Bobcat S64 vs New Holland L328
Quick take: The Bobcat S64 costs $3,000 less; the New Holland L328 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,800 vs 2,300 lbs); the New Holland L328 has more engine power (74 vs 68 hp).
| Spec | Bobcat S64 | New Holland L328 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (340) | 4.3★ (240) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 2300 lbs | 2800 lbs |
| Engine HP | 68 hp | 74 hp |
| Operating Weight | 6974 lbs | 7895 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 4600 lbs | 5600 lbs |
| Lift Height | 120 in | 129 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.6 GPM | 24 GPM |
| Engine | Bobcat (Doosan) D24 | FPT |
| Tracks | No | No |
| Vertical lift | Yes | Yes |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 2 yr / 2000 hr |
Pros & cons
Bobcat S64
- ✓Owners consistently praise the S64's tight, nimble footprint that squeezes through 6-foot gates and residential yards where a S76 simply won't fit, making it a favorite for landscapers doing backyard work.
- ✓The inline engine layout and swing-up tailgate give genuinely easy access to the radiator, filters, and daily grease points, and mechanics on the forums note it's one of the friendliest Bobcats to service.
- ✓The vertical lift path on such a small machine is a real selling point for stacking pallets and loading into truck beds, which radial-lift competitors in this size class can't match.
- ✓Bobcat's dealer network is the deepest in the industry, so operators rave that parts and loaner machines are almost always available same-day, which minimizes downtime.
- ✓The optional high-flow package (26.9 GPM) lets it run planers and stump grinders that would choke a machine this size, giving it surprising attachment versatility.
- ✓Resale value holds up better than almost any brand — owners report getting strong trade-in numbers years later thanks to the Bobcat name recognition among buyers.
- ✓The cab-forward design and low door threshold give excellent bucket-edge visibility for grading and finish work, something operators specifically call out versus older Bobcats.
- ✓The 5-link torsion suspension and roomy cab make it comfortable enough for full 8-hour days, which owners contrast favorably against harsher-riding competitor small frames.
- ✗The 68 hp engine and 2,300 lb capacity feel underpowered the moment you put it next to a S76, and several owners admit they wished they'd spent the extra money for the bigger frame.
- ✗Bobcat dealer parts pricing is notoriously high — filters, tracks, and even hydraulic fittings cost noticeably more than aftermarket, and owners feel locked into an expensive ecosystem.
- ✗The standard 17.6 GPM flow is on the low side, so many buyers feel forced into the pricey high-flow option just to run common attachments effectively.
- ✗Bob-Tach and some proprietary controls mean not every third-party attachment plays nicely, and operators grumble about being nudged toward Bobcat-branded tools.
- ✗At this price point some contractors feel you're paying a premium for the badge, since spec-for-spec Kubota and New Holland small frames often undercut it.
- ✗The smaller frame means a lighter counterweight, and operators report the front end gets tippy when handling heavy pallets at full reach.
- ✗Cab noise and heat management, while improved, still draw complaints in hot climates without the A/C option, which adds cost.
- ✗Some owners note the machine's short wheelbase makes it bouncy at travel speed across rough ground compared to a longer medium-frame unit.
New Holland L328
- ✓New Holland's patented Super Boom vertical lift gives class-leading dump height and reach, and operators say it loads the center of high-sided trucks better than anything in its price range.
- ✓The 129-inch hinge-pin height is exceptional for a medium frame, so stacking pallets and loading tall hoppers is genuinely easy.
- ✓The L328 undercuts Bobcat and Cat on price, so value-focused buyers feel they get premium lift geometry for less money.
- ✓The FPT engine has a solid reliability reputation, and the machine pulls strongly for a 74 hp unit in loading applications.
- ✓The cab is roomy with good visibility, and owners appreciate the comfortable layout and low-effort controls over long days.
- ✓The 24 GPM standard flow is generous, and the high-flow option opens up demanding attachments for added versatility.
- ✓Two-speed travel comes standard, making ground-to-ground moves quick on larger sites.
- ✓Owners doing a lot of loading and stacking specifically choose the Super Boom design over radial-lift competitors for the reach advantage.
- ✗New Holland's construction dealer network is thin in many regions, and owners report that parts and service access can be a real weak point.
- ✗Resale value trails the big three brands, so the lower purchase price is partly offset by a steeper depreciation hit.
- ✗Some owners report electrical and sensor issues on FPT-engined machines that can be frustrating to diagnose.
- ✗The Super Boom linkage adds pivot points and grease zerks, which owners note require diligent maintenance to avoid wear.
- ✗The attachment and used-implement ecosystem isn't as deep as Bobcat's, limiting options in some markets.
- ✗Fit-and-finish is judged by some operators as a step below Cat and Bobcat refinement.
- ✗Because dealers are sparse, warranty and service experience varies widely by location.
- ✗The vertical-lift geometry that helps loading compromises some low-end digging force versus a radial-lift machine.