Cat 226D3 vs Kubota SSV65
Quick take: The Cat 226D3 costs $1,000 less; the Kubota SSV65 has a higher rated operating capacity (1,950 vs 1,550 lbs); the Cat 226D3 has more engine power (67 vs 64 hp).
| Spec | Cat 226D3 | Kubota SSV65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $46,000 | $47,000 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (300) | 4.4★ (320) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 1550 lbs | 1950 lbs |
| Engine HP | 67 hp | 64 hp |
| Operating Weight | 5849 lbs | 6790 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 3100 lbs | 3900 lbs |
| Lift Height | 116 in | 119 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.1 GPM | 17.9 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C2.2 | Kubota V2607-CR-TE4 |
| Tracks | No | No |
| Vertical lift | No | Yes |
| High-flow | No | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | No | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 yr / 1000 hr | 2 yr / 2000 hr |
Pros & cons
Cat 226D3
- ✓The 226D3 is one of the lightest skid steers on the market, so owners can tow it with a half-ton truck and small trailer, which is a big deal for homeowners and small operators.
- ✓Radial lift geometry gives strong digging and pushing force down low, and operators doing excavation and dozing work say it out-digs vertical-lift machines its size.
- ✓Cat's pressurized, sealed cab is genuinely quiet and clean, and operators consistently rate it the most comfortable and dust-free cab in the small-frame class.
- ✓The worldwide Cat dealer network means parts, service, and financing are easy to get almost anywhere, which fleet owners value for uptime.
- ✓The advanced display and optional Smart Attachments system make it easy for less-experienced operators to run tools correctly, reducing training time.
- ✓It sips fuel thanks to the small C2.2 engine, and owners report all-day operation on a modest tank, keeping running costs low.
- ✓The compact size and tight turning radius make it ideal for interior demolition and tight residential lots where bigger machines can't fit.
- ✓Cat's build quality and resale reputation give owners confidence in strong trade-in value down the road.
- ✗The 1,550 lb capacity is genuinely small, and contractors quickly complain it's underpowered for anything beyond light material handling and digging.
- ✗No two-speed travel on this base model means slow ground-to-ground moves, which operators find frustrating on larger sites.
- ✗Cat parts and dealer labor are among the priciest in the industry, so even routine maintenance stings the wallet.
- ✗The standard hydraulic flow is low, limiting the range of attachments it can effectively run without stepping up a frame size.
- ✗Radial lift means poor reach and dump height at the top of the lift path, so truck-loading over high sides is awkward.
- ✗Some owners feel the D3 series updates were minor and the machine feels dated next to Bobcat's R-Series refinements.
- ✗The light operating weight that helps towing also makes it tippy and bouncy when pushing heavy piles.
- ✗New pricing feels steep for the capacity you get, and buyers note you're paying largely for the Cat badge and dealer network.
Kubota SSV65
- ✓Kubota builds its own engines, and owners rave about the reliability and easy parts access through the huge Kubota tractor dealer network they already know.
- ✓The slide-up front door and large glass area give class-leading visibility and let operators enter and exit even with the bucket down, which is a genuine daily convenience.
- ✓The cab is notably roomy and quiet for a small frame, and operators coming from a Bobcat often comment it feels bigger inside than the spec sheet suggests.
- ✓Vertical lift geometry in this price bracket means strong dump height for loading trucks, undercutting pricier vertical-lift competitors.
- ✓Kubota pricing typically comes in below Bobcat and Cat for comparable specs, so value-focused buyers feel they get more machine for the money.
- ✓The V2607 engine is fuel-efficient and torquey, and farm owners report years of trouble-free running with basic maintenance.
- ✓Standard two-speed travel makes ground-to-ground moves quick, which operators like on bigger properties.
- ✓Kubota's reputation for holding value means resale is strong, especially in agricultural markets where the brand is trusted.
- ✗The 1,950 lb capacity and 64 hp are modest, and contractors doing heavy work say it runs out of muscle faster than a comparable medium frame.
- ✗Kubota's construction-equipment dealer coverage, while growing, isn't as dense as Bobcat's, so some buyers report longer waits for specialized parts.
- ✗The slide-up door design draws mixed reviews — some owners find the seals leak dust and water over time.
- ✗Attachment ecosystem is smaller than Bobcat's, so finding used or rental implements locally can be harder in some regions.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is on the low side, pushing buyers toward the high-flow option for demanding attachments.
- ✗Some operators feel the joystick control response is less refined than Cat or Bobcat, taking longer to master for fine work.
- ✗The vertical lift linkage adds some maintenance points, and owners note occasional pin and bushing wear over heavy use.
- ✗Ground clearance and breakout force lag behind radial-lift rivals for hard digging, so it's better suited to loading than excavation.