Kubota SSV65 vs New Holland L320
Quick take: The Kubota SSV65 costs $1,000 less; the New Holland L320 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,000 vs 1,950 lbs); the New Holland L320 has more engine power (67 vs 64 hp).
| Spec | Kubota SSV65 | New Holland L320 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $47,000 | $48,000 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (320) | 4.3★ (130) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 1950 lbs | 2000 lbs |
| Engine HP | 64 hp | 67 hp |
| Operating Weight | 6790 lbs | 6470 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 3900 lbs | 4000 lbs |
| Lift Height | 119 in | 121 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.9 GPM | 20.6 GPM |
| Engine | Kubota V2607-CR-TE4 | 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
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.
New Holland L320
- ✓The 2000 lb rated capacity handles a full pallet of most materials, which is exactly why buyers step up from the L318.
- ✓Super Boom vertical lift delivers a 91.7-inch dump height with nearly 30 inches of reach, so filling high-sided trucks is genuinely easy for the frame size.
- ✓The 300 Series dual-range transmission comes standard, giving travel speeds over 11 mph for quick moves across larger sites.
- ✓At 67 hp the FPT engine avoids DEF-heavy aftertreatment while offering noticeably more grunt than the 60 hp frames below it.
- ✓The wide 300 Series cab, 8-inch LCD display, and standard backup camera make long days more comfortable than the class average.
- ✓A 30.7 GPM high-flow option lets it run attachments normally reserved for larger machines.
- ✓New Holland pricing undercuts comparable Bobcat and Cat models, and ag-dealer crossover means farm buyers can often bundle financing.
- ✓Owners note the low-effort EH joystick controls and creep mode make precise trenching and grading easier than older NH models.
- ✗New Holland's construction dealer coverage is thin in many areas, so parts and warranty service can mean long waits or long drives.
- ✗Resale values trail Bobcat, Cat, and Deere equivalents, which eats into the lower purchase price over an ownership cycle.
- ✗The Super Boom linkage has more pivots and grease points than a radial arm, demanding disciplined maintenance to avoid slop.
- ✗Vertical-lift geometry sacrifices some ground-level digging and prying power compared to radial-lift rivals.
- ✗The 20.6 GPM standard flow is midpack - several competitors give more hydraulic flow without the high-flow upcharge.
- ✗Owners report FPT-engined machines can throw sensor and emissions codes that are frustrating to chase without a nearby dealer.
- ✗The cab pressurization and door sealing draw mixed reviews in dusty conditions versus Cat's D3-series machines.
- ✗Wheeled traction limits wet-ground work, and there's no direct tracked twin at this exact capacity short of the C327.