Let me tell you something straight up: if you’re in the market for a skid steer that’s tough, reliable, and won’t break the bank, you need to check out KIOTI.
I’ve been around heavy equipment long enough to know that not every machine lives up to the hype, but KIOTI’s skid steers?
They’ve got my attention—and they should have yours too. Whether you’re hauling dirt, clearing land, or tackling a landscaping gig, this beast can handle it. Trust me, you’ll want to keep reading to see why I’m sold on this machine and why you should be too.
My Experience With The KIOTI Skid Steer
Alright, let’s get real about my time with the KIOTI skid steer—specifically the SL750 model. I picked it up last summer for some serious work on my property, a mix of rocky terrain and overgrown brush that needed taming.
I’d been eyeballing skid steers for a while, but KIOTI caught my eye with its promise of power and affordability.
The first time I fired it up, that 74-horsepower engine growled to life, and I couldn’t help but grin. It felt like I’d unleashed a workhorse ready to tackle anything I threw at it.
My first job was clearing a patch of land cluttered with stumps and debris. I slapped on a grapple attachment, and let me tell you, the hydraulic joystick made it a breeze to maneuver.
I was weaving through tight spots, picking up logs like they were twigs, and the two-speed travel kept me moving fast when I needed to cover ground. The cab? Spacious enough that I wasn’t cramped, and the controls were laid out so I didn’t have to fumble around like a rookie.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the lift height at first—126.6 inches sounded good on paper—but seeing it load a dump truck without breaking a sweat? That sealed the deal for me.
Over the next few months, I pushed it hard—grading, lifting, even some light digging. It’s been about 150 hours on the clock now, and I’ve got a pretty solid feel for what this machine can do.
Sure, it’s not perfect (we’ll get to that), but my hands-on time with it has me convinced it’s a contender worth talking about. It’s like that reliable buddy who shows up ready to work, no complaints. Now, let’s break down what I love about it—and where it falls short.
Pros of The KIOTI Skid Steer
Here’s where I get excited, because the KIOTI skid steer has some serious strengths that make it stand out. I’ve put it through its paces, and these are the highlights that keep me coming back.
- Impressive Power for the Price
You want bang for your buck? The KIOTI SL750 delivers.
That 74-horsepower KIOTI-built engine isn’t just talk—it’s got the muscle to lift 2,689 pounds like it’s nothing.
I’ve hauled heavy pallets of gravel and ripped out stubborn roots, and it never flinched.
Compared to some pricier brands, you’re getting a lot of grunt without emptying your wallet.
It’s not the most powerful skid steer out there, but for what I paid, I’m more than happy with the juice it brings to the table.
- Smooth and Intuitive Controls
I can’t overstate how much I appreciate the hydraulic pilot joystick. It’s like an extension of my hand—responsive and precise. Whether I’m scooping dirt or stacking bales, it feels effortless.
The two-speed travel is a game-changer too; I can zip across my property when I’m in a hurry or slow it down for finesse work. If you’ve ever wrestled with clunky controls on older machines, you’ll feel the difference here. It’s user-friendly enough that even my cousin, who’s green as grass, picked it up in an afternoon.
- Stellar Lift Height
Here’s a standout: that 126.6-inch lift height to the hinge pin. I didn’t realize how much I’d love this until I was loading tall trucks without a hitch. A lot of skid steers top out lower, leaving you stretching or repositioning, but the KIOTI reaches up like a champ.
It’s saved me time and frustration on jobs where height matters, like stacking materials or dumping into high-sided trailers. For a mid-range machine, this is a big win.
- Comfort That Keeps You Going
Long days in a skid steer can wear you out, but KIOTI gets it. The cab is roomy—I’m 6’2” and never felt squeezed—and the seat’s got enough cushion to keep my back from griping after hours of work.
The control layout is smart too; everything’s within reach, so I’m not twisting like a pretzel to hit a switch. It’s not luxury-car comfy, but for a work machine, it’s a cut above what I’ve dealt with on some other brands.
- Built Tough by KIOTI
One thing I respect is that KIOTI designs and builds these machines in-house. No rebadged knockoffs here—it’s their engineering from the ground up. The SL750 feels solid, with extra steel plating and hose routing that’s tidy and snag-free.
I’ve bashed through brush and scraped over rocks, and it’s held up without any major dings. It’s reassuring to know the folks who made my tractor also crafted this skid steer with the same grit.
Cons of The KIOTI Skid Steer
No machine’s perfect, and the KIOTI skid steer has its quirks. I’ve run into a few headaches that you should know about before you sign the check.
- Parts Availability Can Be a Pain
Here’s my biggest gripe: getting parts can feel like a scavenger hunt.
I had a hydraulic hose blow out a couple months back—my fault, caught it on a jagged stump—and the wait for a replacement was brutal.
Three weeks!
I heard it’s because a lot of KIOTI stuff ships from South Korea, and when supply chains hiccup, you’re stuck twiddling your thumbs.
If you’ve got a good local dealer, it might not sting as bad, but it’s a risk I didn’t expect.
- Not the Top Dog in Horsepower
Don’t get me wrong, 74 horsepower is solid, but if you’re eyeing the heavy hitters—say, a Bobcat or Cat with 100-plus horses—the KIOTI might leave you wanting. I’ve handled most of my jobs fine, but when I borrowed a friend’s beefier machine for a big grading project, I felt the difference.
It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but if you’re pushing max loads all day, every day, you might notice the gap.
- Brand Recognition Lags
Let’s be honest: KIOTI isn’t Bobcat or John Deere. When I tell folks I run a KIOTI, I sometimes get blank stares. That lack of name cachet doesn’t bug me much—it runs great—but it can matter for resale value.
If you’re planning to trade up in a few years, you might not fetch as much as you would with a big-name brand. It’s a trade-off for the lower upfront cost, but it’s worth thinking about.
- Washer Fluid Reservoir Placement
This one’s just dumb. The washer fluid reservoir is tucked under the armrest, and topping it off is a wrestling match. I spilled half a jug trying to fill it the first time—cursing the whole way.
It’s a small thing, but when you’re sweaty and tired, little annoyances like that stick out. KIOTI could’ve thought that one through better.
Maintenance Tips For Your KIOTI Skid Steer
Keeping your KIOTI skid steer humming takes some TLC, but it’s not rocket science. I’ve learned a few tricks to keep mine running smooth, and I’m passing them on to you.
- Check Fluids Like Clockwork: Get religious about checking your oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant. I pop the hood every 10 hours or so—it’s easy with the liftable design—and make sure everything’s topped off. That 74-horsepower engine runs hot when you’re pushing it, and low fluids will bite you fast. I keep a log on my phone so I don’t slack; trust me, it’s worth the five minutes.
- Clean the Radiator Regularly: Dust and debris love to clog up the radiator, especially if you’re working in dry, dirty spots like I do. The SL750’s radiator swings out, which is clutch—grab a can of compressed air or a soft brush and clear it out every couple weeks. I skipped this once, and the engine started overheating on a 90-degree day. Lesson learned.
- Grease Those Joints: Your skid steer’s got moving parts—lift arms, pivots, the works—and they need grease to stay happy. I hit every fitting with a grease gun every 50 hours, maybe sooner if I’m doing heavy lifting. It’s messy, but it keeps things smooth and cuts down on wear. KIOTI even marks the spots, so you won’t miss ‘em.
- Watch the Tracks or Tires: If you’ve got the skid steer version like me, keep an eye on those tires. I’ve got a rocky patch that’s hell on rubber, so I check for cuts or low pressure before every big job. If you’re running the TL750 track loader, tension those tracks right—too loose, and you’ll slip; too tight, and you’ll chew through ‘em. I’ve got a tire gauge handy and a quick once-over takes me 10 minutes tops.
- Store It Smart: When I’m done for the day, I park it under a tarp or in my shed. Rain, sun, whatever—leaving it exposed just invites rust and faded paint. I learned that the hard way with an old tractor years back, and I’m not making that mistake again. A little shelter goes a long way for keeping your KIOTI looking and running sharp.
Comparison of KIOTI Skid Steer With Other Brands
Alright, let’s put the KIOTI skid steer head-to-head with some other players in the game—AGT Mini Skid Steer, Wacker Neuson, and Takeuchi. I’ve run my KIOTI SL750 enough to know its ins and outs, and I’ve had some seat time with these others through buddies and rentals. Here’s how they stack up, straight from my experience.
- KIOTI Vs. AGT Mini Skid Steer
First up, the AGT Mini Skid Steer—think something like the AGT L12, a compact little guy with around 25 horsepower and a 600-pound lift capacity.
I tried one for a tight landscaping job, and it’s a nimble beast—perfect for squeezing into small spaces where my KIOTI’s bulk would’ve struggled.
But here’s the rub: my KIOTI’s 74 horses and 2,689-pound capacity blow it out of the water for bigger tasks like hauling gravel or clearing stumps.
The AGT’s cheaper—maybe $15,000 versus my $45,000 KIOTI—but it’s a featherweight next to my machine.
If you’re just tinkering in a backyard, AGT’s your pick; for real work, KIOTI’s got the muscle.
- KIOTI Vs. Wacker Neuson Skid Steer
Next, Wacker Neuson—I got my hands on an SW28, rocking 74 horsepower like my KIOTI and a 2,800-pound lift capacity.
It’s a close match, and I’ll give Wacker props for its build; it felt like a tank plowing through a muddy site I worked.
The cab’s tight and modern, with a slick digital display I envied a bit—KIOTI’s analog gauges are fine, but not as flashy.
Where KIOTI pulls ahead is lift height—126.6 inches beats Wacker’s 121 inches, which I noticed loading tall trailers.
Price-wise, Wacker’s a hair pricier, maybe $50,000 loaded, and parts are easier to snag in my area. It’s a toss-up, but I lean KIOTI for the reach and cost.
- KIOTI Vs. Takeuchi Skid Steer
Finally, Takeuchi—I borrowed a TS80R2, an 81-horsepower beast with a 2,925-pound capacity.
That extra power gave it an edge when I was grading a steep slope; it chewed through dirt like butter where my KIOTI had to grunt a little harder.
Takeuchi’s radial lift design is smooth too, and the cab?
Quiet and cushy—I almost forgot I was working. But KIOTI fights back with its 126.6-inch lift height over Takeuchi’s 123 inches, plus a joystick I find snappier than Takeuchi’s controls.
Price is the clincher—my KIOTI was around $45,000, while the Takeuchi nudged past $55,000. If you’ve got cash to burn and crave top-tier power, Takeuchi’s tempting; I’m happy saving bucks with KIOTI’s solid punch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Tough call, but I’d say Bobcat edges out the pack for reliability. They’ve been at it forever, and their machines just keep going—parts are everywhere too. That said, my KIOTI’s been rock-solid so far, and Cat’s reputation is no joke either. Depends on your luck with dealers, honestly.
The KIOTI skid steer—like my SL750—runs a 74-horsepower KIOTI-built diesel engine. It’s their own design, not some off-the-shelf job, which I like. Packs a punch and sips fuel decently for its size.
KIOTI skid steers come from South Korea, built by Daedong, the parent company. They’re engineered and assembled there, which explains the parts delay I hit—but the quality’s legit.
Pricing’s tricky without a quote, but I snagged my SL750 for around $45,000 new, fully loaded with a few attachments. That’s ballpark—could be $40,000 to $50,000 depending on your dealer and options. Cheaper than a tricked-out Bobcat or Cat, for sure.
Conclusion: Make The KIOTI Skid Steer Yours
After months of grinding with the KIOTI skid steer, I’m hooked. It’s powerful, easy to run, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg—perfect for anyone who needs a workhorse without the fancy price tag.
Sure, it’s got flaws, but nothing I can’t handle with a little planning. If you’re ready to tackle your projects with a machine that delivers, go grab a KIOTI. You won’t regret it—I sure don’t.