best place to buy used skid steer
Best Place to Buy Used Skid Steer
Finding the right place to buy a used skid steer starts with balancing cost, reliability, and available support. As you research, focus on dealers and platforms that specialize in compact construction equipment, provide clear maintenance histories, and offer inspection services or warranties. The goal is not just to save money upfront, but to end up with a versatile machine that can stay productive for years.
Where Professionals Shop
Certified dealerships offer the most consistent experience. Look for franchise locations of established brands—like Bobcat, Caterpillar, and John Deere—that run certified pre-owned programs. These outlets typically inspect every unit, replace worn parts, and certify hours and maintenance records before resale. Even though prices can be a little higher, the transparency, extended service agreements, and easy access to genuine parts make them worth it for contractors relying on uptime.
Specialist used-equipment dealers (e.g., IronPlanet, MarketBook) are another strong option. These businesses focus solely on previously owned construction gear. They usually vet listings, publish inspection reports, and may ship nationwide. Their online marketplaces let you filter by machine type, year, hours, and location, enabling quick comparisons between similar models. While you often buy “as-is,” you can pair these purchases with third-party inspections and negotiate favorable warranties from local mechanics.
Online Marketplaces to Consider
Large general marketplaces such as Machinio, Equipment Trader, and Ritchie Bros. aggregate inventory from dozens of dealers and auction houses. They are excellent for sourcing rare or in-demand skid steers, especially if you have a bigger budget and can afford transport. Some listings have HD photos, maintenance logs, and even walkaround videos, helping you evaluate condition remotely. Pay close attention to seller ratings, shipping timelines, and whether the price includes inspections.
Auctions (LiveAuctioneers, Ritchie Bros., or local heavy-equipment auctions) can yield bargains, but they require more due diligence. Auction buys are usually final, so either attend with an experienced mechanic or commission a third-party inspection. Try to avoid machines with ambiguous histories or large cosmetic damage, unless you fully grasp the repair scope and can budget for it.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Source
- Documentation: Buy from sources that provide service history, hours, and consistent records.
- Inspection: Prefer sellers that facilitate pre-purchase inspections or share third-party reports.
- Warranty/support: Choose dealers that can offer short-term warranties or additional service packages.
- Availability of parts: Local brand dealers often have parts departments that can support quick repairs.
- Resale/resale value: Buying from trusted sources makes it easier to resell later.
Tips For a Smart Purchase
- Know the application: Select a model sized for your common tasks (light-duty vs. heavy lifting) and check lift capacity ratings before comparing prices.
- Calculate total cost of ownership: Factor in expected maintenance, hydraulic hoses, tire/track condition, and attachment compatibility.
- Verify hours vs. condition: A machine with higher hours but pristine maintenance records may be better than a low-hour unit that sat idle.
- Get recommendations: Talk to peers or online forums to see which sellers respond quickly and stand behind their inventory.
- Negotiate extras: Many sellers will include fluids, filters, or even small attachments if asked—especially if the machine is “last in stock.”
Final Thoughts
The best place to buy a used skid steer depends on how much risk you’re willing to absorb. Certified dealers and specialty marketplaces offer support and documentation, while auctions and classifieds can deliver hard-to-beat prices if you’re hands-on. Always inspect the skid steer, review its maintenance history, and choose a seller that will still be helpful after the sale. With the right approach, you can secure a reliable machine that keeps your projects moving without overspending.