How to Buy the Best Used Skid Steers?
Purchasing a used skid steer can save thousands compared to buying new while delivering the power your projects demand. However, the wrong choice costs even more in repairs and downtime. Finding the best used skid steers requires knowing what to inspect, which brands offer reliability, and how to evaluate true condition beyond seller claims.
The used skid steer market shows interesting trends. Average prices topped $40,461 in late 2024 before settling around $39,205 in early 2025. The average age increased from 6.5 to 7.5 years, meaning more older machines are available. You'll find units ranging from barely broken-in to well-worn loaders approaching 5,000 hours.
Table of Contents:
- Best Used Skid Steer Brands
- Hours and Usage — Critical Evaluation Factors
- Self Serve Inspections — Essential Checks
- Maintenance Records Matter
- Price, Budget, and Total Cost
- Where to Shop?
- FAQ
Best Used Skid Steer Brands
Brand reputation matters enormously with used equipment. Some manufacturers produce machines that keep running long after others quit.
Bobcat dominates used skid steer sales at 28% of financed units. The S650 and S750 models are particularly reliable with strong resale value. Bobcat invented the skid steer in 1960, spending decades refining designs. Parts availability is excellent nationwide.
CAT skid steers command premium prices but deliver durability. The 262D and 246D offer smooth hydraulics and long service lives. Expect CAT machines priced $10,000—$20,000 higher than comparable brands, but their reliability often justifies the cost.
Kubota captured 19% of new sales since entering the market in 2015. The SSV-75 and SSV-65 have proven themselves reliable. Kubota's diesel engines deliver fuel efficiency and longevity, while their operator comfort focus boosts productivity.
John Deere models like the 318G and 324G offer solid performance and good dealer support. Deere machines provide excellent maintenance access, with boom and cab designs allowing easy service.
New Holland delivers quality at more affordable price points. The L228 and L220 provide good visibility and efficient power. While not matching premium brands everywhere, New Holland offers reliable performance for tighter budgets.
Case skid steers, particularly the SR210 and SV280B, excel at lift capacity and operator comfort. The SV280B frequently tops used sales lists with excellent visibility and straightforward controls.
"Don't let a low price tag blind you to the total cost of ownership. A machine with 3,000 hours worked over two years was pushed three times harder than one with the same hours over six years. Always perform the 'blow-by' test: if dark smoke billows from the oil fill port while the engine is running, walk away—that's a sign of weak compression and an impending multi-thousand-dollar overhaul. Aim for the 2,500—3,500 hour 'sweet spot' where the machine still has half its reliable life remaining."
— Tip from the Skidsteers.com team
Hours and Usage — Critical Evaluation Factors
Operating hours tell crucial stories, but context matters more than raw numbers. Skid steers typically last around 5,000 hours before major maintenance. Larger 80-hp models often exceed 8,000 hours before engine overhauls, while smaller 40-hp machines might need work around 4,000 hours. Most professionals consider 2,500—3,500 hours as having reliable use remaining.
A 2-year-old machine with 3,000 hours worked full-time at 30 hours weekly — heavy use accelerating wear. A 4-year-old with 2,000 hours averaged 10 hours weekly, suggesting lighter duty and less wear. Calculate weekly averages to reveal usage patterns.
Machine history matters as much as hours. Farm work or snow removal causes less abuse than construction sites breaking concrete or digging rocky soil. Always ask detailed questions about usage and attachments operated.
Self Serve Inspections — Essential Checks
Never purchase without personally examining and operating the machine. Here's what to inspect.
Engine Assessment
Check oil levels and appearance. Thick, tar-like oil indicates poor maintenance. Start the engine and listen for knocking or rattling. Diesel engines may smoke briefly on startup, but smoking past 10 seconds signals problems. Rev the engine and remove the oil cap while running — dark smoke suggests weak compression.
Hydraulic System Inspection
The hydraulic system powers every function. Check fluid levels and appearance; dark, contaminated fluid means neglected maintenance. Inspect all hoses for cracks, leaks, or wear at connection points. Start the machine and engage hydraulics — lift arms should move smoothly without jerking. Lift the boom fully and watch if it holds position or slowly sinks, indicating leaks requiring expensive repairs.
Structural Components
Walk around checking the frame and lift arms for cracks, bends, or welding repairs. Previous damage could indicate overloading. Inspect the undercarriage for dents, rust, or impact damage. Check pins and bushings connecting moving parts — excessive play accelerates wear. Grab the boom and move it side to side — minimal movement is normal, but excessive slop indicates worn components.
Wheels, Tires, and Tracks
For wheeled machines, inspect tires for even wear, punctures, or patches. Multiple patches suggest end-of-life tires. Check for axle seal leaks around wheel hubs. For tracked machines, examine rubber tracks for stretching, cracking, or chunking that affects traction and slope handling.
Controls and Functions
Test everything. Verify seat belt, lights, gauges, switches, and safety features work. Test horn and backup alarm. Operate the attachment coupler — it should lock smoothly. Run through full range: forward, reverse, turning, boom lift, tilt, and auxiliary hydraulics. Controls should respond immediately without lag.
Maintenance Records Matter
Always request complete service records. Well-maintained machines show regular oil changes, filter replacements, and scheduled maintenance at recommended intervals. Look for consistent hydraulic fluid changes and daily or weekly greasing — machines receiving proper lubrication experience far less wear on pins and bushings.
Ask when final drives were last serviced, as this repair often gets neglected and costs significant money to fix. Single-owner machines generally offer better reliability than those changing hands multiple times.
Price, Budget, and Total Cost
Understand not just purchase price but total cost of ownership. A cheap machine with 4,500 hours might cost more than a pricier unit with 2,000 hours after repairs. Dealers cost 20-30% more than private sales but provide warranties. Private purchases offer lowest prices with no guarantees. Calculate immediate repair needs when determining true investment — that bargain might need $3,000 in tires and hoses immediately.
Where to Shop?
Each purchasing channel offers different advantages depending on your budget and risk tolerance.
| Channel | Price | Risk Level | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer | High (+20-30%) | Low | Warranties, inspections, financing, parts support. | New owners, businesses needing reliability. |
| Private Sale | Lowest | High | Maximum negotiating leverage, direct history. | Experienced mechanics, cash buyers. |
| Auction | Mid-Range | High | Potential for "steals," wide selection. | Seasoned buyers who can evaluate fast. |
Dealer purchases cost 20-30% more than private sales, but you're paying for peace of mind. Most dealers inspect and recondition used equipment before listing it for sale, fixing obvious issues and ensuring machines start and operate properly. Many offer limited warranties covering major components for 30-90 days, protecting you from immediate catastrophic failures. Dealers also provide ongoing parts support and service after your purchase, which matters when you need repairs or replacement components. Financing is typically easier through dealers, as lenders prefer the security of dealer transactions. If you're a new member to the equipment buying world or lack mechanical expertise, dealer purchases minimize your risk considerably.
Private party sales deliver the lowest prices, potentially saving you thousands compared to dealer pricing. However, you assume all risk in these transactions — what you see is exactly what you get, and sellers provide no recourse if problems emerge after purchase. This makes thorough self serve inspections absolutely critical. If you lack mechanical knowledge, bring an experienced mechanic to evaluate the machine before committing. Private sellers often want quick sales and may accept lower offers, especially if they need to free up space or money immediately. Cash buyers have significant negotiating leverage in private transactions.
Auction purchases fall somewhere between dealer security and private party pricing. Equipment auctions can yield excellent deals, but they require experience and quick decision-making. You typically get limited inspection time — sometimes just 15-30 minutes before bidding starts. You must evaluate condition quickly and bid competitively without knowing other buyers' maximum limits. Auction buyers also face buyer's premiums (typically 10% of the purchase price) and must arrange immediate payment and transportation. Successful auction buying requires understanding current market values thoroughly and being willing to walk away when bidding exceeds reasonable limits.
Making the Right Decision
The best used skid steer balances price, remaining service life, repair costs, and capability. Don't buy solely on price or brand — a well-maintained second-tier machine often outperforms a neglected premium brand. Slightly higher cost with excellent records and low hours beats cheap high-hour units needing constant repairs.
Consider dealer support and parts availability in your location. Brands with strong networks and readily available parts keep you working. When you need replacement components, quality tires, or performance attachments, having trusted suppliers makes the difference. At skidsteers.com we carry an extensive selection of parts, tires, tracks, and attachments for all major brands, helping you keep your machine running at peak performance.
FAQ
How many hours is too many for a used skid steer?
Most skid steers require major maintenance around 5,000 hours. While large 80-hp models can reach 8,000 hours, machines in the 2,500—3,500 range are generally considered to have the best balance of remaining life and price.
Which brands have the best resale value and reliability?
Bobcat leads the market with 28% of sales, particularly the S650 and S750 models. CAT (262D/246D) commands a premium for durability, while Kubota (SSV-75) is highly regarded for its fuel-efficient engines and operator comfort.
How do I check the hydraulic system during an inspection?
Check for dark or contaminated fluid. Lift the boom fully and shut off the engine; if the boom slowly sinks (drifts), it indicates internal leaks in the cylinders or valves, which are expensive to repair.
What is the "Weekly Average" calculation?
Divide the total hours by the number of weeks the machine has been in service. A high weekly average (e.g., 30+ hours) indicates heavy, full-time professional use, whereas a low average (10 hours) suggests lighter, intermittent duty.
What should I look for in the engine besides leaks?
Start the engine cold. Smoke that persists past 10 seconds indicates problems. Remove the oil cap while the engine is running; excessive dark smoke (blow-by) signals worn piston rings or weak compression.