Kubota SSV65 vs John Deere 318G
Quick take: The Kubota SSV65 costs $2,000 less; the Kubota SSV65 has a higher rated operating capacity (1,950 vs 1,945 lbs); the John Deere 318G has more engine power (65 vs 64 hp).
| Spec | Kubota SSV65 | John Deere 318G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $47,000 | $49,000 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (320) | 4.4★ (350) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 1950 lbs | 1945 lbs |
| Engine HP | 64 hp | 65 hp |
| Operating Weight | 6790 lbs | 6542 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 3900 lbs | 3890 lbs |
| Lift Height | 119 in | 120 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.9 GPM | 18.5 GPM |
| Engine | Kubota V2607-CR-TE4 | Yanmar |
| 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
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.
John Deere 318G
- ✓Owners love the simplicity and durability of the G-Series — the Yanmar engine and straightforward hydraulics have a strong reputation for racking up hours without drama.
- ✓John Deere's dealer and financing network is massive, and ag-and-construction customers value being able to service the machine at the same dealer as their tractors.
- ✓The vertical lift path gives good dump height for a small frame, so operators can load trucks and stack pallets that radial machines struggle with.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package is easy to clean out, and operators in dusty or debris-heavy work specifically praise how it resists overheating.
- ✓The cab is comfortable with good visibility, and the optional sealed-and-pressurized cab keeps dust down for all-day comfort.
- ✓Deere's EH (electro-hydraulic) controls with adjustable response let operators dial in sensitivity, which newer operators find helps them run it smoothly.
- ✓Resale value on Deere skid steers is strong, and the green paint carries brand loyalty that helps at trade-in time.
- ✓The 318G's balance of size and capacity hits a sweet spot for residential landscaping where a bigger machine would be overkill.
- ✗At 1,945 lb capacity it's firmly a small-frame machine, and contractors doing heavier work often wish they'd stepped up to the 324G or 330G.
- ✗Deere parts pricing is on the higher side, and some owners feel dealer labor rates have crept up over the years.
- ✗The Yanmar engine, while reliable, uses a DPF that some operators find finicky with regen cycles during light-duty idling.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is modest, so demanding attachments really want the high-flow option, adding cost.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls have a learning curve and initially feel less direct than pilot or mechanical controls.
- ✗The small frame limits stability with heavy pallets at full reach, so operators must respect the load chart.
- ✗Attachment availability is good but the Deere-specific coupler options can add complications versus universal setups.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Kubota and New Holland often undercut it on sticker.