How Low Can You Go?

Posted: 16/10/2016

Work in Small Spaces

With top agility, loaders can fit into places other types of equipment wouldn’t dream of going. That’s because loaders pack more horsepower into a smaller frame size. Unfortunately, not every brand of compact track loader can squeeze into the smallest of spaces. We tested the agility of Bobcat®, Kubota®, Caterpillar®, Case® and New Holland® loaders and compared the results. Watch the test to see for yourself.

Get An Overview

Clearance height can significantly impact your loader selection. After all, what good is a machine if it can’t fit where you need it? We tested how cab height affects agility to find which manufacturers measure up to challenging work environments. See the full test.

Bobcat vs. Other Brands

Test Results

From experience, you know that the opening on a 7-ft. tall garage door doesn’t always measure to exactly 7 ft. The opening can be a few inches shorter, measuring from the weather stripping on the door to an uneven ground. So we opened this door to 82.5 in. – just shy of 7 ft. – to simulate an average garage door. You’ll see the Bobcat, Case and New Holland loaders easily pass beneath the door but the Kubota and Caterpillar loaders can’t fit due to their cab height. This can damage a garage door or collide with an overhead obstacle.

How We Test Equipment

When you’re shopping for a new machine, it’s easy to compare specs. After all, that’s the best way to compare machines, right? Not quite. With specs, you’re only getting part of the story. They don’t measure real performance on your jobsite and that’s what matters most. It’s the reason we put top brands through the paces with fair, accurate, and repeatable tests. Watch to see how we developed the tests.