Most mini skid steers run between roughly 34 and 44 inches wide, depending on track width and whether a bucket is mounted.
That spread matters enormously, because width is the constraint that decides most purchases in residential work. A machine that doesn't fit the gate is a machine that lives on the trailer.
Published Widths for Comparison
From manufacturers' published specifications:
| Machine | Narrow track | Wide track / with bucket |
|---|---|---|
| Toro Dingo TX 1000 | 34.2 in | 41 in |
| Boxer 322D | 34.5 in | — |
| Boxer 700HDX | 35 in (retracted) | 43.5 in (expanded) |
| Bobcat MT85 | 35.6 in | 44 in with bucket |
| Bobcat MT100 | 35.6 in | ~40–41 in |
| Kubota SCL1000 | 36 in | — |
| Bobcat MT120 | 36 in with bucket | 42 in wide tracks |
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Three different widths get quoted, and they're not the same.
Machine width, narrow track — the tracks only, narrowest configuration. The smallest number, and the one marketing tends to lead with.
Machine width, wide track — wider tracks lower ground pressure but add several inches.
Overall width with bucket — the widest point in working configuration, and this is the number that determines whether you fit through a gate. A bucket commonly extends past the tracks.
Always ask which one you're being quoted.
How to Measure Your Access
Measure the actual opening, not the nominal size. A "36-inch gate" frequently isn't 36 inches of clear space once you account for the frame, the hinges, and the latch hardware.
Measure at the narrowest point. Gate posts, fence posts set slightly inward, an AC unit, a meter, a downspout — the pinch point is often a few feet past the gate.
Check the whole path, not just the entry. A side yard that starts wide can narrow between the house and the fence line.
Measure height too. Fence tops, low branches, and soffits catch operator platforms and raised loads.
Leave clearance. A machine exactly as wide as the opening isn't drivable through it. Give yourself a few inches on each side.
Common Access Dimensions
Useful reference points, though these vary considerably by region and age of construction:
- Standard residential walk gates are frequently in the 36–42 inch range
- Double-drive gates are typically much wider
- Barn aisles and doorways vary enormously — measure yours
- Greenhouse aisles are set by the bench layout
- Vineyard and orchard rows are fixed by the planting
None of these are reliable enough to buy on. Measure.
Narrow Track or Wide Track?
Narrow track — fits tighter access, higher ground pressure, less stability with heavy loads.
Wide track — lower ground pressure (better on turf), more lateral stability, won't fit as many gates.
The tradeoff is real. If your work is residential backyards, narrow is the priority. If it's open sites with soft ground or heavy loads at height, wide is better.
Some machines in the category offer hydraulically expanding undercarriages that retract for access and expand for stability — Boxer's 700HDX is one example. That's a genuinely useful feature where it exists.
FAQ
What's the narrowest mini skid steer?
The narrowest machines in the category are around 34 inches on narrow tracks. Below that you're into walk-behind equipment.
Will it fit through a 36-inch gate?
Depends on the machine, the configuration, and whether the gate is actually 36 inches of clear opening. Measure your gate and check against the specific model's overall width with bucket.
Does the bucket make it wider?
Usually, yes — buckets commonly extend past the tracks. That's the number that matters for gate clearance.
Can I remove the bucket to fit through?
You can, and people do — drive through, then attach the bucket on the other side. It's awkward but it works when you're a few inches over.
Do wide tracks fit through gates?
Frequently not. Wide track configurations add several inches, which is often the difference.
What about height?
Measure it. Low gates, arbors, soffits, and branches catch machines and operators.
How much clearance do I need?
A few inches per side minimum. Threading a machine through an exact-fit opening isn't practical.