Updated Dec 12, 2024
Few pieces of equipment are as versatile as a skid steer. These mighty machines can come with hefty price tags, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to find a model that fits your needs and budget. So, how much does a skid steer cost in 2024? The simple answer: it depends. We’ve scoured models from dozens of brands to create a skid steer price guide that helps you prepare to buy equipment. Below, we break down everything you need to know to make the best purchase for your needs.
How Much Does a Skid Steer Cost? Average Prices
The price of a skid steer comes down to its size, features, and condition. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs associated with different skid steer options:
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New skid steers typically cost between $15,000 and $50,000.
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Brand new large skid steer loaders (with a lift capacity of over 2000 lbs) tend to cost at least $30,000.
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Some advanced new models may cost as much as $100,000 or more, depending on the attachments you choose.
Used skid steer prices vary based on age, use, and the condition of the market.
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Older, high-hour models may sell for as little as approximately $5,000.
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Quality low-hour models in good condition may sell for anywhere between $20,000 to $85,000.
Remember, these averages are estimates based on the current market value for machines from leading brands. It’s always possible to find skid steers with costs that fall outside this range.
2024 Skid Steer Cost Breakdown: Estimates by Brand
The estimates above are averages that cover models spanning different brands and locations. Let’s zoom in a bit to examine skid steer cost differences between some of the most popular models on the market from leading manufacturers.
|
Model |
Lift & Load Capacity (lbs) |
Avg. Price: (New) |
Avg. Price: (Used) |
|
2,690 |
$60,000 |
$20,000-$30,000 |
|
|
3,400 |
$80,000 |
$50,000 |
|
|
2,700 |
$65,000-$75,000 |
$40,000 |
|
|
1,950 |
$50,000 |
$37,500 |
|
|
1,750 |
$60,000 |
$38,000 |
|
|
2,800 |
$70,000 |
$50,000 |
While prices are important to look at, they’re not the only thing worth considering as you choose a skid steer.
The biggest factor that should guide your decision is the kind of task you want to complete with your machine. You don’t have to pay a fortune to get a machine that works well, but you also may want to invest more in your skid steer if you plan to use it for demanding work.
How Much Does a New Skid Steer Cost?
As of 2024, the cost of a new skid steer usually falls between $30,000 and $120,000. This price will depend heavily on factors like size, capacity, brand, and model.
The less powerful the machine is, the cheaper it will likely be – and vice versa. Where you buy your skid steer matters, too, as some brands charge noticeably more for their machinery than others. The prices will also differ from one dealer to the next. For example, take these price averages from two major skid steer manufacturers:
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Bobcat: $28,000 - $100,000
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John Deere: $37,000 - $115,000
Another thing to consider when shopping for a new machine is the likelihood of needing to buy attachments. These add-ons can quickly skyrocket the price of a skid steer loader.
From simple additions like buckets or augers to heavy-duty attachments like backhoes, the attachments you choose may add anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 to your purchase.
A Note on Compact Track Loader Costs
Compact track loaders are similar but distinct pieces of machinery that are often lumped in with skid steers. Both have the same basic functionality, but while skid steers have wheels or tires, track loaders have tracks (what a genius name, right?), making them a bit more versatile when ground conditions are less than ideal.
This difference is important to keep in mind for a few reasons. First, you may stumble upon compact track loaders while exploring your skid steer options – and, depending on your circumstances, this may or may not be what you’re actually looking for.
Second, compact track loaders are usually a bit more pricey than skid loaders, with new models usually costing a $6,000-9,000 premium compared to their wheeled counterparts. An added benefit of tracked loaders is that they tend to depreciate more slowly, so if you’re trying to maximize its value when it comes time to upgrade, then that might be worth factoring that into your decision as well.
If you’re looking for a slightly more versatile machine and aren’t afraid to pay for it, then a compact track loader might be for you. Otherwise, make sure you pay close attention to the models you consider to ensure you’re getting the right equipment for your money.
How Much Does a Used Skid Steer Cost?
Buying a used skid steer is a great way to get your hands on a piece of machinery without going over budget. The cost of a used skid steer will change based on its age, usage, and condition, which means there’s a wide range of options to choose from. It also means that prices depend on the price of a brand-new version of that model. In many cases, you can expect to purchase a used skid steer for about 50-70% of its original asking price.
Typically, skid steers begin to rapidly lose value around the point they reach 1,000 hours of use or go through heavy wear and tear.
For instance, a recently released skid steer that’s worth about $30,000 when brand new could sell for about $20,000 to $22,000 once it’s surpassed 1,000 hours of work.
Once again, though, it’s totally possible to find listings that fall outside this range – models that are in near-perfect condition might not be offered at that heavy of a discount. It all depends on where you buy your skid steer loader from.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Skid Steer?
Since the cost of buying a skid steer can be overwhelming, many people opt to rent a machine instead.
Skid steer rentals are nice for short-term projects or individual uses, with an average price of about $300 per day. Weekly rental rates tend to fall at about $1,000 to $1,300, and monthly rates may be as high as $3,000.
As is true when you buy a skid steer, though, the cost of renting will change depending on the machine, your location, and the amount of time you’ll use it.
In many cases, renting for long periods (as in months at a time or longer) can help you score lower rates. But the tradeoff is that you’ll pay long-term for a machine that you won’t get to keep or resell once you’re done using it.
It’s important to point out, too, that these prices are estimates based on general trends seen throughout the US. The best way to find the price of renting a skid steer near you is to contact a local equipment rental service or dealer and inquire about their selection.
Factors Affecting Skid Steer Prices
Whether you’re interested in buying new or used, make sure you consider all of the factors that can influence skid steer pricing to make the best call. Let’s break down some of the main circumstances that change the cost of equipment.
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Brand: One of the main factors that shape prices is the brand or manufacturer behind the machine. This can be for a few reasons – some brands may have a better reputation than others, use specific materials, or build unique features into their skid steers.
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Size: It likely goes without saying that the more machine you want, the more you’ll have to pay. A mini skid steer will probably cost less than a machine fit for lifting thousands of pounds. But bigger doesn’t always mean better, more powerful, or stronger; it may be more accurate to look at capacity than dimensions when trying to gauge size.
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Dealer: Where you buy your skid steer will also impact how expensive it is. Some dealers might have additional fees or offer financing options that create costs down the road.
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Location: Different areas of the country have different economic climates, which include tax rates and the cost of different items. In areas where demand is high but supply is low, the cost of a skid steer loader might go up, and vice versa.
Other Potential Costs to Consider
You’ve found the perfect machine, and you’re ready to take the next step – but before you make a purchase or sign any agreements, make sure you’ve considered factors like those below, too.
Insurance
Insuring your skid steer can protect you from damage, liability, and theft. However, that security comes at a cost – many people pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 annually for their insurance, depending on their policy and location.
Maintenance
Expect to invest at least a little time and money into maintaining your skid steer each year so that you can keep it in good working condition. Average maintenance costs–for things like minor repairs or part replacements–could cost you an additional $1,000 a year or more.
Attachments & Accessories
Leave plenty of room in your budget for attachments and additional accessories that will help you maximize your skid steer’s utility.
Depending on your equipment needs, attachments may add anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or even $20,000 to the amount you pay.
Interest Rates
If you end up financing your skid steer to make the cost more manageable, don’t forget to consider how interest rates and loan terms might affect the total amount you pay.
Final Thoughts
There is no single skid steer cost to know – how much you pay comes down to the type of machine you buy, where you buy it, and what condition it’s in.
Unless your needs demand a brand-new model, buying a used skid steer can help you save tens of thousands of dollars. Shop smart to save as much as you can on great equipment from the brands you love.
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