Head to head
Bobcat S450 vs Kubota U17-3a
The Bobcat S450 has 25kW more power and is the bigger machine by 665kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Bobcat S450 has 25kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Bobcat S450 is the bigger machine by 665kg.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat S450 | Kubota U17-3a | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 2365kg | 1,700kg |
| Engine power | 35.9kW rated (48.1kW max, Kubota V2403 diesel) | 11.3kW |
| Rated operating capacity | 608kg (ISO 14397-1) | - |
| Lift height | 2.8m | - |
| Tipping load | 1215kg | - |
| Dig depth | - | 2,460mm |
Sources: Bobcat S450, Kubota U17-3a. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the S450 if...
- you want one that has 25kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 665kg
Bobcat's entry-level skid steer, small enough for tight domestic and groundworks sites but still able to run a full range of buckets and attachments. Plant hire fleets keep it as their smallest skid steer for jobs a mini digger cannot reach.
Listed by
- JMP Plant Hire Essex - Ingatestone, Norton Heath
Buy or hire the U17-3a if...
A step up from a micro excavator for landscaping and groundworks contractors who need more dig depth and breakout force while still fitting through a standard gate or gap. Common on garden and small drainage jobs.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
- Beaver Tool Hire - Isleworth, Twickenham
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
- HG Plant Sales - Maldon, Langford
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bobcat S450 and the Kubota U17-3a?
The Bobcat S450 has 25kW more power and is the bigger machine by 665kg. The Bobcat S450 is a compact skid steer loader; the Kubota U17-3a is a 1.7 tonne mini excavator.
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