Best Skid Steer for Acreage & Hobby Farm in Canada (2025)

If you own 5–160 acres in Canada, a skid steer is arguably the single most useful machine you can buy. It handles snow clearing, fence building, brush cutting, driveway maintenance, firewood processing, barn cleaning, and dozens of other tasks that would otherwise require multiple machines or expensive contractors. For hobby farm and acreage owners, a mid-frame machine with 50–75 HP offers the best balance of capability and affordability.

Based on 17,026 auction results tracked by TrackCheck.

Top Picks at a Glance

Model Best For HP Avg Price (CAD)
Kubota SVL75-2 Best Overall 74 $46,103 See Prices →
Bobcat S570 Best Budget Wheeled 61 $28,783 See Prices →
Cat 226D Best Small Frame 57 $20,000–$35,000 See Prices →
John Deere 320G Best Mid-Size 69 $43,188 See Prices →
Bobcat T590 Best CTL for Soft Ground 61 $32,532 See Prices →

What to Look For

Recommended: Mid-frame skid steer or CTL with 50–75 HP, 1,750–2,500 lb ROC, enclosed cab, and standard-flow hydraulics. Used machines offer the best value.

Horsepower

50–75 HP is the sweet spot for acreage. Under 50 HP limits attachment options. Over 75 HP costs more to buy and operate with minimal benefit for hobby use.

Size

Mid-frame machines fit through barn doors, work in corrals, and are easier to trailer with a half-ton truck. Large-frame is overkill for most acreage owners.

Lift Type

Vertical lift for hauling and loading trucks. Radial lift for grading driveways and pushing material. Either works — choose based on your most common task.

Cab

Enclosed cab recommended for year-round comfort. Open ROPS acceptable for summer-only use in warmer regions. Heating is essential for winter use.

Hydraulics

Standard flow (16–26 GPM) handles most acreage attachments: bucket, forks, auger, blade. High-flow only needed for mulchers or snow blowers.

Budget

$20,000–$45,000 buys a capable used machine. Prioritize reliability over features. Older, simpler machines are easier to maintain yourself.

Tracks vs Wheels for Acreage & Hobby Farm

Both work well for acreage. Choose based on your terrain and primary use.

Wheeled Skid Steers

  • ✓ Lower purchase and operating cost
  • ✓ Better for gravel driveways and hard surfaces
  • ✓ Snow tires available for winter use
  • ✓ Easier to maintain — no track tensioning, no undercarriage grease
  • ✓ Faster travel speed for moving between tasks on larger properties

Compact Track Loaders

  • ✓ Won't rut wet pastures, lawns, or soft ground
  • ✓ Better traction on slopes and muddy areas
  • ✓ Year-round capability without switching tires
  • ✓ More stable on uneven terrain
  • ✓ Better for brush clearing and forestry work

Wheels are fine for acreages with hard driveways and firm ground. Choose tracks if your property has wet pastures, soft ground, slopes, or if you plan to do brush clearing. Many acreage owners choose wheels for lower cost and switch to snow tires in winter.

Best Models for Acreage & Hobby Farm

Kubota SVL75-2 Best Overall

Kubota's legendary engine reliability. Multi-function valve for smooth controls. Sealed cab keeps dust out. Large dealer network across rural Canada.

74 HP · 2,490 lb ROC · Radial Lift · Kubota diesel reliability

$46,103

avg from 136 sales

View Prices →

Bobcat S570 Best Budget Wheeled

Compact and maneuverable for tight barn/shed access. 61 HP handles most acreage tasks. Massive aftermarket parts availability. Strong resale value.

61 HP · 1,950 lb ROC · Vertical Lift · Compact dimensions

$28,783

avg from 38 sales

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Cat 226D Best Small Frame

Small enough for barn work and tight spaces. Cat quality and dealer support. Affordable entry point for acreage owners. Excellent maneuverability.

57 HP · 1,550 lb ROC · Radial Lift · 4,940 lb operating weight

$20,000–$35,000

used price range

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John Deere 320G Best Mid-Size

John Deere name means easy service at any rural dealer. 69 HP balances capability with fuel economy. Vertical lift for loading trucks and stacking.

69 HP · 2,330 lb ROC · Vertical Lift · Deere dealer network

$43,188

avg from 12 sales

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Bobcat T590 Best CTL for Soft Ground

Low ground pressure for wet pastures and soft ground. Doesn't rut lawns and fields like wheels. Year-round versatility from snow to landscaping.

61 HP · 2,100 lb ROC · Vertical Lift · Low ground pressure

$32,532

avg from 89 sales

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Attachments You'll Need

Attachment Use Price Range Flow Required
General Purpose Bucket Moving dirt, gravel, snow, manure — the everyday workhorse $1,200–$3,500 CAD Standard
Pallet Forks Moving hay bales, lumber, fence posts, and supplies $585–$2,500 CAD None (mechanical)
Auger Fence posts, tree planting, deck footings, sign posts $2,000–$6,000 CAD Standard
Dozer Blade Grading driveways, spreading gravel, light snow clearing $2,000–$5,500 CAD Standard
Brush Cutter / Rotary Mower Clearing overgrown areas, maintaining fence lines, trail clearing $4,000–$10,000 CAD Standard to high-flow
Snow Pusher / Blade Clearing driveways, yards, and access roads in winter $2,000–$8,000 CAD Standard

What to Expect at Each Budget

Under $25,000

Older machines (12-20 years) with 3,000-6,000+ hours. Bobcat 753/763/773, Cat 216/226, Case 400-series, John Deere 240/2...

See options →

$25,000 – $40,000

5-10 year old mid-frame machines with 1,500-3,000 hours. Bobcat S570/S590, Cat 236D/242D, Kubota SSV65, John Deere 318G/...

See options →

$40,000 – $60,000

Low-hour used or new base models. Kubota SVL75-2 (new ~$55,000), Bobcat S570 (new ~$45,000), Cat 259D3 ($45,000-$55,000)...

See options →

Over $60,000

Large, loaded new machines or premium CTLs. Overkill for most acreage and hobby farm use....

See options →

Shop by Province

Alberta British Columbia Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Newfoundland And Labrador

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying too big

A 90+ HP, 10,000 lb machine is expensive to buy, fuel, maintain, and trailer. Most acreage tasks are handled perfectly by 50–75 HP mid-frame machines at half the cost.

2. Buying too old to save money

Machines under $15,000 often need $5,000–$10,000 in immediate repairs. The $25,000–$40,000 range offers reliable, well-maintained machines that are actually cheaper to own over 5 years.

3. Not budgeting for attachments

The machine is half the investment. Budget $3,000–$8,000 for starter attachments (bucket, forks, auger). Without attachments, your skid steer is just an expensive wheelbarrow.

4. Forgetting trailer and tow vehicle

A mid-frame skid steer plus trailer weighs 8,000–12,000 lbs. You need a 3/4-ton truck minimum. Budget $3,000–$8,000 for a used equipment trailer if you don't have one.

5. Ignoring dealer proximity

When your machine breaks during hay season, you need parts fast. Choose a brand with a dealer within 1–2 hours of your property. In rural Canada, Kubota and John Deere typically have the best coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size skid steer do I need for 10–40 acres?
A mid-frame machine with 50–75 HP and 1,750–2,500 lb operating capacity handles most 10–40 acre properties. You'll move dirt, clear snow, build fence, haul hay, and maintain driveways. Under 50 HP limits your attachment options.
Is a skid steer better than a tractor for acreage?
Skid steers are better for loading, material handling, snow clearing, and tight-space work. Tractors are better for mowing large areas, pulling implements, and PTO-driven tasks. Many acreage owners prefer a skid steer for its versatility with quick-change attachments.
How much does a used skid steer cost for a hobby farm?
Budget $20,000–$40,000 for a reliable used machine. The sweet spot is $25,000–$35,000 for a 5–10 year old mid-frame machine with 2,000–4,000 hours. Add $3,000–$8,000 for basic attachments (bucket, forks, auger).
Can I trailer a skid steer with a half-ton truck?
Small-frame machines (under 6,000 lbs) can be trailered with a properly equipped half-ton. Mid-frame machines (6,000–8,000 lbs) need a 3/4-ton truck. Large-frame machines (9,000+ lbs) require a 1-ton truck. Always check your truck's tow rating.
What's the cheapest way to get into a skid steer?
Older Bobcat 753/763/773, Case 400-series, or John Deere 240/250 models sell for $10,000–$20,000. Budget another $3,000–$5,000 for repairs and basic attachments. Total entry: $13,000–$25,000. Be prepared for more maintenance.
Do I need a CTL or wheeled skid steer for my acreage?
Wheels work great if your property has hard driveways and firm ground. Choose tracks if you have wet pastures, soft ground, or steep slopes. Tracks cost more to buy and maintain but won't rut your property.

Looking specifically for a compact track loader?

See our dedicated guide for CTLs:

Best Compact Track Loader for Acreage & Hobby Farm →

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