Understanding the Lift Capacity of Your Skid Steer

Skid steers are rated using 'rated operating capacity' (ROC) and 'tipping load,' terms you’ll see in model brochures. But knowing what they really mean and how they hold up on the job site helps you avoid overloads, balance issues, and equipment strain.

Knowing how much your skid steer can safely lift is key to protecting your machine, your attachments, and your job site safety. This guide breaks down how skid steer lift capacity works, what impacts it, and how to make sure you’re working within safe, productive limits.

What is Rated Operating Capacity (ROC)?

The Rated Operating Capacity is the official number used to define how much weight a skid steer can lift safely under normal conditions. It’s typically 50% of the machine’s tipping load, which is the point where the skid steer would physically tip forward due to the weight in the bucket or attachment.

For example, if a skid steer’s tipping load is 4,000 lbs, the rated operating capacity is 2,000 lbs. This 50% standard is set to provide a safety margin. It doesn't mean your skid steer loader can't physically lift more, but going beyond the ROC increases the risk of tipping and reduces overall control.

How Much Can a Skid Steer Lift?

Most skid steers can lift between 1,250 and 4,000 lbs, depending on size, model, and configuration. Small frame skid steers can safely lift up to 1,750 lbs, while larger machines can exceed 3,000 lbs under the right conditions.

However, these numbers are only accurate when the skid steer is on level ground and the load is close to the mounting plate. Machine specs reflect optimal conditions. Real-world skid steer lift capacity is usually lower when terrain, load position, or even attachment weight are considered.

Safety Tip: Always lift slowly when approaching the maximum weight. Sudden movements or shifting loads can reduce stability faster than expected.

What is Tipping Load?

The tipping load is the amount of weight that causes the skid steer’s rear wheels to come off the ground during a lift. It’s a critical threshold but not a working load. The tipping load gives engineers and operators a way to calculate safe working limits.

It varies based on a number of factors, such as the lift arm type (vertical vs. radial), machine weight and balance, and weight distribution of the attachment.

Why Do Manufacturers List Different Capacities?

You might notice that different brands list their skid steer capacities slightly differently. One may give just ROC, another may list both ROC and tipping load. Some might advertise max skid steer lift capacity under perfect conditions without noting real-world limitations.

Always check the operator manual for precise specifications for your skid steer’s configuration, including tires for wheeled skid steers, tracks for tracked skid steers, counterweights, and height.

How Do Vertical Lift and Radial Lift Skid Steers Differ?

The design of the lift path affects usable capacity throughout the lift range:

• Vertical Lift Skid Steers: Maintain more consistent lift capacity throughout the lift arc, arguably making them better for loading materials into truck beds or lifting at full height.
• Radial Lift Machines: Arc outward as they raise, so they often provide more breakout force at lower heights (good for grading or digging) but may have lower capacity at full height.

What Affects Actual Skid Steer Lift Capacity in the Field?

Several real-world factors can reduce safe capacity significantly:

Heavy or Oversized Attachments

Attachments like auger drives, cold planers, or forestry mulchers can weigh several hundred pounds on their own. This weight counts against your skid steer lift capacity, reducing the amount of material you can carry or lift. This is especially important with high-flow attachments, which require more hydraulic output and tend to be heavier.

When looking for skid steer attachments, find suppliers that have detailed product descriptions. Our skid steer attachment collection includes detailed specs for each product, including their weight. You can choose with confidence based on your skid steer lift capacity.

Uneven Terrain or Wet Ground

Operating on sloped terrain or soft, muddy surfaces affects machine stability and increases the risk of tipping. Even if the load is within the skid steer's rated capacity, uneven footing can shift the machine’s center of gravity in unpredictable ways.

Lack of Counterweights

Without counterweights, skid steers are more front-heavy when lifting larger loads, causing rear wheels or tracks to lift off the ground. This compromises traction, steering response, and stability, especially when raising loads high or reaching forward.

Extended Load Distance from the Frame

The further the weight is positioned from the skid steer’s frame, the greater the leverage it exerts on the lift arms. This increases the tipping risk and effectively reduces how much weight the skid steer can safely handle.

Unbalanced or Shifting Loads at Height

Raising heavy or irregularly balanced loads to full height amplifies any instability in the skid steer. If the load tilts or shifts unexpectedly, it can exceed the safe center of gravity and cause the machine to tip forward.

When to Add Counterweights: Adding manufacturer-approved counterweights can increase rated lifting capacity, keeping the back end on the ground longer under heavy loads. However, they also alter the strain on drive motors and ground pressure. Only use counterweights if your job requires frequent heavy lifting, and always install them per OEM instructions.

How Do You Find Your Skid Steer’s Lift Specs?

To understand your machine’s actual lift capacity, do the following:

• Look up the model’s rated operating capacity in the spec sheet or on the machine plate.
• Confirm if the listed ROC is calculated with or without counterweights.
• Examine whether it’s ISO-rated (industry standard) or promotional/speculative.
• Subtract the weight of any attachment from total load figures to assess what you can lift with it.

It’s also worth checking lifting charts from the manufacturer that show limitations at different boom heights or reach distances.

How Do You Subtract the Weight of an Attachment?

When you're calculating how much material you can safely handle with your skid steer, it's important to factor in the weight of your attachment. Here's how to do that in a real-world scenario using the Berlon Meltrr Skid Steer Salt Spreader, an attachment that spreads material over icy surfaces to avoid slipping accidents.

Step 1: Know Your Machine’s Rated Operating Capacity (ROC)

Let’s say you're operating a Bobcat S650, which has an ROC of 2,690 lbs. This number represents the maximum safe weight you can lift and carry under normal conditions, including the extra weight of the attachment and any material inside it.

Step 2: Subtract the Attachment’s Empty Weight

The Berlon Meltrr 60" model weighs 870 lbs empty.

Calculation:

ROC (2,690 lbs) – Attachment Weight (870 lbs) = 1,820 lbs of remaining payload

This means once the spreader is mounted on your skid steer, you have 1,820 lbs of lift capacity left for material.

Keep It Safe, Keep It Smart

Lift ratings don’t tell the full story, but they do set the foundation for safe operation. When you know your skid steer’s limits and account for real-world conditions, you reduce risks, extend equipment life, experience less downtime, and get the job done faster with fewer problems.