A versatile mini-loader, also known as a mini-skid-steer or compact utility loader, lets one worker perform a variety of tasks that might normally require extra hands. Small on stature but big on performance, these machines have the muscle to make short work of jobs too big for a shovel or wheelbarrow and in areas too small for a skid-steer or compact track loader.
Easy on the back and simple to operate, the machines can dig, lift, drill, shovel and sweep all day. With a seemingly endless number of attachments, they are highly productive tools to own or rent.
Bobcat MT52
The 20 hp MT52 mini-track-loader from Bobcat has a final Tier 4 diesel engine with 7-gallon fuel tank, a tipping load of 1,600 pounds, operating capacity of 520 pounds, and ground pressure of 5.2 psi. Weighing 2,580 pounds, the loader is 93.1 inches long, 35.6 inches wide and 49.1 inches tall. Hinge pin height is 71.2 inches.
Pump capacity is 12 gpm and system relief is 2,900 psi. The standard Bob-Tach mounting system makes for quick and easy attachment changes on 30 approved attachments, from angle brooms to vibratory plow. The walk-behind loader offers an optional wheeled ride-on platform. Safety features include a reserve-travel stop panel that returns the drive levels to neutral when pushed in, stopping the machine and preventing it from moving backward.
A parking brake prevents the loader from moving when not in use. Neutral start interlocks prevent the engine from starting if the auxiliary hydraulic control level or travel levers are engaged. A lift arm and tilt lockout system (with manual bypass) prevents accidental movement of the arms or attachment. Intuitive hand levers control most functions. Bobcat also offers a slightly larger model MT55. www.bobcat.com.
Ramrod Taskmaster 1150-LKD
The Taskmaster 1150-LKD track-drive loader with Kubota diesel engine from Ramrod Equipment has a tipping capacity of 2,300 pounds and operating capacity of 1,150 pounds. It has a full lift height of 72 inches and 85-degree dump angle. The loader (without bucket) measures 61 inches long and 43.5 inches wide and has an overall height of 87.8 inches.
Weighing 2,500 pounds (with bucket), it has 6.5 inches of ground clearance, two hydraulic pumps, 12 gpm hydraulic flow and 3,000 psi relief pressure. Other features include self-leveling arms for increased productivity and safety, 6.5-gallon fuel tank, high-torque hydraulic drive system providing 1,600 pounds of tractive power, and joystick controls.
More than 40 attachments are available, including angle broom, 36-inch trencher, nursery tree tongs and paving stone mover. Other models include the 1150-LKG with Kawasaki gasoline engine and smaller 950, 915 and 905 Taskmaster units. 800/667-1581; www.ramrodequip.com.
Ditch Witch SK350
The platform SK350 mini-skid-steer has a 20 hp Kohler gasoline engine and 11 gpm dual hydrostatic ground drive and auxiliary gear pump delivering 12 gpm. It’s available with turf-friendly or aggressive tracks. A 7.5-gallon fuel tank provides up to five hours of operation.
Offering more than 70 attachments, the machine is 42.5 inches tall, 58.2 inches long and 35.1 inches wide. Weighing 1,660 pounds, it has a hinge pin height of 70.4 inches and maximum track width of 35.1 inches. With four inches of ground clearance, it has a platform height of 7.5 inches. Tipping capacity is 1,030 pounds and operating capacity is 350 pounds.
Color-coded controls make it simple to operate. For those seeking slightly more muscle, Ditch Witch offers the 24 hp SK500 or its big brother, the 31.5 hp diesel-powered SK650. 800/654-6481; www.ditchwitch.com.
Boxer 322D
The 25 hp Kubota diesel-powered 322D is the newest addition to the Boxer Equipment lineup of mini-skid products. With a tipping capacity of 1,325 pounds and 464-pound operating capacity, the 322D stands 49 inches tall, 68 inches long (without bucket) and 34.5 inches wide. It has a hinge pin height of 70 inches and dump height of 54 inches.
Weighing 1,900 pounds (without bucket) it has ground pressure of 3.3 psi, five inches of ground clearance, and skid-steer-style controls. Flow ground drive and hydraulic auxiliary flow are 9.4 gpm. The machine accepts more than 50 attachments, including a 36-inch auger and 48-inch trencher using a quick-attach system.
The 322D has a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, 16-gallon reservoir capacity, and 3,000 psi of hydraulic pressure at the attachment. Boxer also offers a 20 hp gasoline-powered model 320, as well as larger 400 and 500 Series machines. 800/654-6433; www.boxerequipment.com.
Toro Dingo TX525
Toro’s diesel-powered Dingo TX525 is available in narrow (33.7 inches) and wide (41 inches) track models. The wide-track model offers 3.4 psi of ground pressure, while the narrow-track version offers 5.2 psi. Both are powered by 25 hp Kubota engines and offer 3,000 psi of hydraulic pressure and 13.8 gpm auxiliary flow with 10.5-gallon reservoir capacity.
Hinge pin height is 65.8 inches, tipping capacity is 1,580 pounds and operating capacity is 553 pounds. Standing 46.1 inches tall and 70.7 inches long, the narrow-track model weighs 1,904 pounds. The wide-track model weighs 2,001 pounds. The loader and hydraulic systems are joystick-controlled. Attachments range from high-torque auger head to backhoe, leveler, trencher and snowthrower. Larger 27 hp, gasoline-powered Dingo TX427 narrow- and wide-track models are available, as are Dingo 323 and 220 wheeled models. 888/552-5153; www.toro.com.
Vermeer S800TX
The 35 hp Kubota diesel-powered S800TX mini-skid-steer from Vermeer Corp. has a rated tipping capacity of 2,400 pounds and operating capacity of 840 pounds. Measuring 40.5 inches wide, 84 inches long (without bucket) and 84.5 inches tall, the ride-on loader offers a flow rate of 14 gpm with optional dual auxiliary hydraulic circuit and 14.5-gallon fuel tank capacity.
Developed primarily for small- to mid-size contractors, the machine has an operator presence system that automatically suspends ground drive and powered boom/bucket motion if the operator steps off the spring-cushioned platform. The tracked unit has a ground pressure of 3.9 psi. Ground drive is controlled by a single joystick, and boom/bucket motion is controlled by one dual-axis joystick. Smaller models include the 30 hp S600TX, S600 and 23 hp S400TX. 888/837-6337; www.vermeer.com.
