Versatility, labour efficiency and safety are the themes JCB North America is drawing on to promote the offerings in its new class of mid-size skid steer loaders.
Powered by 74-horsepower engines, the 250 and 290 offer rated operating capacities of about 2,531 and 3,029 pounds (defined as 50 per cent of the machine’s tip load), respectively, with hinge pin heights around 10 feet.
The new machines are the wheeled configurations of JCB’s 250T and 290T tracked skid steers, released earlier in 2026.
This combination of features provides the reach and lifting capability needed for loading feed mixers, stacking seed and fertilizer, handling pallets and moving hay, says the company.
JCB also touts the machines’ high-flow hydraulic options and operability with a wide range of attachments. The company has also brought its singular single-arm boom design to the mid-size skid steer class, pairing enhanced visibility with its unique side-door entry.
The 250 and 290 sport operating weights of 7,813 and 8,882 lb., respectively. The 250 is the better choice for producers navigating tight areas, says Lee Tice, senior product manager of compact equipment for JCB North America.
The machines also tackle some macro concerns in the broad agriculture space, says Tice, namely labour shortages and operator safety.
“North American producers continue to face labour shortages, making every employee and every piece of equipment more important than ever.
“The new 250 and 290 skid steer loaders are designed to help a single operator accomplish more throughout the day. Our industry-exclusive side door entry eliminates the need to climb over buckets, pallet forks and other attachments every time operators enter or exit the machine.
“It’s a smarter design that improves productivity, enhances safety and helps operators keep work moving.”
Some key specs:
Type of engine: Kohler with no DEF, DPF or engine aftertreatment (250 and 290 models).
Travel speed: 18.5 kilometres per hour (250), 20 km/h (290).
Hinge pin height: nine feet, 10 inches (250), 10’6” (290).
Loader lift capacity: 4,129 lb. (250), 6,056 lb. (290).
Bucket tilt breakout: 5,912 lb. (250), 6,543 lb. (290).
250 meets the ‘Goldilocks’ standard
Skid steers generally can’t carry the payload weight of, for example, an articulated loader. Rather, their primary appeal lies in their operational versatility and easily applied attachments, says Tice.
“I think it’s just that kind of Goldilocks of a machine size. The machine is really kind of compact but also able to get the job done.”
The JCB 250 and 290 skid steer loaders are available to order for future delivery in both Canada and the United States.
