Tips For Selling Your Used Skid Steer

1 / 1

When shoppers discover all the capabilities of skid steers—also sometimes called a skid loader or skid steer loader—you should be getting greater value and more offers for your equipment when listing on the marketplace. As a compact piece of machinery designed to maneuver easily, especially in tight spaces, skid steers can be equipped with a variety of attachments for use in construction, landscaping, and agriculture, to name a few. 

Some of the attachments you might use include buckets, rakes, augers, and even snowblowers, which is why they are so valuable for business owners in the industries listed above. And since they are compact and light compared to larger construction machines, they’re also easy to transport. In fact, you can tow one with a pickup truck—even light-duty pickups—as long as the total towing capacity of the truck (including the trailer and the payload) meets the requirements.

Skid steers have a zero-radius turning capability that allows them to be operated in areas that other types of equipment can’t reach. Many have four fixed wheels that can be controlled separately, causing a “skidding” motion, which is where it gets its name. There are also steer skidders that have tracks instead of tires that are built to handle rougher and steeper terrain, but the turning process is similar where one track moves and the other remains stationary. Either way, there’s a “skid.”

Find new and used utility trailers for sale online.

Prepping For Sale

Before you start compiling your listing on Equipment Trader to sell your skid steer, give it a thorough inspection, and look at things from a buyer’s perspective. Make notes of any damage or defects, including dents, dings, and scratches. This is important because you want to be perfectly transparent with potential buyers about the condition of your equipment when you post your listing. If there are any fluid leaks, either fix them ahead of time or note it in your listing. The same is true for any mechanical issues.

After you have completed your inspection, give the vehicle a thorough cleaning inside and out with soap and water. Even though it is meant to be a work machine and will likely live in dirt and dust with the new owner, it’s good to provide a strong first impression with your listing when adding photos. 

Picture Perfect

Once the vehicle looks as good as you want it, you’ll want to take photos when selling your equipment. You do not necessarily need to hire a professional photographer, but there are a few things to keep in mind when shooting photos with your phone. 

First, it’s better to take photos in the early morning or late afternoon. Oddly enough, the best time to take pictures outdoors is when it is cloudy because bright light can wash out details in the photo. Be sure to shoot the front, the back, and both sides to get a full 360-degree view of the skidder. 

Consider taking some shots from a low angle, a mid-angle, and a high angle to get different perspectives. Also, take some closeup shots of anything you think needs extra attention such as the interior or instruments. Don’t worry about taking an excessive number of photos—the more you have to choose from, the better the options you’ll have for your listing.

For The Record

Another important part of the selling process is to be able to provide any service records that you have on your machine. Being able to show that you have done routine maintenance on the skid steer will make it more attractive to potential buyers and it can add to the value. A used piece of equipment that’s cared for is much more appealing to buyers even if it means spending a little extra to purchase it.

Being able to provide the original bill of sale and title (if available) is also important, in addition to any documentation that shows that the vehicle is fully paid off so the buyer knows that there aren’t any liens against it. 

When completing your listing on Equipment Trader, use the notes from your visual inspection to help you point out any defects, but also so you can tout any positive points about the machine. Again, being transparent about any issues might drop the price, but it will enhance your credibility as a seller, especially if you have other items to list in the future.

Compare units listed online for new and used excavators for sale.

Stay On Track

We have the largest online selection of new and used listings, meaning we can help you sell your used skid steer quickly and easily. If you have other equipment to sell or if you’re in the market to pick up something new, we can also help with that. We won’t steer you wrong.

Barrett Baker

Barrett Baker is a freelance writer with more than 40 years of writing experience. He has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and a variety of advertising and marketing firms throughout his career. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, cooking, and working with animal rescues.

See author's work