Bobcat S550 Skid Steer

Introduction

The Bobcat S550 is a 500-frame skid steer with a radius-lift boom — described by Bobcat as the “big brother” to the compact S450. Still compact, but with more power and capacity, the S550 extends a smaller operation’s capabilities when lifting heavier loads or running higher-powered attachments. With 61 horsepower and a 1,750 lb rated operating capacity, it suits digging, backfilling, and mid-height dumping, and it remains a common, affordable choice on the Canadian used market.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the S550 fits — radial versus vertical lift, and how it compares to current machines — with real owner and operator feedback beside the spec sheet. The numbers tell you what it lifts; the reviews tell you how it digs, how the cab holds up, and the maintenance notes that matter most on a used purchase.

A note to set expectations: the S550 belongs to Bobcat’s earlier loader generations and is found primarily on the used market in Canada rather than as a current new machine. Its closest current equivalents are the compact S450 (one step down) and the vertical-lift S590 (one step up). More on capacity standards below.

Used-Market Context

The S550 is found primarily on the Canadian used market. Bobcat’s 2026 ConExpo restructure consolidated the North American skid-steer line into five Classic models plus the new Pro tier, and the radial-lift S550 sits outside that current new-machine lineup — though it remains widely available used, with broad supply across dealers and auction channels.

For buyers, the S550 is a value option: more capability than the compact S450, with a distinctive radial-lift geometry, at a used-market price. The trade-off is the usual used-equipment calculus — hours, condition, and maintenance history matter more than the spec sheet, and current-model dealer support may be stronger for a comparable new machine.

Because Dmytro has direct knowledge of Saskatchewan dealer and used pricing, we defer to local market figures over generic listing data. Used pricing varies widely with hours and condition.

Key Specifications

Specification	Bobcat S550
Lift path	Radial
Rated operating capacity (50% tipping)	1,750 lb (794 kg)
Rated operating capacity (35% tipping)	1,225 lb (556 kg)
Gross horsepower	58–61 hp
Emissions	Tier 4
Auxiliary flow (standard)	17.1 gpm
Auxiliary flow (high-flow option)	26 gpm
System pressure	3,500 psi
Operating weight	~6,213 lb (2,818 kg)
Width	64.7 in (1.64 m)
Maximum lift height	~7.3 ft (2 m)
Frame size	500 series

Specifications are verified against Bobcat specification data and independent spec databases. Because the S550 saw production across several years, confirm exact figures for the specific machine and year you are considering.

Understanding the ROC Standard (Read This Before You Compare)

Rated operating capacity is a fixed percentage of a machine’s tipping load — and the percentage differs by manufacturer. Bobcat and Kubota use 50%; John Deere uses 35%.

The S550’s 1,750 lb rating is on the 50% basis; at the 35% standard John Deere uses, the same machine rates at 1,225 lb. When cross-shopping a used S550 against a John Deere skid steer, convert both to a common standard first — otherwise the raw numbers overstate the Bobcat. This is the most common comparison error in the class.

Build & Engineering Detail

The S550 runs a 58–61 horsepower Tier 4 diesel. As the “big brother” to the S450, it delivers more usable horsepower and capacity in the same compact footprint, extending what a smaller operation can do with heavier loads and higher-powered attachments.

Its radius-lift boom arcs the load outward as it rises, giving more forward reach at mid-range heights — well suited to dumping over a wall, backfilling, and loading flatbed trucks. The trade-off versus a vertical-lift machine is less reach and height at the top of the cycle. For the ground-level and mid-height work typical of a compact skid steer, the radius geometry is the natural choice.

Buying used, the details that matter most are condition-related: hydraulic system health, boom and pin wear, tire condition, and maintenance history. With around 17.1 gpm standard flow and a 26 gpm high-flow option, the S550 runs the common attachment list and handles moderately demanding tools. The welded-axle chaincase eliminates periodic drive-chain tensioning as a wear point, but inspect the rest as you would any used loader.

Best Applications

The S550 is a sensible used buy for:

• Smaller operations needing more than an S450 — heavier loads and higher-powered attachments in a still-compact machine.
• Digging and mid-height dumping — the radius lift suits trenching, backfilling, and dumping over walls.
• Value-focused buyers — proven capability with deep used supply, without a new-machine price.
• Acreage and light construction — a capable general machine for operations that do not prioritize high truck loading.

It is not the choice if your primary need is loading high-sided trucks — for that, a vertical-lift machine like the S570 (used) or S590 (current) is better suited. And as a used machine, it lacks current-model dealer support and the latest features.

How the S550 Fits the Bobcat Lineup

In the 500 frame size, the S550 was the radial-lift step up from the compact S450, with the vertical-lift S570 above it. In today’s terms, the current Classic S450 (compact, one step down) and S590 (vertical-lift, one step up) bracket it. Buyers choosing between a used S550 and a new S450 or S590 are weighing radial-lift used value against current-model capability and support.

Bobcat S550 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the S550 has performed over years of ownership: digging and hydraulic performance, reliability and uptime, cab comfort, and the maintenance notes that matter most when buying used. If you own or have owned an S550, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge a used purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rated operating capacity of the Bobcat S550? 1,750 lb at the 50% tipping-load standard, or 1,225 lb at the 35% standard John Deere uses. Convert to a common basis before comparing across brands.

Is the S550 a vertical-lift or radial-lift skid steer? Radial lift. The boom arcs outward as it rises, giving more forward reach at mid-range heights for dumping over walls, backfilling, and loading flatbeds. For high truck loading, a vertical-lift machine is better suited.

How much horsepower does the Bobcat S550 have? About 58–61 horsepower from a Tier 4 diesel, depending on the production year. It is the “big brother” to the compact S450, with more usable power and capacity.

Is the Bobcat S550 still in production? It is found primarily on the Canadian used market. Bobcat’s 2026 restructure consolidated the North American skid-steer line, and the radial-lift S550 sits outside the current new-machine lineup. Its closest current equivalents are the S450 and S590.

What’s the difference between the S550 and the S450? The S550 is the bigger, more capable machine — more horsepower and capacity in a similar compact footprint. If the S450 is not quite enough but you still want a compact machine, the S550 is the step up.

What’s the difference between the S550 and the S570? Both are 500-frame machines, but the S550 uses radius lift (better for mid-height digging and dumping) while the S570 uses vertical lift (better for high truck loading). The S570 also has a Kubota engine.

How much does the Bobcat S550 weigh? Operating weight is approximately 6,213 lb, keeping it easily trailerable behind a three-quarter-ton truck.

Is the Bobcat S550 a good used buy? For value-focused buyers wanting more than an S450, yes. As with any used machine, inspect carefully and confirm the specific machine’s figures; hours and condition matter more than the spec sheet.

What should I check when buying a used S550? Hydraulic system health, boom and pin wear, tire condition, hours, and maintenance history. The welded-axle chaincase removes drive-chain tensioning as a wear point, but inspect the rest as you would any used loader.

Related Models

• Bobcat S450 — the compact machine the S550 steps up from; the closest current equivalent one size down.
• Bobcat S590 — the current 500-frame vertical-lift machine, better for high truck loading.
• Bobcat S570 — the vertical-lift 500-frame used machine with a Kubota engine, for cross-shopping used options.