Choosing between a Kubota SSV skid steer and an SVL compact track loader comes down to the conditions you work in, the attachments you plan to run, and how much traction and flotation you need from the machine.
The Kubota SSV Series uses tires and is designed for fast, maneuverable work on firm surfaces. The SVL Series uses tracks to provide greater traction, lower ground pressure, and better performance on soft or uneven terrain.
The two lines overlap in horsepower and attachment capability, but they are built for different types of jobs. Comparing the Kubota SSV75 and SVL75-3 shows exactly where the differences matter.
The simplest distinction is the undercarriage.
Kubota SSV: Skid steer loader with four tires.
Kubota SVL: Compact track loader with rubber tracks.
That difference affects almost every aspect of machine performance, including ground pressure, traction, ride characteristics, maneuverability, operating weight, maintenance, and the types of terrain where the machine performs best. Both use vertical lift arms, which makes either series well suited to loading trucks, moving pallets, handling material, grading, digging, and operating a wide range of attachments.
The Kubota SSV Series is designed around maneuverability and productivity on firm ground.
The SSV75 produces 74.3 gross horsepower and has a rated operating capacity of 2,690 pounds at 50% of tipping load. It has a vertical lift design, 20.9 GPM of standard auxiliary hydraulic flow, and 30.4 GPM with high-flow hydraulics.
The SSV's four-wheel configuration makes it particularly useful when a machine needs to travel frequently around a jobsite or between work areas. Tires also make sense for operators who spend significant time on concrete, asphalt, compacted dirt, gravel, and other firm surfaces.
A Kubota SSV can be the better choice when you need:
The SSV75 reaches a high travel speed of 11.8 MPH, compared with 8.6 MPH for the SVL75-3. That difference matters when the job involves frequent movement across a large site.
The Kubota SVL Series is built for traction, stability, and operation on challenging ground conditions.
The SVL75-3 uses a tracked undercarriage with standard 12.6-inch tracks and a 56.5-inch track contact length. Ground clearance is 11.7 inches, and standard-track ground pressure is approximately 5.8 to 5.9 PSI.
That larger contact area allows the SVL to spread the machine's weight over more surface area. The result is better flotation and less ground disturbance than a comparable wheeled skid steer in many soft-ground applications.
A Kubota SVL can be the better choice when you need:
Kubota also equips the SVL75-3 with several operator and productivity features, including a 7-inch color LCD touchscreen, standard rear-view camera, keyless start, adjustable track response, and Auto Downshift during turns.
