Mini skid steers (mini loaders) do the lifting, carrying, levelling and loading on sites too tight for a full-size loader. They come in three main types: walk-behind, stand-on and ride-on. This guide explains the differences and how the Rippa models compare, using the manufacturer's spec sheet figures.
Walk-behind, stand-on or ride-on?
- **Walk-behind:** you guide the machine on foot from the back. The smallest and simplest option, for gardens and very tight access.
- **Stand-on:** you ride on a platform at the back. Faster and less tiring than walking, while staying compact enough for gates and yards. The Rippa RS03, RS04 and RS06 are stand-on loaders.
- **Ride-on (with a cab):** a full-size skid steer for heavy loading, long days and big sites.
The figures that matter
- **Rated operating load:** how much it can safely carry in the bucket. This decides which jobs it can do.
- **Width:** measure your narrowest access. The Rippa RS03, RS04 and RS06 are all 1,150 mm wide.
- **Height:** matters for sheds and farm buildings. The RS04 is only 1.3 m high.
- **Engine and fuel:** petrol for light use, diesel for heavier and longer work.
- **Auxiliary hydraulics and quick hitch:** these let one loader run augers, trenchers, grapples, forks and breakers.
How the Rippa stand-on loaders compare
- **RS03:** the lightest at 639 kg, with a Briggs & Stratton XR2100 petrol engine, a 102 kg rated load and a lift height of 2.26 m. Five auxiliary hydraulic circuits and a universal quick-coupler.
- **RS04:** 930 kg with a Kubota Z482 diesel, a 240 kg rated load (more than twice the RS03) and only 1.3 m high — good for low sheds and farm buildings.
- **RS06:** 1,201 kg with an 18.4 kW Kubota D1105 diesel, a 325 kg rated load, 2.58 m lift height, pilot joysticks and a push-button quick hitch.
For the very tightest jobs there's also a walk-behind skid steer. Compare every loader on All machines.
Skid steer or mini digger?
If most of your work is moving material, a skid steer; if it's digging, a mini digger. Our skid steer vs mini digger guide explains when you need each.
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