Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtGWWwLk8us (35 min)

Mike from Rippa USA Sales puts a Rippa RS06 mini skid steer next to a Kubota SCL1000 compact loader owned by a local customer, and goes through the two machines unedited so you can decide for yourself.

CHAPTERS

- Introduction and machine overview

- Tie downs and build quality

- Engine compartment and maintenance

- Performance and handling

- Vertical versus radial lift

- Undercarriage and roller design

- Bucket attachment testing

- Compatibility and conclusions

WHAT STOOD OUT

- Tie downs: the Rippa has large, stout quarter inch plate tie down points on the front and lift points that can also be used. The rear of the Rippa has no good place to chain, so you have to run a chain through the frame. The Kubota is easier to strap down.

- Battery: Rippa places the battery low, away from the engine, to keep it cooler. Owners of the Kubota report no battery heat problems with it over the engine.

- Hydraulic lines: the Rippa manifold sticks out and is more exposed, while Kubota protects its hydraulic lines. Mike notes you can bolt a steel guard around the Rippa manifold.

- Aux controls: both machines have spare buttons that can power things like lights, and forward aux hydraulic controls.

- Performance: both machines lift and curl while the machine is traveling with no issues. The Kubota is a very fast traveler.

- Undercarriage: the Kubota has five rollers on each side, plus front and rear wheels and a top sprocket.

- Attachments: when the two machines were tested with each other's attachments, the Rippa attachment plate did not line up cleanly with the Kubota attachments, and a small adjustment of the plate height would be needed. Mike says he has used other brand attachments on his machine without a problem.

Mike points out that the difference in purchase price between the two machines is very large, so think about how you plan to use the machine.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.