Skid-steer loaders

Bobcat S550 vs CAT 226B3

Bobcat S550

Bobcat

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CAT 226B3

CAT

Data: manufacturers and Bobcat's comparison tests. Does your experience say otherwise? Tell us ↓

Technical data

Parameter	Bobcat S550	CAT 226B3
Capacity and weight
Operating weight kg	2,841	2,810
Tipping load kg	1,793	1,360
Rated operating capacity kg	894	680
Lift path	radial	radial
Engine
Engine	Kubota, 4 cylinders, 2.6 L	CAT, 4 cylinders
Engine power kW	45.5	45.5
Fuel tank l	93	58
Hydraulics
Pump flow l/min	64.7	61
Hydraulic pressure bar	245	230
High Flow (option) l/min	101	104
Dimensions
Width mm	1,730	1,550
Length without bucket mm	2,660	2,520
Height mm	1,972	1,950
Wheelbase mm	1,082	986
Working range
Standard bucket width / volume	1,730 mm / 272 l	1,590 mm / 220 l
Bucket pivot height mm	2,908	2,854
Bucket dump height mm	2,205	2,169
Reach at max. dump height mm	432	505

The table combines manufacturers' data and measurements from Bobcat's comparison tests (09-2019).

This comparison dates from 09-2019. A newer version of either machine may be on sale now, with different figures.

This comparison covers versions built for markets outside the EU, with engines not certified to EU emission standards; machines sold in Estonia have EU-certified engines, so engine and some other figures may differ. The CAT operating weight here is Bobcat's measurement (2,810 kg without counterweight); CAT's brochure gives 2,641 kg.

In Europe CAT now sells the 226D3, which this comparison does not cover. If you work with a 226D3, tell us how it compares with the S550.

— means the manufacturer does not publish this figure.

What the table shows

Rated capacity 894 / 680 kg (+214 kg) and tipping load 1,793 / 1,360 kg at practically the same weight (2,841 / 2,810 kg).
Standard bucket 272 / 220 l (+24%), 1,730 / 1,590 mm wide.
Fuel tank: 93 / 58 l.
The 226B3 is more compact: 180 mm narrower and 140 mm shorter; it reaches 73 mm further at full dump height.
Same engine power, 45.5 kW; hydraulic flow 64.7 / 61 l/min at 245 / 230 bar.

What it means on the job

An 800 kg load

800 kg is within the S550's rated capacity of 894 kg and above the 226B3's 680 kg.

Calculation: 800 < 894 kg; 800 > 680 kg

Loading 100 m³ of sand

With the standard buckets: about 368 bucket loads with the S550, 455 with the 226B3.

Calculation: 100,000 l ÷ 272 l = 368; 100,000 l ÷ 220 l = 455

1,000 operating hours

The S550 chaincase has four pre-tensioned chains with no adjustment interval. The 226B3's chains are adjusted every 250 hours: four adjustments per 1,000 hours.

Calculation: 1,000 ÷ 250 = 4

Closer look: notes from Bobcat's comparison test

Measurements and notes come from Bobcat's comparison tests (09-2019), in which both machines did the same jobs. These figures are not in the manufacturers' brochures. “Operator's opinion” is the personal impression of the operator who worked in the test: it is subjective, and your experience may differ.

Drive and chassis

Bobcat S550One chaincase with four pre-tensioned chains that need no adjustment. Fixed long wheelbase. V-shaped underside with more ground clearance.

Bobcat S550 — Ground clearance — Ground clearance

CAT 226B3Chains adjusted every 250 hours. Tyre alignment needed. Flat underside.

What it affects: Chain adjustment is recurring service time and cost; underside shape and clearance decide how the machine copes with mud and uneven ground.

Engine and cooling

Bobcat S550Transverse engine that also works as counterweight. Smart Fan cooling. Belt-driven pumps turn faster than the engine, so attachments run at lower engine speed.

CAT 226B3Longitudinal engine. Cooling air is blown from the engine compartment through the radiators. Pumps turn at engine speed; anti-stall function.

What it affects: Where the engine sits affects the balance and lift capacity; pump speed decides at what engine rpm an attachment gets its full flow, which affects fuel use and noise.

Controls and cab

Bobcat S550Standard hand and foot controls or Selectable Joystick Controls (ISO or H), fully proportional. No hydraulic lines at the cab entry; lower arm position beside the cab.

CAT 226B3Pilot joysticks in ISO pattern only, not adjustable; proportional auxiliary control only with the Deluxe option. Hydraulic lines routed through the cab entry.

CAT 226B3 — Hydraulic lines in the cab — Hydraulic lines in the cab

Attachments

Bobcat S550Bob-Tach quick coupler. Proportional auxiliary hydraulics with pressure release as standard; auxiliary lines routed inside the arm. About 13% more hydraulic power, so attachments run at lower engine speed.

Bobcat S550 — Quick coupler — Quick coupler

CAT 226B3Bob-Tach-type quick coupler. On/off auxiliary hydraulics; proportional control needs an extra package. Auxiliary lines routed on top of the arm.