How Much Should You Be Spending on Skid Steers?
Skid steers are among the most versatile pieces of equipment on any jobsite. From construction and landscaping to agriculture and snow removal, these compact machines can take on an enormous range of tasks with the right attachments. But that versatility also raises an important question for buyers: How much should you actually be spending on a skid steer?
The short answer is: It depends. The longer and more useful answer depends on how you plan to use the machine, how often you’ll run it, and whether buying a skid steer new, used, or renting makes the most financial sense. Understanding the true cost of ownership can help make sure you’re investing wisely rather than overspending or underspending. Let’s dive in!
Find new and pre-owned skid steer attachments for sale online.
Average Skid Steer Prices
Skid steer prices vary widely based on size, horsepower, brand, and condition.
- New skid steers typically range from $25,000 to $65,000, with most mid-range models landing between $35,000 and $50,000.
- Used skid steers can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on hours, maintenance history, and age.
- Compact or entry-level models may be priced lower, while high-flow hydraulic machines designed for demanding attachments can exceed $70,000 when fully equipped.
While sticker price is often the first thing buyers focus on, it’s only one part of the equation.
Matching Cost to Intended Use
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is purchasing a skid steer that exceeds or falls short of their actual needs.
If you’re using a skid steer for light-duty or occasional work, such as property maintenance, small landscaping projects, or farm chores, a lower horsepower model with standard hydraulics may be more than sufficient.
On the other hand, daily commercial use, especially in construction, grading, or material handling, demands durability, higher lift capacities, and stronger hydraulic performance. In these cases, spending more upfront can reduce long-term expenses.
Ask yourself:
- How many hours per week will the skid steer run?
- Will it operate in harsh conditions?
- What attachments will you use most often?
The answers should guide your budget.
New vs. Used
There’s no universal right answer, but each option has clear trade-offs. Buying new offers manufacturer warranties, the latest technology and safety features, and lower risk of unexpected repairs. However, new machines depreciate quickly. If you don’t plan to keep the skid steer long-term or won’t use it often, that depreciation may outweigh the benefits.
Buying used can offer significant savings but requires due diligence. Machines with 1,000–3,000 hours can still have plenty of life left if properly maintained. Service records, signs of hydraulic leaks, undercarriage wear, and engine condition matter far more than cosmetic appearance. A cheaper used machine can quickly become expensive if it needs frequent repairs, so it’s critical to factor inspection costs and potential downtime into your budget.
Operating and Ownership Costs
The purchase price is only part of what you’ll spend over the life of a skid steer. Ongoing costs include maintenance and repairs, fuel, insurance, and storage and transport. A common rule of thumb is to budget 10–20% of the purchase price per year for operating and maintenance costs, depending on usage intensity.
Attachments
Attachments are what make skid steers truly valuable, but they can significantly increase your total spend. Buckets, pallet forks, augers, grapples, trenchers, and mulchers all vary widely in price. In particular, high-flow attachments require compatible machines, which may push you toward higher-priced skid steers. Before buying a machine, calculate which attachments you need immediately, which can be rented instead, and whether future attachment plans justify upgrading hydraulics now.
Financing vs. Paying Cash
Financing can make a higher-quality machine more accessible, but it also increases total cost through interest. Many dealers offer promotional rates on new equipment, while used machines may come with higher financing costs.
Paying cash reduces long-term expense, but it can strain working capital. For businesses, preserving cash flow may be more valuable than minimizing interest, especially if the skid steer directly generates revenue.
The “right” choice depends on your broader financial picture, not just the machine itself.
Compare prices online for new and used equipment trailers for sale.
How Much You Should Spend
For most buyers, these are reliable guidelines to follow.
- Occasional or light users should aim for $20,000–$30,000.
- Small contractors and landscapers often land in the $30,000–$45,000 range.
- High-utilization commercial operators may justify spending $50,000+.
The key is aligning cost with use.
A skid steer is an investment, not just a purchase. The right budget balances upfront cost, long-term reliability, and the work you actually need to do. By focusing on total ownership costs and resisting the temptation to spend more than necessary on a machine you might not actually need, you’ll end up with equipment that earns its keep instead of draining your resources.
Shelby Ballou
You might also like
