Bobcat S76 vs Cat 262D3

Bobcat

Bobcat S76

$64,000

4.7★ (620)

Caterpillar

$63,000

4.5★ (420)

Quick take: The Cat 262D3 costs $1,000 less; the Bobcat S76 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,900 vs 2,700 lbs).

✓The cab-forward design and low door threshold give genuinely the best visibility in the class, which operators rave about for grading and finish work.
✓The vertical lift path with 128 inches of hinge-pin height makes loading high-sided trucks and stacking pallets effortless, a standout for a wheeled machine.
✓The 5-link torsion suspension and pressurized cab make it comfortable and quiet for full days, and operators coming from older Bobcats notice the huge upgrade.
✓Bobcat's dealer network is the deepest in the industry, so parts, loaners, and service are almost always available same-day to minimize downtime.
✓The 23 GPM standard flow (with high-flow available) runs a huge range of attachments, and the Bob-Tach ecosystem means tools are everywhere.
✓Owners consistently report the S76 holds resale value better than nearly any competitor, softening the total cost of ownership.
✓Cycle times and breakout force are strong for a 74 hp machine, and contractors say it keeps pace with bigger frames on truck-loading work.
✓The refined joystick controls with selectable response are widely praised as smooth and intuitive, helping both veterans and newer operators.

✗Bobcat dealer parts pricing is notoriously high, and some owners feel locked into an expensive ecosystem for filters, tires, and service.
✗The premium sticker price is a real jump over Kubota and New Holland equivalents, and value shoppers question whether the badge is worth it.
✗At 74 hp some heavy-duty operators wish for more power, and those doing serious dirt work often eye the 105 hp S86 instead.
✗The proprietary Bob-Tach and control systems can complicate running certain third-party attachments, nudging buyers toward Bobcat tools.
✗Some owners report the DPF/emissions system on the D24 needs attention with lots of light-duty idling, triggering regen interruptions.
✗The comfortable cab and features add weight, and at full reach with heavy loads operators still must respect the tipping limits.
✗A/C and premium cab options push the price up quickly, so a well-equipped S76 gets expensive fast.
✗Tires wear quickly on abrasive surfaces, and owners note the cost of a full set of solid or premium tires is steep.

✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab is widely considered the quietest and most comfortable in the class, and operators single it out for reducing fatigue on long days.
✓The vertical lift path and 125-inch hinge-pin height make truck-loading and pallet-handling easy, competitive with the best in the medium frame.
✓The C3.3B engine has an excellent reliability reputation, and owners report it pulls strongly and sips fuel for a 74 hp unit.
✓Cat's advanced display, ride control, and optional Smart Attachments make the machine approachable and productive for operators of all skill levels.
✓The XPS high-flow option (32 GPM) opens up mulchers and planers, giving strong attachment versatility for a wheeled machine.
✓Cat's global dealer network delivers fast parts, service, and financing, which fleet owners rely on for maximum uptime.
✓Resale value is strong thanks to the Cat brand and the 262's popularity in rental fleets, protecting owners at trade-in.
✓Build quality and durability are consistently praised, with owners reporting high-hour machines that hold up well.

✗Cat parts and dealer labor are among the most expensive in the industry, and owners feel maintenance costs run high over the machine's life.
✗The 1-year base warranty is shorter than Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value-focused buyers notice.
✗New pricing carries a clear Cat premium, and some contractors feel spec-for-spec you pay more for the badge and dealer network.
✗The DPF emissions system draws occasional complaints during heavy idling and light-duty cycles that interrupt work for regen.
✗At 74 hp some heavy operators wish for more power and eye the larger 272D3 for serious production work.
✗Standard flow is adequate but the high-flow XPS package is a pricey add for those needing hungry attachments.
✗The comfortable, feature-rich cab adds weight and cost, and a well-equipped 262D3 gets expensive quickly.
✗Some operators find the electronic throttle and controls take acclimation compared to simpler machines.