Bobcat S630 Skid Steer

Introduction

The Bobcat S630 is a 600-frame skid steer built around a radius-lift boom — the radial-lift counterpart to the vertical-lift S650 in the same frame size. With 74 horsepower and a 2,180 lb rated operating capacity, it delivers strong digging and pushing power and excels at mid-height work: dumping over a wall, backfilling, and unloading flatbed trucks. For operators whose work sits at ground and mid-range height rather than high truck loading, the radius geometry is well matched, and the S630 remains a sensible buy on the Canadian used market.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the S630 fits — radial versus vertical lift, and what to look for buying used — 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 machine.

A note to set expectations: the S630 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 equivalent in the new lineup is the vertical-lift S650. More on capacity standards below.

Used-Market Context

The S630 is found primarily on the Canadian used market. Bobcat’s 2026 ConExpo restructure consolidated the North American skid-steer line into five Classic models (S70, S450, S590, S650, S770) plus the new Pro tier, and the radial-lift S630 sits outside that current new-machine lineup — though it remains widely available used, with broad supply across dealers and auction channels.

For buyers, the S630 is a value option: proven Bobcat capability and a distinctive radial-lift geometry without a new-machine 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 S630
Lift path	Radial
Rated operating capacity (50% tipping)	2,180 lb (989 kg)
Rated operating capacity (35% tipping)	1,526 lb (692 kg)
Engine make/model	Bobcat D24 turbo diesel
Gross horsepower	74–75 hp
Emissions	Tier 4
Auxiliary flow (standard)	23 gpm
Auxiliary flow (high-flow option)	30 gpm
System pressure	3,500 psi
Operating weight	~7,610 lb (3,452 kg)
Width	72.1 in (1.83 m)
Frame size	600 series

Specifications are verified against Bobcat specification data and independent spec databases. Because the S630 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 S630’s 2,180 lb rating is on the 50% basis; at the 35% standard John Deere uses, the same machine rates at 1,526 lb. When cross-shopping a used S630 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 S630 runs a Bobcat D24 turbo diesel producing 74–75 horsepower. As the first radius-lift model in the 600 frame size, it pairs that power with strong hydraulic performance — around 115 L/min flow — for responsive digging and solid breakout force.

The defining feature is the radius-lift boom. Radius lift arcs the load outward as it rises, delivering more forward reach at mid-range heights — ideal for dumping over a wall, backfilling, and unloading flatbed trucks. The trade-off versus the vertical-lift S650 is less reach and height at the very top of the cycle, so loading over the side of a tall truck is less comfortable. For ground-level and mid-height work, though, the radius geometry is the natural and capable choice, and many operators prefer it for digging-heavy tasks.

Buying used, the details that matter most are condition-related: hydraulic system health, boom and pin wear, tire condition, and maintenance history. Owners note strong hydraulic performance and breakout force, with cabin noise more noticeable on long shifts than on newer designs. 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 S630 is a sensible used buy for:

• Digging and grading work — the radius lift and strong breakout force suit trenching, backfilling, and ground-level material handling.
• Mid-height dumping — dumping over walls, backfilling, and unloading flatbeds, where radius geometry delivers good forward reach.
• Value-focused buyers — proven 600-frame capability with a deep used supply, without a new-machine price.
• Mixed farm and construction tasks — 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, the vertical-lift S650 is the better geometry. And as a used machine, it lacks current-model dealer support and the latest cab and technology.

How the S630 Fits the Bobcat Lineup

In the 600 frame size, the S630 was the radial-lift option and the S650 the vertical-lift option — same frame, different boom geometry for different work. In today’s terms, the current Classic S650 is the closest equivalent (though it is vertical-lift), and buyers choosing between a used S630 and a new S650 are weighing radial-lift value against vertical-lift capability and current-model support.

Bobcat S630 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the S630 has performed over years of ownership: digging and hydraulic performance, reliability and uptime, cab comfort and visibility, and the maintenance notes that matter most when buying used. If you own or have owned an S630, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge a used purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rated operating capacity of the Bobcat S630? 2,180 lb at the 50% tipping-load standard, or 1,526 lb at the 35% standard John Deere uses. Convert to a common basis before comparing across brands.

Is the S630 a vertical-lift or radial-lift skid steer? Radial lift — it was the first radius-lift model in the 600 frame size. The boom arcs outward as it rises, giving more forward reach at mid-range heights for dumping over walls, backfilling, and unloading flatbeds. For high truck loading, the vertical-lift S650 is better suited.

What engine does the Bobcat S630 use? A Bobcat D24 turbo diesel producing 74–75 horsepower, paired with strong hydraulic performance for responsive digging and breakout force.

Is the Bobcat S630 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 S630 sits outside the current new-machine lineup. Its closest current equivalent is the vertical-lift S650.

What’s the difference between the S630 and the S650? Both are 600-frame machines with similar power, but the S630 uses radius lift (better for mid-height digging and dumping) while the S650 uses vertical lift (better for high truck loading). The choice comes down to the work you do most.

How much does the Bobcat S630 weigh? Operating weight is approximately 7,610 lb, keeping it easily trailerable behind a three-quarter-ton truck.

Is the Bobcat S630 a good used buy? For value-focused buyers, yes — especially for digging-heavy work where radius lift suits. As with any used machine, inspect carefully and confirm the specific machine’s figures; hours and condition matter more than the spec sheet.

Does the Bobcat S630 have high-flow hydraulics? Standard auxiliary flow is 23 gpm, with a high-flow option reaching 30 gpm at 3,500 psi — enough to run most demanding attachments.

What should I check when buying a used S630? 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.

Is the Bobcat S630 good for snow removal? For light-to-moderate work, yes, with an appropriately sized attachment. The radius lift is less ideal for loading tall snow trucks, but it handles pushing and blowing well at ground and mid-height.

Related Models

• Bobcat S650 — the vertical-lift machine in the same 600 frame size and the closest current equivalent; better for high truck loading.
• Bobcat S770 — the current large-frame flagship, one capacity step up.
• Bobcat S590 — the current 500-frame vertical-lift machine, one size down.