Skid Steers: buying guide, prices & sourcing
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Quick answer
A skid steer is a compact, highly maneuverable loader that turns by skidding its wheels (or tracks on a compact track loader). Used units commonly range from roughly $15,000 to $50,000 depending on capacity, hours, and condition.
What is a skid steer?
A skid steer loader is a rigid-frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms that accept a wide range of attachments. It steers by varying the speed of the wheels on each side, giving it an extremely tight turning radius for its size.
Common uses
- Loading and moving material
- Grading and site prep
- Snow removal
- Landscaping and demolition with attachments
- Digging, augering, and sweeping via attachments
Approximate used pricing
Ranges are approximate and for orientation only. Actual pricing varies by hours, condition, configuration, region, and season. We do not guarantee prices or maintain live inventory.
New vs. used
Compact track loaders hold value well and can be expensive new. Used wheeled skid steers in the 1,000–3,000 hour range frequently offer strong value if the drivetrain and hydraulics check out.
What to inspect before buying
- Tires or tracks and undercarriage wear
- Lift arm pins, bushings, and quick-attach plate
- Hydraulic system for leaks and auxiliary flow
- Chaincase / drivetrain noise (wheeled units)
- Loader hydraulics under load and lift capacity
- Service records and hour meter
How usage affects value
Skid steers are worked hard. Many remain solid buys up to ~2,500–3,500 hours with documented maintenance. Track loaders add undercarriage wear as a major cost factor.
Buying considerations
- Wheeled vs compact track loader for your ground conditions
- Rated operating capacity vs your typical loads
- Standard vs high-flow auxiliary hydraulics for attachments
- Cab comfort and enclosed vs open station
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring undercarriage wear on track loaders
- Buying too little lift capacity for the work
- Not verifying high-flow needs for planned attachments
- Skipping a loaded hydraulic test
Model buying guides
In-depth, spec-verified research pages for models buyers ask about most. We can source any make or model — these are a starting point, not the limit.
- Bobcat S650Skid-steer loader (wheeled, vertical-lift path)A versatile, widely supported vertical-lift skid steer. Prioritize a unit with documented service, tight hydraulics, and a sound drivetrain over the lowest price.
- Bobcat S770Skid-steer loader (wheeled, vertical-lift path)A high-capacity skid steer for heavier loading and attachment work. Match the hydraulic configuration to your attachments and confirm the drivetrain and hydraulics are strong under load.
- CAT 262DSkid-steer loader (wheeled, vertical-lift path)A capable vertical-lift skid steer backed by Caterpillar's dealer network. Confirm whether the counterweight is fitted and compare its ROC to rivals on the same tipping-load basis.
- John Deere 333GCompact track loader (tracked)A powerful large-frame track loader for soft ground and heavy attachment work. The undercarriage is the defining used-buying cost — inspect tracks, rollers, idlers, and sprockets closely.
- Kubota SVL75-2Compact track loader (tracked)A well-regarded mid-size track loader for soft ground. As with any track machine, the undercarriage condition is central to the used-buying decision.
Other popular models
Models buyers commonly ask about in this category. We can source any make or model — these are a starting point, not the limit.
Frequently asked questions
Related buying guides
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