Choosing among loaders skid steers usually means deciding how much machine you need for the ground you work on. This 13.5HP RATO mini skid steer loader answers with a tracked chassis, a compact footprint, and a $3,499 price tag. The real question is whether its load capacity and travel speed match the jobs you have in mind.
Quick verdict
This loader is best suited to light material handling on soft or uneven ground. The 690 kg operating weight and 22.5 kPa ground pressure give it a stable presence on lawns, mud, and loose fill. But the 122 kg rated safe load and 263 kg maximum load capacity make clear this is a small-capacity machine, not a production loader.
Who it suits
Property owners, small-scale landscapers, and small farm operators who need to move dirt, mulch, or light aggregate in tight spaces will find its small footprint useful. The 129 mm ground clearance lets it work where a wheeled loader might struggle.
NEW 13.5HP Mini Skid Steer Loader RATO Gas Engine, Tracked Design, TX
The machine arrives as a complete package: a standard bucket, handrail, and quick hitch are included. The tracked design is the main draw because it keeps ground pressure at 22.5 kPa, which helps on soft ground. The limiting factor is the 122 kg rated safe load, so plan each trip accordingly.
What stands out
The 0.15 m³ bucket is sized for light material, and the dump numbers are practical for small loading work. Maximum dump height is 1,553 mm, maximum dumping reach height is 2,259 mm, and dumping distance is 620 mm, so you can place material into a small trailer or hopper without excessive lifting. A standard quick hitch makes attachment changes straightforward, and options like pallet forks, a sweeper, a 4-in-1 bucket, and a hydraulic breaker extend the machine's usefulness. Track tension is mechanical, which keeps maintenance simple.
Meaningful trade-offs
The biggest trade-off is load capacity. The 263 kg maximum load capacity is not the same as the 122 kg rated safe load, so work within the safer number. Travel speed is just 0 to 4 km/h, so you will not be covering ground quickly. The 25% gradeability means it can manage moderate slopes, but it will be slow. There is no hydraulic quick coupler and no air conditioner option, so if you expect quick hydraulic swapping or enclosed-cab comfort, this loader does not offer it. The under-20 horsepower engine is another reminder that heavy digging or sustained pushing is not this loader's strength.
Bottom line
For light work on soft ground, this compact mini loader is a practical buy at $3,499. It gives you a standard bucket, quick hitch, and a compact package that fits small properties. Respect the rated safe load and keep travel expectations in check, and it will handle the small jobs you bought it for.
