RIPPA Skid Steer Loader Comparison: RS03 vs RS04 vs RS06 vs RS07 vs RS20

Mar 25, 2026

Quick Answer: Which RIPPA Skid Steer Fits Your Operation?

Modello Best For Key Strength
RS03 Light landscaping, hobby farms Ultra-compact, easy transport, gasoline engine
RS04 Small construction, livestock More power, still compact, versatile
RS06 Municipal work, general contracting Kubota diesel, load-sensing hydraulics
RS07 High stacking, truck loading Vertical lift, high travel speed (8 km/h)
RS20 Heavy industrial, mining Commercial-grade, 1,050 kg capacity

The right choice depends on your primary attachments, daily workload, and operating environment.

1. Why Model Selection Matters

RIPPA offers five distinct skid steer models, each designed for specific applications. Choosing the right model ensures you get the performance you need without paying for capacity you’ll never use or, worse, finding your machine underpowered for critical tasks.

This comparison breaks down each model’s specifications, strengths, and ideal applications so you can make an informed decision.

2. Model Comparison at a Glance

Specifiche RS03 RS04 RS06 RS07 RS20
Weight 725 kg 981 kg 1,201 kg 1,230 kg 4,225 kg
Motore Runtong R420 gas Briggs & Stratton gas Kubota D1105 diesel Kubota D1105 diesel Yanmar 4TNV98C diesel
Power 8.6 kW 17 kW 18,4 kW 18,4 kW 49.9 kW
Rated Load 140 kg 175 kg 325 kg 300 kg 1,050 kg
Travel Speed 0–2.5 km/h 0–3 km/h 0–5 km/h 0–8 km/h 0–10 km/h
Hydraulic Flow Standard Standard 84 L/min (load-sensing) 48 L/min (closed-circuit) 108+108 L/min dual pump
Lift Type Radial Radial Radial Vertical Vertical
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline Diesel Diesel Diesel
Fuel Consumption 0.8–1.2 L/h 0.8–1.2 L/h 1.3–1.5 L/h 1.3–1.5 L/h 13.36 L/h

   

3. Detailed Model Analysis

RS03: The Lightweight Entry Point

The RS03 is RIPPA’s smallest skid steer, designed for users who need compact size and easy transport above all else .

Specifiche principali:

What It Excels At:

Limitations:

Best For: Hobby farms, landscaping, light commercial, rental fleets

RS04: The Versatile Gas-Powered Option

The RS04 offers significantly more power than the RS03 while maintaining a compact footprint .

Specifiche principali:

What It Excels At:

Limitations:

Best For: Small construction, livestock operations, light commercial

RS06: The Kubota-Powered Workhorse

The RS06 introduces Kubota diesel reliability with significantly higher capacity and advanced hydraulics .

Specifiche principali:

What It Excels At:

Key Technology:

Best For: Contractors, municipalities, rental fleets

RS07: The High-Speed Vertical Lift Model

The RS07 combines the Kubota engine with vertical lift capability and higher travel speed for efficient loading .

Specifiche principali:

What It Excels At:

Key Technology:

Best For: Contractors needing truck loading, municipalities, landscapers

RS20: The Commercial Heavy-Duty Flagship

The RS20 is RIPPA’s largest skid steer, built for serious commercial applications requiring maximum capacity and power .

Specifiche principali:

What It Excels At:

Key Technology:

Best For: Heavy contractors, industrial operations, mining

4. Application-Based Recommendations

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance

Task Recommended Model Why
Small garden work RS03 Compact, lightweight
Grading and leveling RS06, RS07 Sufficient power, good visibility
Brush clearing RS06, RS07 High-flow hydraulics for grapples
Snow removal (small lots) RS06, RS07 Fast travel speed, vertical lift
Snow removal (large lots) RS20 Maximum capacity, high speed

Agriculture and Farming

Task Recommended Model Why
Feedlot cleaning RS03, RS04 Compact, easy to maneuver
Manure handling RS03, RS04 Lightweight, low ground pressure
Orchard work RS03, RS04 Narrow width, gas engine
Hay and straw moving RS06, RS07 Higher capacity, diesel efficiency
Large farm operations RS20 Maximum capacity, durability

Construction and Site Work

Task Recommended Model Why
Small residential sites RS06, RS07 Versatile, easy transport
Truck loading RS07, RS20 Vertical lift, high reach
Demolition RS20 Maximum power, high-flow hydraulics
Site preparation RS06, RS07, RS20 Depends on site size
Material handling RS06, RS07, RS20 Capacity determines choice

Municipal and Public Works

Task Recommended Model Why
Road maintenance RS06, RS07 Reliable Kubota diesel
Sidewalk clearing RS06, RS07 Compact, maneuverable
Storm cleanup RS06, RS07, RS20 Depends on debris volume
Parks maintenance RS06, RS07 Versatile attachment options

5. Technology Comparison

Hydraulic Systems

Modello Hydraulic Type Flow Best Attachments
RS03 Standard Low Bucket, light rake
RS04 Standard Low Bucket, light rake
RS06 Load-sensing 84 L/min Augers, grapples, breakers
RS07 Closed-circuit 48 L/min High-speed applications
RS20 Load-sensing dual pump 108+108 L/min Forestry mulchers, heavy breakers

Lift Arm Design

Modello Lift Type Best For
RS03 Radial Dirt work, grading
RS04 Radial General purpose
RS06 Radial General contracting
RS07 Vertical Truck loading, high stacking
RS20 Vertical Commercial loading

Engine Comparison

Modello Engine Type Efficienza del carburante Maintenance
RS03 Gasoline 0.8–1.2 L/h Lower initial cost, higher fuel cost
RS04 Gasoline 0.8–1.2 L/h Lower initial cost, higher fuel cost
RS06 Kubota diesel 1.3–1.5 L/h Efficient, long life, higher initial cost
RS07 Kubota diesel 1.3–1.5 L/h Efficient, long life
RS20 Yanmar diesel 13.36 L/h Maximum power, commercial-grade

6. Cost of Ownership Comparison

Purchase Price Ranges

Modello New Price Range Used Price Range
RS03 $12,000–$18,000 $7,000–$12,000
RS04 $15,000–$22,000 $9,000–$15,000
RS06 $28,000–$35,000 $18,000–$25,000
RS07 $30,000–$38,000 $20,000–$28,000
RS20 $45,000–$55,000 $30,000–$40,000

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership (500 hours/year)

Cost Factor RS03/RS04 RS06/RS07 RS20
Purchase price $15,000–$20,000 $30,000–$36,000 $50,000
Fuel (5 years) $3,000–$5,000 $4,000–$7,500 $15,000–$25,000
Maintenance (5 years) $2,500–$4,000 $4,000–$6,000 $8,000–$12,000
Repairs (5 years) $1,500–$3,000 $2,500–$5,000 $5,000–$10,000
Resale value -$5,000–$8,000 -$12,000–$18,000 -$20,000–$25,000
Net 5-year cost $17,000–$24,000 $28,500–$36,500 $58,000–$72,000

Key insight: The RS06 offers the best value for most commercial users, balancing capacity and operating costs .

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which model is best for a first-time buyer?

The RS03 is ideal for first-time buyers due to its compact size, lower cost, and forgiving operation. The RS04 offers more power for those who anticipate heavier use .

Q2: What’s the difference between RS06 and RS07?

The RS06 has radial lift and slightly higher rated load (325 kg vs 300 kg). The RS07 has vertical lift for better truck loading and higher travel speed (8 km/h vs 5 km/h) .

Q3: Can the RS20 run a forestry mulcher?

Yes. The RS20’s dual-pump hydraulic system (108+108 L/min) provides ample flow for demanding attachments like forestry mulchers .

Q4: Which model is best for snow removal?

The RS07 with its 8 km/h travel speed and vertical lift is excellent for snow removal. The RS20 is better for large parking lots requiring maximum capacity .

Q5: Are attachments interchangeable between models?

Attachments that match the quick coupler pattern and hydraulic flow requirements are interchangeable. RS06, RS07, and RS20 share common patterns, while RS03 and RS04 use lighter-duty attachments .

Q6: How do I transport these machines?

Transport requirements:

8. Conclusion

RIPPA’s skid steer lineup offers a clear progression from the compact RS03 to the commercial-grade RS20:

All models share RIPPA’s commitment to fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and reliable performance. Choose based on your primary applications, daily workload, and budget.

Ready to select your RIPPA skid steer? Contact RIPPA directly for current pricing, specifications, and a personalized recommendation based on your operation’s needs.

Rippa Group
Richiamami