Gehl
Gehl R260
The Gehl R260 is the largest radial-lift wheeled skid loader in Gehl's range (badged as the Manitou 2600 R for that dealer network). With a 2,600 lb rated capacity, 5,200 lb tipping load, and an optional 35 GPM high-flow package, it's a heavy dirt-work machine that undercuts the big brands on price.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓One of the few 2,600 lb-class machines with a radial boom, giving it enormous ground-level breakout force for bank digging and stump prying.
- ✓The 5,200 lb tipping load and 8,200 lb operating weight keep it planted under loads that make mid-frames dance.
- ✓Optional 35 GPM high-flow hydraulics feed mulchers, cold planers, and rock saws - genuine heavy-attachment capability.
- ✓The Yanmar 4TNV98CT turbo diesel is shared across the large-frame Gehl line, a proven engine owners describe as simple and durable.
- ✓Priced well below a comparable Cat 262 or Bobcat S86, which is the main reason buyers land on it.
- ✓Choice of T-bar, dual-hand, or joystick controls means any operator can jump in without relearning muscle memory.
- ✓Heavy 100K drive chains and a simple hydrostatic driveline hold up to years of hard pushing with minimal drivetrain repairs.
- ✓Manitou 2600 R parts commonality effectively doubles the dealer base for wear items and filters.
Cons
- ✗Radial lift on a big frame means limited reach at full height, so loading tall trucks is clumsier than with the vertical-lift V270.
- ✗At 8,200 lbs it's firmly in heavy-trailer territory, requiring a 14K trailer and a serious tow rig.
- ✗Gehl's dealer network is sparse in much of the country, and big-frame parts availability suffers most when the nearest dealer is hours away.
- ✗Soft resale value versus Cat, Bobcat, and Deere large-frames makes it a better keep-it-forever machine than a trade-cycle machine.
- ✗The cab tech package trails the majors - no factory touchscreen ecosystem or camera suite to match newer competitors.
- ✗High-flow, two-speed, A/C cab, and self-leveling all cost extra, and a loaded R260 quote closes much of the gap to the big brands.
- ✗The 123-inch hinge pin height is unremarkable for the class, so it wins on force rather than lift geometry.
- ✗Few rental fleets carry Gehl large-frames, so operators rarely get to try before buying.
Compare the Gehl R260
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