Cat Work Tool Carrier	EZ-TACH	JD
OEM Financing	equipment lenders	equipment lenders	equipment lenders	JD Financial
3-Year Residual	68–75%	70–76%	63–72%	65–73%
5-Year Residual	55–65%	60–68%	52–62%	55–64%
WINNER	✓ Price & market share	✓ Resale & attachments	✓ Value	✓ Tech integration

For complete Bobcat financing details, see our Bobcat equipment financing guide. For Cat-specific programs, see our Caterpillar equipment financing guide. For a broader overview, see our skid steer financing guide.

Monthly Payment Estimates

Skid Steers by ROC Class — Prices & Monthly Payments

Monthly payment estimates below assume 7% APR and 60-month terms for established contractors with 650+ credit. equipment lenders frequently offers 0% for 36 months on new Cat skid steers for qualified buyers, which would substantially reduce payments below these estimates. equipment lenders runs similar promotional periods on a seasonal basis. Contact dealers for current promotional availability before locking in a financing structure.

Model	ROC	Weight	Price	Monthly (60mo 7%)
Bobcat S70	700 lb	2,900 lb	$25,000–$35,000	$495–$694
Bobcat S450	1,700 lb	5,200 lb	$42,000–$55,000	$832–$1,089
Bobcat S650	2,690 lb	7,900 lb	$52,000–$68,000	$1,030–$1,347
Bobcat S770	3,650 lb	9,700 lb	$65,000–$85,000	$1,287–$1,684
Cat 232D3	1,850 lb	5,500 lb	$45,000–$58,000	$892–$1,149
Cat 262D3	2,650 lb	7,900 lb	$55,000–$72,000	$1,089–$1,426
Cat 272D3	3,600 lb	9,870 lb	$75,000–$95,000	$1,486–$1,882
Case SR270	3,200 lb	9,500 lb	$68,000–$88,000	$1,347–$1,743

For broader construction equipment context, see our construction equipment financing guide and our excavator financing guide. For startup contractor resources, see equipment financing for startups.

OEM Financing Programs

equipment lenders vs equipment lenders vs equipment lenders vs JD Financial

The four major skid steer OEM finance programs are all competitive, well-funded, and widely available through their respective dealer networks. The differences lie in promotional rate frequency, dealer network density for skid steers specifically, and ancillary products available to contractors.

equipment lenders (equipment lenders) is backed by Caterpillar's substantial balance sheet and is one of the most aggressive OEM finance programs in the construction equipment industry. Cat's 0% for 36 months promotional offer — available on new Cat skid steers for qualified buyers — is among the best financing deals in the industry. equipment lenders also integrates tightly with the Cat dealer network for fast on-site approvals and offers fleet financing programs for contractors purchasing multiple Cat machines simultaneously. For contractors with existing Cat dealer relationships, this integration advantage is meaningful.

equipment lenders operates through Doosan's financial services division and is integrated with the 900+ US Bobcat dealer network. equipment lenders offers 0% for 12–24 month promotional periods on new equipment and has a strong history of supporting new contractor purchases with accessible approval standards for the entry-level Bobcat segment. The 900+ dealer locations — significantly more than Cat's approximately 400 US locations for construction equipment — means virtually every contractor market has a local Bobcat dealer with on-site financing capability.

equipment lenders (for Case Construction) and equipment lenders are also well-funded OEM programs competitive on rate, but Case and John Deere trail Bobcat and Cat on overall skid steer market share — which affects secondary market depth and resale values. For information on competing Cat excavators, see our Caterpillar vs Komatsu excavators comparison. For starting a new excavating business, see our how to start an excavating business guide.

Attachment Ecosystems

Bobcat Bob-Tach vs Cat Work Tool Carrier: What Contractors Need to Know

The attachment ecosystem is one of the most important practical considerations in the Bobcat vs Cat decision, because switching brands mid-fleet means either selling your attachment library or purchasing adapter plates for every piece.

Bobcat Bob-Tach is the most widely-used skid steer coupler standard in North America. The Bob-Tach system's dominance — Bobcat holds approximately 40% of the US skid steer market — has made it a de facto standard that hundreds of third-party attachment manufacturers design to first. Whether you need an auger, brush cutter, cold planer, grapple bucket, hydraulic breaker, pallet fork, planer, trencher, or sweeper, you will find more Bob-Tach-compatible options with better pricing competition than any other coupler system. Power Bob-Tach (hydraulic quick-attach) allows single-person attachment changes in under 30 seconds.

Cat Work Tool Carrier (CWT-S) is Cat's proprietary system, engineered specifically for Cat machines. Cat's attachment lineup is particularly strong for heavy earthwork applications — rock buckets, cold planers, high-reach demolition configurations, and specialty utility attachments that leverage Cat's hydraulic flow specifications. The CWT-S system is well-suited to contractors doing heavy-duty earthwork where Cat's attachment engineering matches the machine's capabilities. The trade-off is a smaller third-party attachment market compared to Bob-Tach, which means less price competition and fewer specialty option sources. Universal quick-attach (UQA) adapter plates can bridge coupler compatibility between brands, but must be sized to each attachment and may void warranty coverage in some cases. For contractors with an existing Bobcat attachment library, the adapter plate cost is a real but manageable consideration when evaluating a switch to Cat. For details, see our construction equipment financing guide.

Manufacturer Profiles

Major Skid Steer Loader Manufacturers

🇺🇸🇰🇷 Bismarck, ND

Bobcat / Doosan

Bobcat was acquired by Korea's Doosan Group (now HD Hyundai) in 2007. US manufacturing in North Dakota and Georgia. Approximately 40% US skid steer market share. equipment lenders provides captive OEM financing through 900+ dealer locations.

🇺🇸 Irving, TX

Caterpillar

World's largest construction equipment manufacturer by revenue. Cat skid steers manufactured in Aurora, IL. equipment lenders provides aggressive OEM financing with frequent 0% for 36-month promotional offers. Premium resale values across all Cat products.

🇺🇸 Racine, WI

Case Construction

Part of CNH Industrial. SR-Series skid steers offer strong value per dollar with competitive specifications. equipment lenders provides OEM financing. Case has strong brand loyalty in the Northeast and Midwest contractor markets.

🇺🇸 Moline, IL

John Deere

John Deere's G-Series skid steers feature advanced cab technology and JD's equipment telematics integration. JD Financial provides OEM financing. Strong dealer network with integrated service and parts support nationwide.

🇯🇵 Japan

Kubota

Kubota's SSV Series skid steers are popular in smaller contractor and landscaping markets. equipment lenders provides competitive OEM financing. Particularly strong in the sub-2,000 lb ROC utility segment.

🇺🇸 CNH / Global

New Holland

CNH Industrial's New Holland brand offers L-Series skid steers with competitive specifications and equipment lenders financing. Shares engineering with Case Construction equipment at the platform level.

🇫🇷 France

Manitou

French manufacturer known for telehandlers and compact loaders. Growing North American skid steer presence with dealer-arranged financing through specialty lenders. Strong in European markets.

🇺🇸 West Bend, WI

Gehl

US-manufactured skid steers with competitive pricing and loyal following in agricultural and light construction markets. Part of the Manitou Group since 2008. Dealer-arranged financing through specialty lenders.

Equipment Financing

0% Down Available on All Brands

Axiant Partners finances all major equipment brands — Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, XCMG, SANY, and 200+ more. 0% down available for qualified borrowers regardless of brand. Terms 36–84 months.

✓ 0% down for qualified borrowers
✓ All brands including XCMG and SANY
✓ New and used equipment
✓ Startups and established businesses
✓ Decision in 24–48 hours

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Common Questions

Bobcat vs Cat Skid Steer Financing — FAQ

Is a Bobcat or Cat skid steer easier to finance for a startup contractor?

Both Bobcat and Caterpillar skid steers are among the most lender-friendly pieces of construction equipment available, due to their exceptional secondary market depth and brand recognition. For a startup contractor, the Bobcat S770 ($65,000–$85,000) is slightly easier to finance than the Cat 272D3 ($75,000–$95,000) because of its lower price point, approximately 40% US skid steer market share (which supports broad secondary demand), and equipment lenders's history of supporting new contractor purchases. The $10,000–$15,000 price advantage means a lower absolute loan amount, lower monthly payment, and less demanding down payment in dollar terms. equipment lenders is extremely well-funded with aggressive promotional offers, and established contractors with existing Cat dealer relationships may find Cat equally or more accessible. Either brand serves as excellent collateral for most equipment lenders.

What is the rated operating capacity difference between a Bobcat S770 and Cat 272D3?

The Bobcat S770 has a rated operating capacity (ROC) of 3,650 pounds, and the Cat 272D3 has a ROC of 3,600 pounds — a difference of just 50 pounds that is functionally insignificant in real-world operation. Both are classified as large-frame skid steers capable of demanding earthwork and heavy attachment tasks. ROC is defined at 50% of tipping load per SAE J818 standards, so both machines tip near 7,300 pounds. More meaningful operational differences lie in hydraulic flow (Cat 272D3 offers 35.4 gpm Hi-Flow vs. Bobcat S770's 32.4 gpm), engine power (Cat 3.8L 100hp vs. Bobcat 92hp Doosan), and attachment coupler compatibility. The Bobcat's slightly higher ROC rating is a minor advantage, while the Cat's higher hydraulic flow benefits high-demand attachments like cold planers and hydraulic breakers.

How do equipment lenders and equipment lenders compare for skid steer financing?

Both are captive OEM programs with competitive rates and frequent promotional offers. equipment lenders is backed by Caterpillar's larger balance sheet and runs 0% for 36 months on new Cat skid steers for qualified buyers — one of the most attractive promotional offers in the construction equipment industry. equipment lenders offers competitive 0% for 12–24 month periods integrated with the 900+ US Bobcat dealer network, providing convenient on-site approvals across more locations than Cat's approximately 400 US construction equipment locations. equipment lenders's dealer network is smaller for skid steers specifically but compensates with deeper promotional rate flexibility. Both programs are recognized by all major lenders for refinancing, and both provide fast approvals for well-qualified buyers. The practical difference for most contractors is access: Bobcat dealers are in more markets, but Cat's promotional rates are frequently more aggressive for qualified buyers.

What attachments work with Bobcat vs Cat skid steers?

Bobcat uses the Bob-Tach coupler system, and Cat uses the Cat Work Tool Carrier (CWC-S) system — these are proprietary and not universally interchangeable without adapter plates. Bobcat's Bob-Tach is the most widely-copied coupler design in North America, meaning hundreds of third-party manufacturers produce Bob-Tach-compatible attachments across augers, brush cutters, grapples, hydraulic breakers, planers, trenchers, sweepers, and more. The sheer volume of compatible options drives price competition and specialty availability. Cat's CWC-S attachment lineup is particularly strong for heavy earthwork — rock buckets, cold planers, and high-demand attachments matched to Cat's hydraulic flow specifications. If you already own a large Bob-Tach attachment inventory, switching to Cat means either selling the inventory or purchasing universal adapter plates for each attachment. That sunk cost should factor into your financing decision.

Which skid steer holds its value better — Bobcat or Caterpillar?

Cat skid steers hold their value slightly better than Bobcat machines at the 5-year mark, typically by 3–6 percentage points. Cat 272D3 machines at 5 years and 2,000–3,000 hours retain approximately 60–68% of purchase price at retail. Bobcat S770 machines at comparable age and hours retain 55–65%. The Cat premium reflects the brand's premium positioning and the preference of established contractors who view Cat as a quality indicator. Bobcat still posts excellent secondary market performance driven by its dominant 40% US market share and broad demand across residential, commercial, landscaping, and utility segments. Both brands dramatically outperform Case, John Deere, and secondary brands on resale consistency. The Cat resale premium partially offsets its higher purchase price over a 5-year ownership cycle, making the actual total cost of ownership comparison closer than the sticker price difference suggests.

Can I finance a used skid steer with 3,000+ hours?

Yes. Used Bobcat and Cat skid steers with 3,000+ hours can be financed, but with more conservative terms than new or low-hour machines. Lenders assess used skid steers on brand, condition, service history, and current market value rather than hours alone. A well-maintained Bobcat S650 or Cat 262D3 at 3,500 hours with documented service history and recently replaced tires or tracks is far more lendable than a neglected machine at 1,500 hours. Most lenders will finance well-maintained Bobcat and Cat skid steers up to 10,000–12,000 hours, though maximum loan terms shorten to 36–48 months for high-hour machines. Interest rates are typically 1–2 percentage points higher for high-hour machines. An independent equipment inspection report attached to the financing application significantly strengthens high-hour equipment applications by documenting the machine's actual condition to the lender.

Is a compact track loader (CTL) better than a skid steer for most contractors?

For most general contractors, a compact track loader (CTL) offers better all-around performance than a skid steer, though at a 15–25% higher purchase price. CTLs distribute machine weight across rubber tracks rather than point-loaded tires, dramatically reducing ground disturbance — critical for residential landscaping, turf restoration, and wet job sites where tire marks create remediation costs. CTLs provide better traction in mud, sand, and loose material, improving productivity in challenging conditions. The trade-off is that rubber tracks wear out ($4,000–$8,000 to replace) and CTLs cost more to purchase and maintain. Skid steers remain better for applications requiring frequent travel on paved surfaces or concrete where tracks would cause damage or wear rapidly. For contractors primarily working residential sites with nearby finished landscaping, the CTL's ground-protection advantage typically more than covers its price premium over a 5-year ownership cycle. The financing process for CTLs is essentially identical to skid steers — same lenders, same programs, same approval criteria.

What down payment do I need to finance a $75,000 skid steer?

For a new $75,000 Cat 272D3 or $65,000–$85,000 Bobcat S770, established contractors with 2+ years in business and 650+ credit can typically finance with 10–15% down ($7,500–$11,250 on a $75,000 machine) through equipment lenders, equipment lenders, or third-party lenders. equipment lenders frequently offers 0% for 36 months with no required down payment for well-qualified buyers — one of the most attractive financing structures available in construction equipment. For startup contractors under 24 months in business, 15–20% down is more realistic. Bobcat and Caterpillar skid steers are among the most lender-friendly equipment categories because of their strong secondary market — lenders know they can recover and resell the machine if needed. That collateral confidence supports more flexible approval standards than specialty or obscure equipment. See our startup equipment financing guide for complete new contractor application requirements.

Ready to Finance Your Skid Steer?

Whether you're buying a Bobcat S770, Cat 272D3, or a smaller machine to start your contracting business, explore financing options from lenders who specialize in construction equipment across all major brands.

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Informational resource only. Not an offer of credit or guarantee of approval. Terms vary by lender and equipment type.