Small but perfectly formed

Hyundai HT100V compact tracked loader (Image: KHL)

Skid steer and compact loaders are invaluable on the demolition site, supporting the operation through hours of debris handling and optimising the clean-up phase.

These machines are often able to perform demolition tasks on smaller and medium sized jobs – especially helpful where space is restricted – with attachments such as hydraulic breakers, grapples, buckets, crushers and pulverisers.

Increased lift height

While the skid steer loader was originally known for being an American product, manufacturers are increasingly introducing their latest machines into Europe.

This includes Hyundai CEE which launched the HS80V and HS120V models, along with the HT100V compact tracked loader, to this market in 2025.

The three loaders are all powered by Hyundai Stage V diesel engines, delivering 49.5kW (66.4hp) in the HS80V and 54.9kW (73.6hp) in the larger HS120V and the tracked HT100V.

The HS80V weighs 3.2 tonnes and offers a rated operating capacity of 885 kg at 50% tipping load, while the larger 3.7-tonne HS120V increases this figure to 1,220 kg. The 4.4-tonne HT100V tracked loader provides the highest capacity in the line-up, with a rated operating capacity of 1,490 kg at 50% tipping load.

The loaders are equipped with vertical lift path arm geometry, which allows the boom to raise the attachment to full height. A vertical lift path delivers improved stability, increased lift height and a higher operating capacity, according to Hyundai, while the Auto Self-Levelling system ensures that the bucket or forks remain level.

Operator focused development

Bobcat S76-2 skid steer at Hillhead 2026 (Image: Bobcat)

Bobcat’s R-Series skid steer and compact tracked loaders have been updated with a specific focus on the operator, explained Katinka Kincses, Bobcat product manager for loaders, during a talk with D&Ri at Hillhead 2026.

The range includes the T66-2, T76-2, T86-2 CTLs and the S66-2, S76-2 and S86-2 skid steer loaders.

They now feature heated seats as standard and a one-piece cab which means the whole cabin is more isolated from noise, dust and vibrations, which she noted is essential for demolition.

Operators can also enjoy the new ‘glove-friendly’ 8-inch touchscreen display which gives them more information and control, while four selectable drive modes means that they can customise machine responsiveness according to the job needs.

“The drive modes now adjust more than just the speed. They also change acceleration and joystick responsiveness, so operators can choose a setting that ranges from smooth to more responsive, depending on the job,” said Kincses.

In addition, Bobcat has just introduced a new version of the T650 compact track loader, which it has designed for highly regulated markets across Europe including the UK and other Stage V regions.

The T650 combines a compact footprint with a vertical lift path and a rated operating capacity of 1,192 kg which is particularly useful in confined or space-constrained job sites.

Its compatibility with existing Bobcat attachments via the Bob-Tach mounting system lets operators change tools, such as buckets, augers and grapples, in less than one minute. The loader is available with optional High-Flow hydraulics and includes machine IQ telematics as standard.

With demolition in mind, Kincses said that the forward cab position and fully transparent door mean that operators always have full view of the attachment and the job site, while the LED working lights are particularly useful in low-light conditions, either indoors or outdoors.

Manoeuvrability and power

John Deere 325 P-Tier compact tracked loader (Image: John Deere)

Emily Pagura, John Deere’s product marketing manager, describes skid steer and compact loaders as “excellent machines on demolition sites” because of their high versatility and great manoeuvrability.

“When fitted with a hydraulic hammer, they can help break up large piece of concrete. With a scrap grapple, they can pick up material big and small to load it out.”

She points to the company’s new 325 P-Tier compact tracked loader (CTL) which she says balances manoeuvrability with power and is able run John Deere’s largest grapples and hammers, but notes that the right machine is always going to depend on a variety of factors specific to the contractor or jobsite.

The 325 model sits in the P-Tier range alongside the 317, 331, 333 and 335 CTLs, which offer operating capacities from 965 to 1,827 kg (2,125 to 4,025 lb). Specifically, the 325 P-Tier CTL delivers 54.9 kW (74 hp) gross power, 52.5 kW (70 hp) net power, a rated operating capacity of 1,176 kg (2,590 lb) and an operating weight of 4,313 kg (9,500 lb).

Pagura highlights operator safety and machine protection as key design priorities, saying that demolition has some ‘unique’ challenges which requires special consideration.

“Demolition generates a lot of debris, so features like guarding, automatic reversing fan, and a well-sealed cab keep an operator comfortable and the machine running efficiently,” she explains.

Extra reach and side entry

JCB compact loader on demolition site (Image: JCB)

JCB also states that skid steers and compact loaders can play a vital role throughout the demolition process, highlighting their usefulness right from initial site preparation and soft-strip activities through to material handling, waste segregation and final site clean-up.

“Their compact dimensions allow them to work efficiently in confined spaces, including urban environments and restricted-access sites where larger machines may be impractical,” adds the company, describing the JCB 155, 270 and 3TS Teleskid Stage V models as ‘well suited’ to demolition and recycling applications, with each offering specific advantages depending on the job requirements:

According to the company, the JCB 155 is particularly popular on confined or indoor demolition projects where compact dimensions and manoeuvrability are paramount, while the JCB 270 is often the machine of choice for contractors looking for a balance of lifting performance, hydraulic power and versatility.

Meanwhile, the JCB 3TS Teleskid Stage V has a telescopic boom providing 8 feet of additional reach, reducing the need for repositioning. “Customers using the JCB 3TS Teleskid have also praised its ability to reach areas that would typically require a larger machine or additional handling equipment, helping to streamline operations and improve overall site efficiency.”

Across the range, the combination of the Powerboom single-arm loader design and the side-entry access is said to provide “a clear point of difference compared with conventional skid steers.”