There is no single best stand-on skid steer.
Specs matter, but real-world use, price, reliability, and dealer support matter just as much. That is why ranking every machine together and calling it a day rarely leads to a good buying decision. Instead, the stand-on skid steer market needs to be broken into real classes, with machines compared only against true competitors.
Some machines win on paper. Others win in the real world. This article looks at both.
At the end, you will see which three machines I would personally shortlist with my own money, and which one I would pass on even if it were cheaper. If you want access to every spec, price range, and comparison behind this article, the full comparison spreadsheet is linked below.
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Stand On Skid Steer Video
What This Article Is and Is Not
Before getting into specific machines, context matters.
This article focuses specifically on Class 2 stand-on skid steers, which is where most contractors actually shop. All information is based on OEM-published specifications, real dealer pricing, and owner and operator feedback.
If a manufacturer does not publish a spec, it is intentionally left blank. Where brands do not publish standardized values such as rated operating capacity or warranty terms, nothing is guessed or inferred.
This is not a hype piece and it is not sponsored. The goal is to help real buyers make better decisions. This is also why machines like the Toro Dingo and Ditch Witch can feel completely different in the real world even when the spec sheets look nearly identical.
The Four Classes of Stand-On Skid Steers
Instead of comparing everything against everything, stand-on skid steers can be grouped into four real-world classes based on rated operating capacity, machine weight, and horsepower.
Class 1 machines are light-duty units intended for residential work and tight access.
Class 2 machines are the core contractor class. This is where the competition is tightest and where buying the wrong machine hurts the most.
Class 3 machines are heavier stand-on or crossover units that begin blurring the line between stand-on and sit-in machines.
Class 4 machines are large tracked loaders that are effectively borderline sit-in territory.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Light-duty units intended for residential work and tight access. |
| Class 2 | The core contractor class. This is where the competition is tightest and where buying the wrong machine hurts the most. |
| Class 3 | Heavier stand-on or crossover units that begin blurring the line between stand-on and sit-in machines. |
| Class 4 | Large tracked loaders that are effectively borderline sit-in territory. |
This article focuses entirely on Class 2.
Which Brands Play in Which Classes
Some manufacturers cover the entire market. Ditch Witch, Toro, and Vermeer all offer machines across all four classes.
Bobcat, Kubota, Scag, and New Holland are more heavily focused on Class 2 machines.
Kanga is unique. It spans multiple classes but follows a traction-first design philosophy that prioritizes ground engagement over raw lift numbers.
Understanding where each brand plays helps explain why some machines feel overbuilt, underpowered, or unusually specialized.
What Specs Actually Matter
Not all specs are created equal. When the noise is stripped away, five specifications actually determine how a stand-on skid steer performs in the real world.
Rated Operating Capacity and how it is rated
Rated operating capacity tells you how much the machine can safely lift and carry. Whether it is rated at 35 percent or 50 percent of tipping load matters because those numbers are not directly comparable. Without knowing the standard, the number is meaningless.
Hydraulic flow and hydraulic pressure
Flow controls how fast oil moves, which affects attachment speed. Pressure controls how hard oil pushes, which affects attachment force. High flow without pressure is weak. High pressure without flow is slow. You need both.
Machine weight
Weight equals stability. A heavier machine can use its lift and hydraulics more confidently without feeling unstable, especially when loading trucks or running demanding attachments.
Lift height and lift geometry
Lift height determines what you can load. Lift geometry determines how easily you can load it. Vertical versus radial lift paths make a real difference when dumping into trucks or placing material at height.
Ground pressure
Ground pressure determines how much a machine disturbs the surface. Low ground pressure matters on turf. Higher ground pressure matters less on dirt and construction sites.
The key takeaway is simple. Horsepower alone tells you almost nothing.
How to Read Hydraulic Flow Specs Correctly
Hydraulic flow is one of the most misunderstood specs in this category.
Some manufacturers publish a single auxiliary flow number, which represents the usable hydraulic flow delivered to the attachment. Others break flow into low-flow and high-flow modes.
Low flow is intended for lighter attachments and fine control. High flow is required for demanding attachments that need higher oil volume to operate properly.
When comparing machines, usable auxiliary flow should always be compared to usable auxiliary flow. A single published auxiliary number should be compared to another machine’s high-flow rating, not its low-flow mode.
It is also important to note that not every stand-on skid steer offers true high-flow hydraulics. Some machines have a single fixed auxiliary flow, while others offer high flow as an option.
Auxiliary flow powers attachments. Low flow is standard. High flow is optional. Flow numbers only matter when compared correctly.
Price and Warranty Reality Check
Most manufacturers do not publish MSRP. Pricing shown here reflects real dealer pricing ranges. Tracks, hydraulics, attachments, and configuration choices can move prices quickly, but when comparing apples to apples, most Class 2 machines fall in the low to mid forty-thousand dollar range.
Warranty information is similar. Some brands publish clear coverage, while others do not. In real-world ownership, dealer support often matters more than warranty length. A long warranty offers little value if local dealer support is weak.
Always confirm pricing and coverage with your local dealer.
Class 2 Stand-On Skid Steers: Machine-by-Machine Overview
Toro Dingo TX1000 Turbo
The Toro Dingo TX1000 Turbo does not attempt to win spec-sheet battles. It runs a 24.7 horsepower Yanmar turbo diesel, the lowest horsepower in this group. Rated operating capacity is 1,000 pounds at 35 percent, lift height is just over 81 inches, and operating weight remains under 3,000 pounds depending on track configuration.
Where the TX1000 shines is control refinement. It is predictable, smooth, and easy to be productive on, which is why many operators feel faster on it than the specs suggest.
Specifications
Engine: 24.7 HP Yanmar Turbo Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 1,000 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: Low: 4.9 GPM / High: 13.2 GPM
Hydraulic Pressure: 3,000 PSI
Lift Height: 81 in
Operating Weight: 2,826 lbs (std) / 2,911 lbs (wide track)
Ground Pressure: 6.1 psi (std) / 4.1 psi (wide track)
Ditch Witch SK1050
The Ditch Witch SK1050 takes a construction-first approach. It runs a 37 horsepower Yanmar diesel, features some of the highest hydraulic pressure in the class at over 3,600 psi, and weighs around 3,400 pounds.
Rated operating capacity is just over 1,060 pounds with an 83 inch hinge pin height. Combined, those numbers create a machine that feels extremely stable and confident under load, particularly when running demanding attachments.
Specifications
Engine: 37 HP Yanmar Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 1,062 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: 13.9 GPM auxiliary
Hydraulic Pressure: 3,625 psi
Lift Height: 83 in
Operating Weight: 3,425 LBS
Ground Pressure: 6.3 psi (7″ tracks) / 4.9 psi (9″ tracks)
Vermeer CTX100
The Vermeer CTX100 is the power outlier. It is the only machine in this group approaching 40 horsepower and backs that up with the strongest auxiliary hydraulics in the class at over 15 gallons per minute in high flow.
Rated operating capacity is around 1,035 pounds, hinge pin height is roughly 88 inches, and operating weight is near 3,400 pounds. This machine is clearly designed to run hydraulic attachments all day.
These three machines sit at the higher end of Class 2. The next group focuses more on balance and specialization.
Specifications
Engine: 40 HP Kohler KDI Turbo Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 1,035 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: Low: 8.1 GPM / High: 15.5 GPM
Hydraulic Pressure: 3,045 psi
Lift Height: 88 in
Operating Weight: 3,380 lbs (7″ tracks) / 3,400 lbs (9″ tracks)
Ground Pressure: 5.3 psi (7″ tracks) / 4.2 psi (9″ tracks)
Bobcat MT120
With the Bobcat MT120, lift geometry is the defining feature. It publishes one of the highest rated operating capacities in the class at 1,200 pounds at 35 percent, paired with an 88 inch hinge pin height and a vertical lift path.
Operating weight is just under 3,400 pounds, and high-flow hydraulics are available. This is a loader-first machine, especially noticeable when loading trucks or placing material at height.
Specifications
Engine: 34.8 HP Kubota D902 Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 1,200 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: 11.8 GPM auxiliary
Hydraulic Pressure: 3,045 psi
Lift Height: 88 in
Operating Weight: 3,390 LBS
Ground Pressure: 5.4 psi
Kubota SCL1000
The Kubota SCL1000 focuses on efficiency and surface protection. It uses a 24.8 horsepower Kubota turbo diesel, carries a 1,000 pound rated operating capacity, and weighs just over 3,000 pounds.
Its standout trait is low ground pressure at around 4 psi, combined with nearly 5 miles per hour of travel speed. This makes it particularly well suited for turf work and property maintenance.
Specifications
Engine: 24.8 HP Kubota D902-T Turbo Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 1,000 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: 15 GPM auxiliary
Hydraulic Pressure: 2800 psi
Lift Height: 84.7 in
Operating Weight: 3,035 LBS
Ground Pressure: 4 psi
Scag Jackal SJ1125
The Scag Jackal SJ1125 surprises many buyers. Maximum lift capacity is rated at 1,125 pounds, hinge pin height is approximately 83 inches, and operating weight stays under 3,000 pounds without attachments.
Auxiliary hydraulic flow is listed up to 15 gallons per minute, and fuel capacity is larger than most machines in this group. While Scag does not publish a standardized rated operating capacity, the lift numbers explain why it feels more capable than expected.
Specifications
Engine: Kubota D1305-E4B / Kohler KSD1403 / Yanmar 3TNV80FT options
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 1,125 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: 15 GPM auxiliary
Hydraulic Pressure: 3000 psi
Lift Height: 83 in
Operating Weight: 2,952 LBS
Ground Pressure: 5.5 psi
Wacker Neuson SM100
The Wacker Neuson SM100 sits squarely in the middle of the class. Rated operating capacity is just under 1,000 pounds at 35 percent, lift height approaches 86 inches, and operating weight is around 3,300 pounds.
Hydraulic flow is roughly 13 gallons per minute, and travel speed is among the higher numbers in this group. It does not dominate any one category, but it avoids major weaknesses.
Specifications
Engine: 24.7 HP Yanmar Turbo Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 998 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: 12.9 GPM auxiliary
Hydraulic Pressure: 3045 psi
Lift Height: 85.7 in
Operating Weight: 3,045 LBS
Ground Pressure: 4.1 psi
New Holland C314
The New Holland C314 leans heavily toward a construction-first design. It offers one of the higher rated operating capacities in this class, a heavier operating weight than many stand-on competitors, and vertical lift style geometry that favors material handling.
That added mass and lift capacity create a planted, confident feel under heavy loads, though it is less nimble and less refined than more operator-focused machines.
Specifications
Engine: 24.8 HP Kubota D12.5-E4B Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 992 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: 13.2 GPM auxiliary
Hydraulic Pressure: 2800 psi
Lift Height: 86.7 in
Operating Weight: 3,536 LBS
Ground Pressure: 5.9 psi
Boxer 600HD
The Boxer 600HD sits on the lighter end of Class 2. Rated operating capacity is approximately 530 pounds at 35 percent, operating weight is around 2,240 pounds, and lift height is closer to 74 inches.
Hydraulics are more modest, but simplicity, common parts, and ease of maintenance are the primary selling points.
Specifications
Engine: 24.8 HP Kubota D902 Diesel
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): 531 LBS
Hydraulic Flow: Low: 10.7 GPM / High: 11.3 GPM
Hydraulic Pressure: 3000 psi
Lift Height: 74 in
Operating Weight: 2,240 LBS
Ground Pressure: 5.36 psi
Kanga DW625
The Kanga DW625 follows a different design philosophy. Instead of chasing lift numbers, it prioritizes traction and ground engagement.
Published specs are more limited, but in real-world use it is often chosen for soft ground and specialized applications where maintaining surface contact matters more than lift height.
What Each Machine Is Best At
The Toro Dingo TX1000 Turbo excels in control, refinement, and ease of use. It consistently makes average operators more productive and reduces fatigue over long days.
The Ditch Witch SK1050 shines in hard, construction-style work such as trenching, augers, breakers, and heavy material handling.
The Vermeer CTX100 is built for attachment-heavy jobs where maximum hydraulic power is required.
The Bobcat MT120 stands out in lifting and loading tasks, especially truck loading and material placement.
The Kubota SCL1000 is best suited for turf and property maintenance where low ground pressure and efficiency matter.
The Scag Jackal SJ1125 delivers strong value with impressive lift performance for its size.
The Wacker Neuson SM100 offers balance and consistency without major weaknesses.
The Boxer 600HD works well for lighter-duty use, rental fleets, and easy ownership.
The Kanga DW625 excels in traction-focused applications on soft ground.
Top Three Real-World Picks
These are not the three best machines. They are the three I would personally shortlist if buying in this class, based on specs, price, reliability, reviews, and real-world use.
1. Toro Dingo TX1000 Turbo
The TX1000 does not win the spec war, and it does not need to. It wins usability. The controls are the best in the category, the machine is predictable, and productivity comes quickly even for less experienced operators.
It also has one of the largest installed bases in the stand-on skid steer market. That translates to strong dealer coverage, excellent parts availability, proven reliability, and high resale value. Altogether, it offers one of the lowest ownership-risk profiles in the class.
2. Ditch Witch SK1050
The SK1050 is defined by pressure and mass. It is extremely stable under load and built for demanding attachment work and construction abuse.
If your work is harder than average, this machine makes sense. It is not the most refined, but it is one of the most honest machines in the category.
3. Vermeer CTX100
The CTX100 is a spec powerhouse. It offers the highest horsepower, the strongest hydraulics, and excellent lift height.
If high-flow attachments are central to your work, very few machines in this class truly compete. It may be overkill for some buyers, but for attachment-heavy use, it delivers exactly what it promises.
Why the Others Did Not Make the Top Three
The Bobcat MT120 offers excellent lift performance, but its more proprietary MT-series attachment system introduces additional compatibility friction compared to Toro or Ditch Witch platforms.
The Kubota SCL1000 is outstanding for turf and property maintenance, but it is tuned more for smooth efficiency than aggressive, high-torque attachment work.
The Scag Jackal SJ1125 offers impressive capability for the money, but it remains a newer platform without the same long-term track record.
The remaining machines bring real strengths for specific use cases. Boxer and Kanga lean toward specialized applications, while Wacker Neuson and New Holland offer solid construction-focused alternatives that did not edge out the top three on overall balance.
These are not bad machines. They simply do not fit my top three criteria.
Final Takeaway
The goal is not to crown a winner. The goal is to help you buy the right machine the first time.
The best stand-on skid steer depends on how you work, not what the brochure says. If you own one of these machines, share your experience, good or bad, in the comments.