Every mini skid steer gets a score from 0 to 100% built from four factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Machines are grouped by engine class, under 20 hp and 20 hp and up. Features use the same scale in both groups, and price, engine power and lifting capacity use a scale for each group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | price of the machine | 35% |
| Engine | peak engine power | 15% |
| Lifting capacity | lifting capacity the seller states | 20% |
| Features | triple pump hydraulics, quick attach, EPA certified engine and an included 4-in-1 bucket | 30% |
Where the numbers come from
Nearly every spec comes from the seller’s own Amazon listing, because the makers publish no spec sheet. A figure in kilowatts or kilograms is converted at 1.341 hp per kW and 2.205 lb per kg, and the product page says so. Prices are checked at Amazon, and the lowest price at a store the page links to is used. Listings on Amazon often repeat the same text for several brands, so where two machines share a description the product page says so.
The factors
Price is the current price of the machine, on a log scale, so cutting the price by the same share always counts the same. In the 13.5 hp class, $6,000 scores zero and $4,200 full marks; at 20 hp and up, $9,000 scores zero and $5,000 full marks.
Engine is the peak engine power in horsepower, on a log scale. In the 13.5 hp class, 11 hp scores zero and 14 hp full marks; at 20 hp and up, 20 hp scores zero and 26 hp full marks. Where a listing gives a figure in kilowatts, it is converted. A seller’s peak figure is not a sustained rating, so a power difference of a horsepower or two means little.
Lifting capacity is the headline lifting or load capacity the seller states, in pounds. In the 13.5 hp class, 400 lb scores zero and 700 lb full marks; at 20 hp and up, 600 lb scores zero and 900 lb full marks. Makers state different things (a rated operating capacity, a maximum load, a lifting force or a tipping load) and some state figures far above their peers, so the scale tops out at 900 lb and the rated operating capacity, where published, is shown on the product page but not scored. Treat these figures as claims, not test results.
Features is 35% for a triple pump hydraulic system, 25% for a named quick attach system, 20% for an engine the seller says is EPA certified or compliant, and 20% for a 4-in-1 bucket included.
What isn’t scored
Tracks or wheels, stand-on or sit-on, fuel, loading height, dump height, operating weight, width, hydraulic flow and included delivery are listed but not scored. Warranty isn’t scored because no seller publishes a warranty term in its listing.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. Features is neutral only when none of the four is mentioned; if any is, the others count as absent.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.