Start With the Job
The right machine is the one that fits your access requirements without leaving you short on capacity. Measure gates and work areas, estimate the material you move most often, and identify the attachments you expect to run.
Gas or Diesel?
Diesel makes more torque at low rpm, holds hydraulic flow steady under load, and uses less fuel per hour of hard work. That is why it dominates machines that work most days or run powered attachments.
Gas engines usually cost less up front and are simple to start after sitting, which is why some manufacturers offer them on entry-level machines for occasional use.
Every current Yellow Jacket mini skid steer is diesel — Kubota on the YJ1000, YJ1100, YJ1200, and YJ3000, and Yanmar on the YJ2000. Both engine makes have parts and service networks nationwide. For more on the trade-off, see the mini skid steer buyer's guide.
Current Mini Skid Steer Lineup
YJ1000 — the entry point for lighter-duty work and a 908 lb rated operating capacity.
YJ1100 and YJ1200 — commercial machines for crews that need additional capacity and production capability, with the YJ1200 adding wide-track flotation.
YJ2000 and YJ3000 — commercial machines for higher-demand work, heavier material handling, and hydraulic attachments that require more machine.
Hydraulic Demand Matters
A machine that can physically carry an attachment may still be the wrong carrier if its auxiliary flow or pressure is insufficient. Confirm GPM, PSI, attachment weight, and the manufacturer's operating requirements before purchase.
When to Step Up
- You regularly move heavy material near the machine's rated capacity
- You need sustained hydraulic output for production attachments
- You are spending too much time repositioning or making extra passes
- Your work has shifted from occasional property maintenance to a commercial service line
Need Help Choosing?
Request pricing and tell us what you plan to do with the machine. We'll help match the model to the work.