You need robust machines at a price you can afford. Used equipment from a reputable dealer performs reliably at a fraction of the typical costs of brand-new models, helping you save money. Skid steers are essential for various applications because of their powerful digging, lifting, and transporting capabilities. Whether you’re in contracting or landscaping, a used skid steer can help you elevate your business without overstepping your budget.
Understanding how to buy a used skid steer helps ensure you invest in quality equipment. Consider a few helpful tips and best practices before making your next purchase.
Refer to our used skid steer buying guide below.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Skid Steer
Always ensure a skid steer matches your needs before investing in it. Consider the following factors in your search:
- Power and size: Assess your typical project’s power requirements. Small skid steers can handle lighter-duty tasks requiring precision. Larger skid steers deliver more power for heavy-duty tasks and expansive work areas.
- Lifting capacity: Consider what type of material you need to handle and the typical load size you need to transport. Your equipment’s lifting capacity is the total weight it can lift and move without tipping over. Staying within this weight is vital for safety and equipment health.
- Compatible attachments: A skid steer’s size, hydraulic flow rate, and lifting capacity impact the types of attachments you can use. Ensure the skid steer you choose is compatible with the attachments you need.
- Past ownership: In some cases, you can inquire about a skid steer’s past ownership, including typical applications and usage patterns.
- Maintenance records: Maintenance records are important for determining a piece of equipment’s overall condition and expected longevity. Choose a skid steer that has undergone regular maintenance and inspections.
- Manufacturer: Look for reputable equipment manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, that you can trust. Industry-leading manufacturers provide equipment that lasts and delivers excellent performance. You can typically expect to get more years out of a quality preowned skid steer than you would from a lower-quality option.
Evaluating Used Skid Steers
Thorough inspection is helpful, especially if you cannot access a skid steer’s maintenance records. Visually check the following elements to evaluate a skid steer’s condition before purchasing it:
- Exterior surfaces: Inspect a skid steer’s exterior components for signs of general wear and tear. Look closely at welds and frames for signs such as rust, cracks, dents, and scratches. You should also check boom pins, bushings, and the equipment’s quick attach.
- Interior components: Look inside the operator’s cab for signs of damage. Pay attention to its safety features, such as the lap bar and seat belt, to ensure they are in good condition. While inspecting the cab, test the equipment’s controls such as the pedals, levers, and brakes.
- Engine: Inspect the engine for potential maintenance complications such as unusual noises, leaks, and excessive dirt buildup.
- Tires: Assess each tire’s overall condition, ensuring proper inflation and looking for uneven wear.
- Hydraulic system: Check the hydraulic system to ensure it functions properly and is leak-free. Look closely at the hoses and cylinders for signs of wear or damage. You can also test the arms to ensure they lift and lower smoothly.
- Transmission: Drive the skid steer in different gears to ensure a healthy transmission. It should shift without issue.
Should You Buy a Used Skid Steer?
A skid steer is an excellent piece of equipment for digging, demolition and material handling applications. However, it’s important to determine if a skid steer is the best option for your specific needs.
Investing in a skid steer can be an advantageous move if one or more of the following factors apply:
- Flat, firm surfaces: A skid steer’s wheels help it move swiftly over flat, hard-packed surfaces. If your jobsite terrain mainly consists of concrete, asphalt, or compact dirt, a skid steer is the best type of equipment.
- Tight spaces: Skid steers are compact and can pivot in place, making it easier to maneuver in narrow or confined spaces. Choose a skid steer if you work on a crowded jobsite or maneuverability is your top priority.
- Precision: A skid steer offers greater front visibility than other types of equipment because of its compact size. Invest in a skid steer if you need to complete tasks with precision.
Buying Used vs. New Skid Steers
You also need to decide between buying a new or used skid steer. A used skid steer is a fantastic option if you are on a limited budget or just starting a business. While a new skid steer offers the greatest longevity, a used model is a reliable alternative if you want to save money. It also gives you more value for your investment because it helps decrease depreciation costs.
Buying used equipment significantly lowers your upfront investment, but you should also understand the total expense of ownership. Work these factors into your budget before buying a used skid steer:
- Regular maintenance
- Potential repair needs
- Fuel consumption
- Tire replacement
- Insurance
Tips for Choosing a Reputable Equipment Dealer
Use these tips to find a reputable dealer for your next skid steer purchase:
- Experience and expertise: Look for an established dealership that specializes in construction equipment. Their team should be well-versed in the machines they sell and able to determine the right models for your specific project tasks.
- Certifications and partnerships: Prioritize companies that offer certified preowned equipment.
- Reputation: Read past customer reviews and testimonials to gauge a dealer’s reputation.
- Warranties and service: Choose a dealer that provides preventive maintenance and equipment warranties.
- Customer support: Work only with dealers who prioritize quality customer service. They should be highly responsive and answer your questions promptly.
- Financing options: Ask dealers if they offer financing options, and learn about the requirements ahead of time.
The right dealer will provide quality used skid steers and the support you need throughout the buying process.
Find Dependable Used Skid Steers From Thompson Machinery
A quality used skid steer delivers reliable performance without driving up your operating costs. Purchasing used equipment from a reputable dealer you trust is the best way to ensure lasting operation. Thompson Machinery carries a wide range of used skid steers, servicing each piece of equipment before sale.
At Thompson Machinery, we are dedicated to providing only the highest-quality machines. Our professionals can help you find the perfect equipment for your needs and figure out the best solution for your budget. Special equipment financing options and rental equipment make it easier to access what you need at costs you can afford. You can also depend on us for preventive maintenance and repair services, keeping your machine in excellent shape for longer.
Contact us to find the right skid steer for your fleet.
