Bobcat 530 vs S70: lift height, width and hydraulics compared
Choosing between a Bobcat 530 and S70 comes down to access width, lift height and hydraulic muscle. Use these specs to match the machine to your job.
The Bobcat 530 and Bobcat S70 sit at the compact end of skid steers, but they solve different problems. The 530 brings more lift height and rated load for its size. The S70 is narrower, faster and has stronger hydraulics.
Both use a vertical lift design. The split is clear in the numbers: access and hydraulic pressure favor the S70, while lift height, dump reach and 50 percent ROC favor the 530.
Size and access: where each machine fits
If your first filter is fit, the S70 wins on width. It is 91.4 cm (36.0 in.) wide and 247.1 cm (97.3 in.) long with bucket. The 530 measures 119.9 cm (47.2 in.) wide and 264.2 cm (104.0 in.) long with bucket. That 11.2 in. width advantage lets the S70 pass through tighter gates and aisles.
Height is close. The S70 cab height is 181.4 cm (71.4 in.). The 530 is 184.2 cm (72.5 in.). Both are low enough for many garages and barns, with the S70 lower by 1.1 in.
Ground clearance and departure angle favor the 530. It has 18.3 cm (7.2 in.) of ground clearance and a 27 ° departure angle. The S70 has 14.0 cm (5.5 in.) of ground clearance and a 25 ° departure angle. If you crest ramps or curbs, the 530 resists belly hits and tail drag a bit better.
Lift height, dump reach and rated loads
For loading into trucks or bins, hinge pin and dump numbers set expectations. The 530 reaches a bucket hinge pin height of 260.3 cm (102.5 in.) with a dump height of 215.9 cm (85.0 in.) and dump reach of 81.3 cm (32.0 in.). The S70 hinge pin height is 240.0 cm (94.5 in.), dump height is 189.2 cm (74.5 in.) and dump reach is 40.1 cm (15.8 in.). The 530 lifts higher and reaches farther over the side.
Capacity tells a similar story. The 530 lists rating operating capacity at 35 percent tipping of 249.5 kg (550 lbs) and at 50 percent tipping of 362.9 kg (800 lbs). The S70 lists rating operating capacity at 50 percent tipping of 344.7 kg (760 lbs). If you size by 50 percent ROC, the 530 carries more by 40 lbs. Tipping load is 1701.0 kg (3750 lbs) on the 530, and 689.5 kg (1520 lbs) on the S70.
Bucket angles also help material handling. The 530 has a dump angle of 42 ° and a rollback angle of 24 °. The S70 has a dump angle of 34 ° and a rollback angle of 22 °. The 530 tips out faster at the top of the stroke and holds material slightly better on approach.
Hydraulics and cycle times
The S70 puts more into the hydraulics. Its pump capacity is 37.1 LPM (9.8 GPM) with relief valve pressure of 206.8 Bar (3000 psi). The 530 pump capacity is 32.1 LPM (8.3 GPM) with relief valve pressure of 103.4 Bar (1500 psi). The S70 also posts lift breakout force of 877.7 kg (1935 lbs), tilt breakout force of 884.5 kg (1950 lbs) and push force of 970.7 kg (2140 lbs). Breakout and push figures are not listed for the 530.
Cycle times back up the hydraulic advantage. The S70 raises its lift arms in 3.6 seconds and lowers in 2.7 seconds. It dumps in 1.7 seconds and rolls back in 2.1 seconds. The 530 raises in 4.0 seconds, lowers in 3.0 seconds, dumps in 2.5 seconds and rolls back in 2.0 seconds. The S70 is faster on raise, lower and dump. The 530 is slightly quicker on rollback.
Hydraulic tank capacity differs. The 530 holds 21.0 L (5.5 gal). The S70 holds 15.1 L (4.0 gal). Match attachments to the available flow and pressure, and account for the posted tank volumes.
Powertrain: gasoline vs diesel, output and torque
Engines separate these two. The 530 uses a Kohler K582 gasoline engine with 2 cylinders. It lists horsepower at 14.2 kW (19.0 HP) and gross power at 16.0 kW (21.5 HP). Rated speed is 2500 RPM, torque speed is 2200 RPM, displacement is 946 cc (57.7 cu. in.) and peak torque is 55.3 N∙m (40.8 ft-lb). Fuel tank capacity is 37.9 L (10.0 gal).
The S70 uses a Kubota D1005-E3B-BC-3 diesel with 3 cylinders and direct injection. It lists horsepower and gross power at 17.5 kW (23.5 HP), rated speed at 3000 RPM, torque speed at 2200 RPM, displacement at 1001 cc (61.1 cu in.) and peak torque at 62.8 N∙m (45.6 ft-lb). Compression ratio is 24:1. Fuel tank capacity is 24.6 L (6.5 gal).
On paper the S70 makes more power and torque. It also carries higher hydraulic pressure, which affects attachment performance. The 530 carries a larger fuel tank. Choose gasoline or diesel based on your fleet fuel and the specs above.
Speed, weight and tires
The S70 moves quicker. Maximum travel speed is 10.1 km (6.3 mph). The 530 tops at 8.9 km (5.5 mph). If your work cycles include longer runs between piles and trucks, the S70 saves time.
Operating weight is lighter on the S70 at 1311.8 kg (2892 lbs). The 530 weighs 1406.1 kg (3100 lbs). That is a difference of 208 lbs. Transport and trailer loading benefit from knowing both figures.
Both use small-diameter rubber tires, but sizes differ. The 530 lists 5.70×15 front and rear. The S70 lists 23, 5.70 x 12 front and rear. The S70’s compact width pairs with the 12 in. wheels. Check site surface and traction needs against the posted sizes.
Age, design and what the years imply
The 530 was built from 1977 to 1982. The S70 spec here is 2019. Both are vertical lift. Age ties back to the numbers above. The 530 prioritizes hinge pin height, dump reach, higher dump angle and a higher 50 percent ROC. The S70 pushes hydraulics harder, posts breakout and push, moves faster and fits the tightest spaces.
If you want cycle speed and attachment muscle at compact width, the S70 matches that brief. If your work is loading over taller sides or keeping more reach at full height while staying in a small footprint, the 530 aligns with those needs.
Which one to buy for your jobs
Pick the Bobcat S70 if you must pass through 91.4 cm (36.0 in.) gates or doorways, want faster raise and dump times, and plan to run tools that react to 37.1 LPM (9.8 GPM) at 206.8 Bar (3000 psi). The listed lift breakout force of 877.7 kg (1935 lbs), tilt breakout force of 884.5 kg (1950 lbs) and push force of 970.7 kg (2140 lbs) give you posted muscle for prying and pushing tasks.
Choose the Bobcat 530 if you need more lift height and reach to clear sides, want a higher 50 percent ROC of 362.9 kg (800 lbs), and prefer more ground clearance at 18.3 cm (7.2 in.). Its bucket hinge pin at 260.3 cm (102.5 in.), dump height at 215.9 cm (85.0 in.) and dump reach at 81.3 cm (32.0 in.) expand what you can load from a compact chassis.
Decision takeaway: buy the S70 for tight access, higher hydraulic pressure and quicker cycles, or buy the 530 for higher dump, farther reach and a higher rated load at 50 percent tipping.
