What Engines Do Bobcat Skid Steers Use?

SteelBuilder500

SteelBuilder500

New member
Messages
16
Hey everyone,
I’m curious about the engines used in Bobcat skid steers. Do they use their own proprietary engines, or are they sourced from other manufacturers? Also, have there been any major changes in engine types over the years, like moving from diesel to other fuel types?

Would love to hear from anyone with experience running or maintaining Bobcats. Any insights on reliability, fuel efficiency, or performance differences between models?

Thanks!
 
Hey! Bobcat used to source their skid steer engines from companies like Kubota, but in recent years, they’ve switched to using their own Bobcat-branded engines in many models. Most are still turbocharged diesel engines, built to meet emissions standards without needing a DPF (which is a big plus for maintenance). As for reliability, they’ve got a good track record, but some folks still prefer the older Kubota-powered models. What model are you looking at?
 
Hey all, new here, but I’ve been digging into this too since I’m looking at picking up a used S650. Seems like folks are split between loving the older Kubota engines and being impressed with how Bobcat’s newer in-house ones handle emissions. Curious if anyone’s noticed real performance differences day-to-day?
 
Back when I got started Bobcat was all Kubota diesel engines (90s). These Kubota engines had a reputation for being easy to maintain, making them a favorite among operators and mechanics. About 2014–2015 Bobcat began transitioning to their own diesels, (really Doosan, their parent company). Since then, most new Bobcat skid steers—particularly the larger models—feature Bobcat-branded engines, But I think few smaller models ( maybe S510 and S530) may still use Kubotas.

Both Kubota-powered and Bobcat-powered skid steers are well-supported within Bobcat's network. Parts are readily available on both engine types, and most mechanics familiar with compact equipment can handle routine stuff. The proprietary Bobcat engines were designed to meet stricter emissions standards without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which has simplified maintenance for many owners and reduced downtime related to emissions equipment.

Regardless of engine type, Bobcat is still a good bet. Kubota engines are widely respected for their longevity. Feedback on the newer Bobcat/Doosan engines has also been quite in my circles where no news is good news. Bobcat has a good brand name for a reason, they make sure what they put out works.
 
Interesting stuff! I’ve only run the newer Bobcat engines so far, and they’ve been solid on fuel and cold starts. Would love to hear from someone who’s run both Kubota and Bobcat side by side, any noticeable torque drop or gains?
 
Bobcat used Kubota engines for years, it's rock-solid, super reliable. Around 2015, they started switching to their own Bobcat-branded diesel engines (which are actually built by Doosan, their parent company). Most newer models like the S590 and up run these in-house engines. They're designed to meet Tier 4 emissions without needing a DPF, which is a big win for maintenance. The smaller models like the S510 and S530 still sometimes use Kubotas, though. Both engines have solid reputations, Kubota’s known for longevity, while the Bobcat/Doosan setup keeps things simple and efficient on emissions.
 
Great info in here! I’ve run both Kubota-powered and newer Bobcat/Doosan models, and honestly, both get the job done well. The Bobcat engines feel a bit smoother on emissions and cold starts, but Kubotas are tough to beat for raw durability. Anyone else notice a difference in fuel burn between the two?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top