About · Bobcat S650Overview
The Bobcat S650 is a mid-to-large frame skid-steer loader produced from 2009 to the present, positioning it in the upper tier of the compact skid-steer segment. It carries an operating weight of 3,656 kg and develops 74 hp, figures that place it alongside full-size skid-steers rather than entry-level machines. A rated bucket capacity of 0.7 m³ supports productive cycle times in bulk-material handling applications. The model's long production run means a broad supply of both units and spare parts across major markets.
Typical applicationsWhere this machine is used
The S650 is suited to groundworks, site preparation, agricultural yard work, and material handling where a compact but capable loader is required. Its combination of lift capacity and engine output makes it practical for tasks such as moving aggregates, handling palletised goods with a fork attachment, and light demolition clearance. The platform's skid-steer geometry allows operation in confined yards and building interiors where a wheeled loader or telescopic handler cannot manoeuvre effectively.
Used-market inspectionWhat to check before buying
Inspectors should assess the lift arm pivot pins and bushings for play, as these are high-wear points on any skid-steer of this frame size. The hydraulic quick-attach coupler and auxiliary hydraulic couplers warrant close examination for seal condition and response time. Engine bay inspection should confirm the absence of oil weeping at the turbo connections and around the valve cover. Cab condition, including the integrity of the ROPS/FOPS structure and the operation of the restraint bar, is a regulatory consideration in many jurisdictions. Buyers should request a full service history to verify filter and fluid change intervals, and should operate the machine through its full range of loader and auxiliary hydraulic functions before purchase. Tyre condition on all four corners should be assessed uniformly, as uneven wear can indicate frame or drivetrain irregularities.
Current marketPrice position
Within the large-frame skid-steer class the S650 is most frequently cross-shopped against the JCB 260 and the Caterpillar 262. The Bobcat carries a marginally higher operating weight than the Cat 262 while sharing a comparable horsepower band, and buyers comparing it to the JCB 260 will note differences in cab ergonomics and dealer network coverage depending on region. All three machines compete on lift performance, attachment compatibility, and parts availability rather than on any single specification. Within the S650's own price band, the principal attributes that move a unit toward the upper end are low recorded hours, the presence of a high-flow hydraulic option, an enclosed pressurised cab, and a well-documented attachment history. Machines fitted with factory quick-attach systems and verified service records consistently command stronger positioning than comparable-hour units without documentation. Condition grade, tyre wear, and the availability of accompanying attachments such as augers, buckets, or pallet forks are secondary factors that further differentiate units from one another.
