If you’re looking for a good piece of used equipment, like say a used skid steer loader—the search can be difficult. But every cloud has its silver lining and in today’s volatile economy; finding treasure might actually turn out to be easier than expected.

There are many ways to find used equipment, but it will take more than just browsing for a few listings and finding some financing. In order to determine the right time to invest in new or old pieces of machinery there’s only one thing that matters: acquisition cost versus utilization rate analysis.

If you’re considering whether to purchase a used piece of equipment rather than new, there are some important questions that should be answered.

Is this device going allow me do my current jobs more quickly and efficiently?

Will having the newer model help with specialties or tasks which would otherwise take too much time on older models?

Will you be able to do jobs that your competitors can’t do? These considerations will help guide your decision as well.

It’s also important to consider both the brand and dealer selling used skid steers. “A used machine will require service and parts at some time in the future,” says Kevin Coleman, senior marketing engineer for Caterpillar. 

“When it comes to servicing the machine, you want to know that there will be quick parts availability and the dealer is qualified to service the machine. Many dealers selling their own brand of used equipment [i.e. Cat dealers selling used Cat] will offer certified used programs for machines that meet certain specifications. Often, these machines will include detailed inspections, a detailed maintenance history and a limited warranty.”

Do you even need to ask, why buy new when you can get top of the line equipment at an unbeatable price? As a business owner, buying used skid steers is one way that your company will be able to expand and grow without breaking any bank accounts.

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to expand your business, used skid steers are an excellent option. These sturdy machines have been put through their paces and can provide companies with great value at less cost than new equipment.

Buying used means you get to save a significant amount of money by not paying the higher investment costs of purchasing a new piece of equipment. Besides the lower initial costs, you also get a wide selection of skid steers to choose from. The used skid steer market offers many different generations and models to buy, helping you find the exact machine for your needs.

Working with limited cash flow? Consider a pre-owned skid steer. These machines are typically cheaper than new models. And they won’t suffer the steep depreciation that can come from buying something quickly, so you save money in this area too! Pre-owned equipment also helps keep our environment clean by giving old machinery more life before it goes into recycling – all while helping your company grow faster than ever before.

Before you start shopping for the right skid steer, determine your specific needs and requirements, including:

1. Worksite conditions, including the type and level of terrain you will be operating on.

2. How often you intend to use your machine.

3. The types of equipment you or your team already know how to operate.

4. Your budget for the initial investment, relevant attachments and ongoing maintenance.

5. What you will use your skid steer for the majority of the time — whether lifting, digging or demolishing.

6. The height and width of important project factors, such as vegetation or standing structures.

Keep this information in mind while assessing the specifications of potential pre-owned skid steers.

Horsepower & weight are two of the biggest factors to consider when deciding which skid steer loader will work for you. The following are the different skid steer classifications as determined by the Associated Equipment Manufacturers:

Small skid steers: Small skid steers generally have a lift capacity of 1,750 pounds or less & less than 50 horsepower. They are ideal for hard-to-navigate areas and easy towing.

Medium skid steers: Medium skid steers have a lift capacity of 1,750 to 2,200 pounds and between 50 and 70 horsepower. These machines are suitable for projects that need a little more power than a small machine without sacrificing easy maneuverability and towing.

Large skid steers: If your project calls for a powerful, hardworking machine, a large loader might be a good fit. Large skid steers possess 70 or higher horsepower and a carrying capacity of 2,200+ pounds.

Several other factors contribute to whether a certain skid steer loader is suitable for your needs, including:

Features: In addition to skid steer attachments, you will need to choose between optional features and amenities that can make your machine easier or safer to use. Some examples include air conditioning, a radio, heated seats and rearview cameras.

Lift type: Skid steers are available two lift variations — radial or vertical. In radial lift machines, the skid steer’s arms move outward and then upward, which provides more forward reach for digging or similar actions. A vertical lift skid steer moves its arms directly up or down, which makes it useful for loading or hauling.

Operating capacity: Sometimes referred to as “lift,” the rated operating capacity is how much weight a machine can safely carry while remaining stable, level and functional.

If you’re wondering what you should look for in a used skid steer, you’ve come to the right place. After you’ve determined the type of skid steer your business needs, there are a few different ways you can evaluate available machines to ensure they are in good shape and will be a smart investment for your company.
Learn more about how to choose a used skid steer that is in good condition and will be suitable for your needs with these tips:

1. Review Its History
As you search for a high-quality skid steer, one of the first steps you should take is to review the machine’s history. Part of your research should cover what types of work the previous owner used the skid steer for.
A skid steer used for breaking up concrete is likely to need more maintenance due to higher wear and tear than one employed to load hay. You can also benefit from learning where the skid steer was used, as harsher environments will lead to a shorter life span. By getting a clear picture of the equipment’s history, you can better predict how much maintenance it’ll need in the future.

2. Evaluate Its Log hours
Is 4,000 hours a lot for a skid steer? What about 1,000? How many hours on a used skid steer is a lot? These are all valid questions for those looking into purchasing a used skid steer. As a general rule, skid steers with lower log hours will be a better investment than those that have been used full time for years on end.
A skid steer that was used for a few years and only has 1,000 hours on it will likely need less maintenance than one used for 4,000 hours in a similar time frame. Additionally, a full-time skid steer averages a use of five to six hours a day. You may want to look for one that’s averaged less than this to avoid investing in a piece of equipment affected by the wear and tear of full-time use.

3. Employ a Personal Mechanic
Don’t go into the buying process alone. Bring your personal mechanic to help you inspect the skid steer. This professional can help you perform a visual inspection and review maintenance records, spotting things you might miss. A certified mechanic who regularly works with skid steers will have the expert knowledge you need to make the best purchase possible. As a result, it’s never a bad decision to hire a personal mechanic to help you pick out your skid steer.

4. Look Over Maintenance Records
Reviewing a skid steer’s maintenance records can give you more information about the type of repair work previously done on it. Anything out of the ordinary can be a warning that the skid steer may bring with it higher maintenance costs and less durability than what you want.
Besides looking for abnormal repairs, checking the maintenance records can help you see how well the skid steer has been maintained. If the skid steer has received regular inspections and followed a maintenance routine, it’s likely still a high-quality machine. However, if the previous owners didn’t maintain and inspect the equipment, you may want to avoid the skid steer since problems may have festered.

5. Conduct a Visual Inspection
Look over the skid steer for signs of damage. Scuffs, cracks, bent components, scratches, dents, worn cables and welds are all signs of extensive damage to the machine. Remember to check the battery, seatbelt, steering, canopy, lights and windows to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Ensure the bucket and any other attachments are in good condition as well. If you notice any leaks, this is another red flag signaling you may end up paying extra in repairs soon after purchasing. Finally, inspect the tires, checking for uneven wear. Review the tires’ records to find out how old they are to get a general idea of how close they are to needing replacement.

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To reduce the risk associated with purchasing a used skid steer or piece of used equipment, it is important to do an inspection of the machine before making a purchase.

The degree of the inspection largely depends upon the age of the used skid steer and the reputation of the seller. For newer machines, a routine/basic inspection should be sufficient, including: the condition of tires, belts and hoses, looking for leaks, signs of damage or unusual wear and tear.

For older used skid steers with higher hours, oil and hydraulic fluid samples should be taken to check for any contaminants or system problems.

The thoroughness of the inspection should also be adjusted based on the weather and geographical conditions the machine has been exposed to. The more severe the environment, the more thorough the inspection needs to be.

The major components that will require the most attention are the engine, transmission, hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinders and attachment pins/bushings.

Maintenance and service records can tell a contractor a lot about the history of a machine, but at some point equipment may simply be too old to run safely and efficiently.

With older used skid steers, buyers should find out if the manufacturer even supports that particular model anymore. It might end up costing an owner more to replace parts if the manufacturer no longer supports it, not to mention the additional time it’ll take to hunt down the needed parts.

Scrapes and scuffs, chipping paint and rust are other red flags to look out for. The tell-tail signs of wear on a pre-owned skid steer or piece of equipment would be indicated by the condition of the bucket and frame pin/bushing, as well checking the condition of the tires, tire pressure and tightness of the wheel nuts.

The steering assembly, the brake functions and the function of all the safety devices should also be investigated. Up-to-date maintenance records will give a good indication of the condition of the equipment.

Larger contractors and auction houses should have service records, but if these records are unavailable — which may be the case when purchasing from a smaller distributor — the internet is a great resource for owner’s manuals and consumer reports.

Check that all fluids levels are at recommended levels and that proper maintenance intervals have been followed by the operation and maintenance manual. Low fluid levels, leaks, un-greased pins and dirty air filters may indicate the machine has an issue or has not been properly maintained over its life.

Obviously, nothing takes the place of an onsite demonstration or evaluation of a machine, and be sure to ask the seller lots of questions. If the owner can’t answer basic questions about the machine history, it might be a good idea to continue shopping.

Also, try taking the product serial number into a local distributor to have them verify update and recall information on the skid steer.

Paint, Rust and Appearance
•    Steering
•    Front axle condition
•    Parking brake
•    Battery and cables
•    Lights, if equipped
•    ROPS/Canopy
•    Frame cracks or welds (look under the machine)
•    Tire condition
•    Hydraulic hoses
•    Hydraulic controls
•    Seating
•    Seat belts

Loader Arms
•    Cracks or welds
•    Cylinders and pins
•    Bucket and bucket teeth
•    Boom hinge points loose or tight
•    Boom pivot loose or tight

Engine
•    Diesel or gas
•    Starting easy or hard
•    Power to cycle the loader
backhoe
•    Smoke/no smoke
•    Hoses, belts and radiator
•    Air cleaners and filters
•    Oil level and appearance

Transmission
•    Noisy or quiet
•    Power
•    Oil appearance