Used Skid Steers for Sale

Skid steers are compact, highly agile machines capable of a zero-radius 360-degree turn, making them among the most versatile pieces of construction equipment on any job site. Whether you need a wheeled unit for paved surfaces or a compact track loader for soft terrain, our inventory covers small-frame through large-frame skid steer loaders with rated operating capacities from 1,250 to 4,200 lbs. Below, you'll find a breakdown of the main types, what to inspect on used models, and how to match the right machine to your operation.

Types of Skid Steers

Skid steers are available in wheeled and tracked versions, and each platform comes in radial lift or vertical lift configurations. Understanding these categories helps narrow your search quickly.

Wheeled Skid Steers

Wheeled skid steer models offer high travel speeds on hard surfaces, making them the practical choice for paved construction sites, warehouse yards, and farm operations where you move frequently between work areas. Running on four wheels, these loaders are lighter, less expensive to maintain, and deliver better fuel efficiency than their tracked counterparts. Tire replacement costs are lower, and wheeled units cause less surface damage on concrete or asphalt. If most of your tasks happen on solid, level ground, a wheeled skid loader keeps operating costs down without sacrificing the core ability to load, grade, and handle material all day.

Compact Track Loaders (Tracked Skid Steers)

Tracked skid steer models provide superior traction and low ground disturbance on uneven terrain. By distributing weight evenly across rubber tracks, a compact track loader protects finished landscape work and operates confidently in mud, sand, or loose soil where wheels would spin. These machines suit land clearing, forestry, and wet-site grading where flotation and stability are non-negotiable. The trade-off is higher upfront cost-typically $8,000–$15,000 more than a comparable wheeled unit-plus greater undercarriage maintenance demand and slower travel speeds on roads.

Radial Lift Skid Steers

A radial lift loader uses a single-pivot-point arm design that swings the bucket forward at mid-stroke, providing greater forward reach at working height. Radial lift skid steers excel at mid-height excavation tasks, backfilling, grading, and pushing debris. The simpler linkage keeps weight and cost lower, and the geometry is well suited to digging, loading low-sided trucks, and general earthmoving where maximum lift height is less critical. Many small-frame and mid-frame models from manufacturers like Gehl and New Holland use radial lift designs.

Vertical Lift Skid Steers

Vertical lift machines use a multi-link arm assembly with additional pivot points that move the bucket nearly straight up, maintaining consistent reach throughout the lift arc. Vertical lift skid steers provide greater lift height for material handling-some models can achieve lift heights up to 10 feet and 8 inches-making them ideal for stacking pallets, loading tall hoppers, and dump-truck work. The added complexity adds weight and cost, but for operations centered on material handling and high-reach tasks, vertical lift is the clear performance advantage.

What to Look For in Used Skid Steers

When evaluating used skid steer loaders, focus on these critical specifications and condition indicators that determine performance, remaining service life, and true value.

Rated Operating Capacity (ROC)

Rated operating capacity is the maximum load a skid steer can safely lift and carry, defined as 50 percent of the machine's tipping load. Skid steers have a rated operating capacity from 1,250 lbs to 4,200 lbs. Small-frame machines (ROC under roughly 2,000 lbs) suit landscaping and light residential work. Mid-frame units (approximately 2,000–3,200 lbs) handle general construction, grading, and site prep. Large-frame loaders above 3,200 lbs-like certain Gehl skid steers with a rated operating capacity of 4,200 lbs or ASV skid steers that can lift up to 3,500 lbs-are built for demolition, forestry, and heavy material handling. Never lift more than the rated operating capacity; exceeding it compromises safe operation and accelerates hydraulic and frame wear.

Engine Hours and Maintenance History

Hour meter readings are the primary age indicator on used equipment. Machines in the 2,000–3,500 hour range are entering higher-wear territory, and anything above 5,000 hours is considered high usage. Smaller, lower-horsepower skid steers often need major engine or hydraulic overhaul around 4,000 hours, while larger units with robust powertrains can reach 8,000 hours before core rebuilds. Complete service records-documenting oil changes, filter replacements, and cooling system maintenance-significantly affect both remaining lifespan and resale value. Missing or incomplete documentation is a red flag that may conceal neglect or overheating events.

Hydraulic System Condition

Hydraulics drive every function on a skid steer, from the lift arms and bucket tilt to the drive motors and attachments. Inspect fluid color and smell: dark, burnt-smelling hydraulic oil signals overheating or contamination. Test the machine under load for sluggish response, jerking movements, or drifting-symptoms of internal leakage, worn seals, or pump wear. Verify auxiliary hydraulic flow ratings, especially if you plan to run high-demand attachments like augers, mulchers, or hydraulic breakers. Standard-flow machines may not deliver enough pressure for these tools, so confirm whether the unit is equipped with high-flow hydraulics before purchasing.

Undercarriage and Tires

For compact track loaders, assess track condition including rubber integrity, tension, roller and sprocket wear, and idler alignment. Track replacement is expensive, and undercarriage damage can indicate deeper structural issues in the frame. For wheeled models, evaluate tire wear patterns, sidewall condition, and whether all four tires match in size and tread depth. Uneven tire wear may point to alignment or suspension problems. On both platforms, check pins and bushings in the lift arms-loose fittings indicate overdue greasing intervals and potential arm fatigue.

How to Choose the Right Used Skid Steer

• Job Requirements - Match rated operating capacity and lift type to your primary tasks. Choose radial lift machines for excavation, grading, and ground-level loading. Choose vertical lift for stacking, pallet work, and loading tall containers. Skid steers can handle loading, grading, trenching, demolition, sweeping, and material handling, so the right lift capacity and geometry keep you productive across multiple phases.

• Operating Environment - Select wheeled models for hard surfaces where speed and low maintenance matter. Choose tracked units for soft, uneven, or sensitive ground where flotation and traction are essential. Tracked skid steers distribute weight evenly to protect finished landscape work, while wheeled models maintain higher travel speeds and lower operating costs on pavement.

• Attachment Compatibility - Skid steers can be fitted with over 100 different attachments, including buckets, forks, backhoes, augers, brush cutters, grapples, trenchers, and snow removal blades. Verify that the machine's hydraulic flow and pressure ratings support the attachments you need. Skid steers can use attachment systems to quickly switch between different functions, so confirming compatibility upfront lets you increase productivity without investing in additional machines.

• Operating Hours and Condition - Balance machine hours, maintenance history, and overall condition against your budget. A well-maintained mid-frame skid steer with 3,000 hours and full service records can be a better investment than a lower-hour unit with no documentation. Used skid steer prices currently range from roughly $8,000 for high-hour small-frame units to $65,000 or more for low-hour large-frame machines, so understanding where a specific machine falls on the depreciation curve helps you negotiate fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between radial lift and vertical lift skid steers?

Radial lift arms pivot from a single point near the top of the frame, sweeping the bucket forward at mid-stroke for greater forward reach during digging and grading. Vertical lift arms use multiple pivot points to move the bucket nearly straight up, maintaining consistent reach at full lift height. Choose radial lift for excavation and ground-level work; choose vertical lift for stacking, high-dump loading, and pallet fork tasks.

How many hours are acceptable on a used skid steer?

It depends on machine size and maintenance quality. Under 2,000 hours is generally low usage; 2,000–3,500 hours is moderate; above 5,000 hours is considered high. A smaller skid steer may need major work by 4,000 hours, while a well-maintained large-frame unit can exceed 8,000 hours. Always weigh hour readings against documented service history-regular fluid changes, filter replacements, and undercarriage inspections matter more than hours alone.

Should I buy wheeled or tracked for my construction site?

If your job site features paved or compacted surfaces and you need to travel between areas quickly, a wheeled model offers better speeds, lower maintenance costs, and less surface damage. If you work on soft soil, slopes, mud, or finished landscapes, a compact track loader provides the traction, stability, and low ground pressure you need. Tracked units typically cost more to purchase and maintain, so factor in your terrain conditions and operating budget.

What attachments work with different skid steer models?

Most modern skid steers use a universal quick-attach plate, making common attachments like buckets, forks, and backhoes broadly compatible. Specialized tools-auger attachments for drilling fence post holes, brush cutters for land clearing, hydraulic breakers for demolition, grapple attachments for managing irregular objects, and trenchers for utilities and drainage-require adequate auxiliary hydraulic flow. Confirm whether the machine offers standard or high-flow hydraulics before committing to high-demand attachments. Skid steers excel at snow removal with specialized attachments like snow blades and pushers as well.

What safety precautions should I follow when operating a skid steer?

Always wear a seat belt when operating a skid steer. Never work under a raised bucket, and always lower the bucket before exiting the machine. Keep bystanders clear before starting the skid steer. Ensure the cab is equipped with falling object protective structures (FOPS) and a rollover protection system. Familiarize yourself with joystick controls and practice in an open area before operating in tight quarters.

Find Your Next Skid Steer

Whether you need a small-frame radial lift loader for residential landscaping or a large-frame vertical lift machine for heavy construction, the right used skid steer can dramatically increase productivity while keeping your capital investment manageable. Explore our current inventory of inspected used steer loaders with detailed specifications, condition reports, and transparent pricing-all backed by our commitment to connecting buyers and sellers of quality equipment.