used skid steer attachment
Used Skid Steer Attachments: Smart Choices for Every Job
Used skid steer attachments offer a cost-effective way to expand your machine’s capabilities without sacrificing productivity. Whether you’re a contractor, landscaper, or property owner, carefully selected used attachments can deliver reliable performance across grading, digging, lifting, and material management tasks. This guide walks through what to look for and how to maximize the value of a pre-owned attachment.
Why Choose Used Attachments?
Buying a used attachment lets you match the tool to the work without paying for the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Attachments tend to outlast the machines they serve, so a well-maintained grapple, auger, or bucket can run for thousands of hours more. Focus on prioritizing functions you use most frequently—ditch the one-time tool in favor of consistent performers that keep crews moving.
Inspecting for Performance and Wear
Before committing, inspect for structural integrity, hydraulic condition, and mounting wear:
– Frame and welds: Look for cracks, bent sections, or excessive rust, especially around hinge points and lift arms.
– Pins and bushings: These wear points often dictate attachment life. Check for play or elongated holes, and see if replacement prefixes are available.
– Hydraulics: Evaluate hoses for abrasion or leaks, and ensure cylinders extend smoothly. A failing cylinder is more costly to rebuild than the attachment itself.
– Mount compatibility: Confirm the coupler pattern matches your skid steer. Universal mounting systems exist but verifying fit saves headaches on delivery day.
Request maintenance records if available. Even rudimentary service logs show the previous owner cared for the machine—which correlates to better longevity.
Popular Used Attachment Categories
- Buckets – The workhorse of skid steers. Choose options with reinforced cutting edges and replaceable bolt-on lips. Specialized buckets (e.g., rock, utility, or grading) remain affordable even used because demand keeps the aftermarket lively.
- Grapples – Ideal for brush, debris, and demolition. Seek cylinders free of scoring and ensure the hydraulic flow matches your machine; mismatched flow can lead to sluggish response.
- Augers – Used augers keep drilling costs down. Inspect bits for dull edges and confirm gearbox oil hasn’t leaked. A sharp, hardened bit saves drilling time over the life of the tool.
- Trenchers – Perfect for utilities and landscaping. Examine teeth and chains for wear. Some trenchers allow chain reversal—verify track tension and easy service access.
- Palette Forks and Snow Pushers – These complement material handling and winter work. Look for straight forks and solid welds on snow pushers to prevent deformation under load.
Purchasing Tips
- Test when possible: Seeing an attachment in action (or plugging it into your machine) reveals alignment, movement, and hydraulic behavior that photos can’t capture.
- Ask about compatibility: Confirm the skid steer make/model and the attachment’s rated hydraulic flow. Mismatches cause inefficiency or damage.
- Negotiate with context: Highlight any upcoming maintenance you’ll perform (e.g., new pins or a hydraulic hose swap). Sellers may lower the price if you shoulder those costs.
Maintenance for Longevity
Even used attachments benefit from proactive care. After purchase:
– Flush hydraulic oil and replace filters if the attachment has its own circuit.
– Lubricate grease points immediately to displace old contaminants.
– Keep cutting edges sharp and replace wear strips when they reach half their original thickness.
– Store attachments under cover when not in use to prevent premature rust.
Final Thoughts
A well-chosen used skid steer attachment can deliver years of productive service with a significantly lower upfront expense. By focusing on structural soundness, hydraulic condition, and compatibility, you ensure the tool meets your fleet’s needs. Regular maintenance after purchase keeps these attachments reliable and can make the difference between a bargain and a costly rebuild.