used bobcat skid

Used Bobcat Skid Steer Loader Guide

When you invest in a used Bobcat skid steer loader, you’re choosing a proven workhorse designed for compact utility and high productivity. Whether you’re running a landscaping business, managing a farm, or operating on a tight construction site, understanding the nuances of acquiring and maintaining a pre-owned Bobcat can save you money and minimize downtime. This guide explores the buying criteria, inspection priorities, and value drivers that align with your search intent for “used Bobcat skid.”

Why Choose Bobcat?

Bobcat has long been synonymous with versatility and durability in the compact equipment space. Their skid steer loaders feature a compact footprint and tight turning radius, making them ideal for confined jobsites. When purchasing used, you retain that flexibility while benefiting from a lower acquisition cost. You can find models with rated operating capacities from 1,000 to more than 4,000 pounds, giving you options across light and heavy applications.

Setting the Right Expectations

Before you begin your search, define the tasks you need the skid steer to accomplish. Do you primarily move soil and gravel? Haul pallets? Excavate? Clarifying your use cases helps you prioritize factors such as operating capacity, powertrain type (diesel vs. gas), and attachment compatibility. Bobcat offers a wide array of attachments—pallet forks, augers, cold planers—that can amplify the machine’s versatility, so verify whether the used unit includes compatible couplers or hydraulics.

Key Inspection Steps

Buying used means carefully inspecting the machine to avoid hidden costs. Here are the critical checkpoints:

• Hour Meter and Maintenance History: A machine with moderate hours (typically between 1,000 and 3,000 for reliable units) with documented maintenance likely has longer remaining life. Look for consistent servicing of filters, fluids, and drive belts.
• Hydraulic System: Check for leaks around hoses, cylinders, and the loader arm pivot points. Smooth, firm operation indicates healthy seals and pumps. Excessive noise or hesitations during lifting could hint at wear or air in the system.
• Engine Performance: A cold start should be straightforward without prolonged cranking. Listen for unusual knocks, smoke, or excessive exhaust. Inspect the air filter housing, radiator, and cooling system for cleanliness.
• Undercarriage and Tires: Scrutinize the condition of tires or tracks. Avoid machines with torn sidewalls or uneven wear. Track-driven models should have intact sprockets and even tension.
• Structural Integrity: Look for signs of frame welding, cracks around weld points, or bent loader arms. A solidly built chassis ensures safe load handling.

Request a test run when possible. Operate the loader in forward and reverse, engage attachments, and observe for vibration or slippage. A thorough walkaround and operational check give insight beyond cosmetic appearance.

Choosing the Right Model

Bobcat has produced numerous models across decades, so matching the right one to your needs matters.

• Compact Models (e.g., S70, S450): Ideal for tight spaces with lower capacity needs (1,000–1,500 lb). Look for models with smooth hydraulic flow for attachments like pallet forks or landscape rakes.
• Mid-size Models (e.g., S530, S650): Offer balanced payload and lift height for general construction and farm work. These are common on the used market and often come with loader and tilt cylinders rated for heavier loads.
• Heavy-Duty Models (e.g., S850): Provide higher breakout force for trenching, demolition, or loading trucks. These will typically have diesel power and reinforced frames.

Verify the serial number to identify the model year and verify recalls or service bulletins. Pre-owned dealers often provide short-term warranties, so consider certified used programs that inspect, refurbish, and back their machines.

Maximizing Value

To get the most value from your used Bobcat skid steer:

1. Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership: Include transport, potential repairs, and attachment investments. A lower upfront price might require costly hydraulic work if neglected.
2. Check for OEM Replacement Parts: Bobcat parts maintain compatibility and reliability. Confirm parts availability, especially for older models.
3. Document Preventive Maintenance: Once purchased, continue tracking fluid changes, grease intervals, and inspection logs to preserve resale value.
4. Consider Swap Capabilities: Bobcat’s quick-attach system allows you to switch between buckets, grapples, and breakers rapidly. Ensure hydraulics and couplers are in good shape to avoid downtime.

Summary

A used Bobcat skid steer loader can deliver exceptional productivity if chosen wisely. Focus on machines that align with your work profile, inspect hydraulic and engine systems thoroughly, and confirm structural integrity. Partnering with a reputable dealer or opting for certified pre-owned units gives added confidence. With proper maintenance and attachment planning, a used Bobcat can extend its lifespan well beyond the initial owner’s usage, offering you a cost-effective solution for many years ahead.