EF Logo

Bobcat S590 vs Cat 236

The Bobcat S590 is the heavier machine, at 3.05 t against 2.97 t, and the Bobcat S590 has more power (49.2 kW against 48.4 kW).

The Bobcat S590 is ahead on: more torque, lifts or carries more, bigger fuel tank, faster, turns tighter, narrower to transport, lower to transport. The Cat 236 is ahead on: dumps higher, reaches higher, more digging or pushing force, more hydraulic flow.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Bobcat S590 and the Cat 236 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. Bobcat · skid steer loader

    Bobcat S590

    Full specsPDF

  2. Cat · skid steer loader

    Cat 236

    Full specsPDF

  3. Add a model

At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

FigureBobcat S590Cat 236
Operating weight3,054 kg2,972 kg
Max torqueHigher is better218 Nm+9%200 Nm
Dump height with standard bucketHigher is better2.319 m2.359 m+2%
Operating heightHigher is better3.901 m3.977 m+2%
Rated operating capacityHigher is better998 kg+21%825 kg
Tilt breakout forceHigher is better1,976 kgf2,269 kgf+15%
Pump flowHigher is better65 L/min76 L/min+17%
Fuel tankHigher is better93.7 L+8%87 L
Top speedHigher is better12.6 km/h+4%12.1 km/h
Turning radius with standard bucketLower is better2.024 m+4%2.107 m
Width over tyresLower is better1.656 m+1%1.676 m
Height with operator cabLower is better1.972 m+5%2.082 m
Length with standard bucket3.378 m3.487 m

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Dimensions

Operating height3.901 m3.977 mmaximum overall height
Height with operator cab1.972 m2.082 mheight to top of cab
Angle of departure24°26°
Ground clearance0.185 m0.195 m
Wheelbase1.082 m1.105 m
Length without attachment2.657 m2.767 mwithout bucket
Length with standard bucket3.378 m3.487 mbucket on ground
Rollback at ground position30°Not published
Dump height with standard bucket2.319 m2.359 mclearance at maximum lift and dump
Height to bucket hinge pin3.023 m3.122 mat maximum lift
Dump reach at maximum height0.828 m0.408 mreach at maximum lift and dump
Dump angle at maximum height42°48°maximum dump angle
Rollback fully raised at maximum height97°91°rack back angle at maximum height
Width with standard bucket1.727 mNot published
Turning radius with standard bucket2.024 m2.107 mfrom centre to bucket
Tread width1.402 mstandard tyresNot published
Width over tyres1.656 mstandard tyres1.676 m
Bucket pin height at carry positionNot published0.19 m
Bumper overhang behind rear axleNot published1.021 m
Turning radius from centre, machine rearNot published1.639 m
Turning radius from centre, couplerNot published1.314 m
Maximum reach with arms parallel to groundNot published1.353 m
Bucket widthNot published1.73 m

Weight

Operating weight3,054 kg2,972 kg
Shipping weight2,710 kgNot published

Performance

Rated operating capacity998 kgISO 14397-1825 kg
Tipping load1,995 kgISO 14397-11,650 kg
Lift breakout force2,059 kgfISO 14397-2Not published
Tilt breakout force1,976 kgfISO 14397-22,269 kgftilt cylinder
Push force2,414 kgfNot published
Top speed12.6 km/hstandard12.1 km/hone speed, forward or reverse
Top speed (two-speed option)18.8 km/hhigh range18.3 km/hforward or reverse
Rated operating capacity with optional counterweightNot published915 kg

Engine

Engine modelKubota V2607-DI-TE3B-BC-ICat C2.2
EmissionsInterim Tier 4 (iT4)Not published
Cylinders4Not published
Displacement2.6 L2600 cm32.2 L
Gross power49.2 kW (66 hp)at 2,700 rpm (SAE J1995)49.2 kW (65.9 hp)SAE J1995
Max torque218 Nmat 1,425 rpm (SAE J1995 gross)200 Nmat 1,800 rpm (SAE J1995)
BoreNot published84 mm
StrokeNot published100 mm
Net powerNot published48.4 kW (64.9 hp)SAE 1349

Hydraulics

Pump flow65 L/minstandard flow, gear pump76 L/minstandard flow, loader hydraulic flow
Pump flow (high flow)101 L/minhigh-flow optionNot published
Max pressure23.8-24.5 MPasystem relief at quick couplers23 000 kPaloader hydraulic pressure, standard flow
Hydraulic powerNot published29 kW (39 hp)standard flow, calculated

Tyres

Tyres10 x 16.5, 10-ply, heavy dutystandardCat 10 × 16.5

Service capacities

Fuel tank93.7 L87 L
Engine oil, with filter9.7 L10 L
Hydraulic tank7.6 Lhydraulic/hydrostatic reservoir39 L
Hydraulic system, with tank36 L50 L
Cooling system11.7 Lwith heater12 L
Chaincase32.2 Ltransmission chaincase reservoirNot published
Chain box, each sideNot published8.8 L

Service intervals

Engine oil and filter250 hours500 hours
Fuel filters250 hours500 hours
Hydraulic charge filter500 hourswith reservoir breather capNot published
Hydraulic/hydrostatic filter1,000 hoursNot published
Hydraulic oil1,000 hours3,000 hours
Chaincase oil1,000 hoursNot published
Coolantevery 24 monthsNot published
Air filter, primary and secondaryNot published500 hours
Hydraulic oil filterNot published1,000 hours
Drive chain oilNot published1,000 hours

Cab

ROPSNot publishedISO 3471:2008
FOPSNot publishedISO 3449:2005 Level I
Sound level, inside cabNot published83 dB(A)ISO 6396:2008
Sound level, outside cabNot published101 dB(A)2000/14/EC

Sources: Bobcat MEA S590 skid-steer loader specifications page · Cat 236D3 Skid Steer Loader spec sheet AEHQ8218-03 (05-2025), S Am / AME / Eurasia / APD-LRC

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

0 m1 m2 m3 m
Bobcat S590Cat 236Same scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Bobcat S590 vs Cat 236: questions

Which is bigger, the Bobcat S590 or Cat 236?

By operating weight the Bobcat S590 is the biggest at 3.05 t, then the Cat 236 at 2.97 t.

Which lifts or carries more, the Bobcat S590 or Cat 236?

The Bobcat S590: Bobcat S590 998 kg, Cat 236 825 kg (rated operating capacity), a 21% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Bobcat S590 or Cat 236?

The Bobcat S590: Bobcat S590 93.7 L, Cat 236 87 L (fuel tank), a 8% difference.

Which turns tighter, the Bobcat S590 or Cat 236?

The Bobcat S590: Bobcat S590 2.024 m, Cat 236 2.107 m (turning radius with standard bucket), a 4% difference.

Which is narrower to transport, the Bobcat S590 or Cat 236?

The Bobcat S590: Bobcat S590 1.656 m, Cat 236 1.676 m (width over tyres), a 1% difference.

Where do these figures come from?

Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.

Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?

Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.

More comparisons

EquipmentsFinder

Need equipment? Have equipment?

Buyers post one request and get quotes from suppliers. Suppliers list free and reach active demand.