Used Skid Steer Buying Checklist
A used skid steer can be a strong value when the condition matches the price. A careful inspection should look at the whole machine rather than focusing only on year and hours.
Start the machine cold if possible
Cold-start behavior can reveal issues that are less obvious after a machine has been warmed up. Watch for excessive smoke, warning lights, abnormal noises, hard starting, and leaks.
Test hydraulics under load
Operate lift, tilt, auxiliary hydraulics if possible, and drive functions. Listen for unusual pump noise and look for cylinder drift, leaks, weak response, or excessive play.
Inspect the loader structure
Check quick attach, lift arms, pins, bushings, cylinder mounts, welds, bucket/attachment interface, and any signs of repairs or impact damage.
Tires or undercarriage can change the deal
On wheeled machines, inspect tires and wheel areas. On CTLs, inspect tracks, rollers, sprockets, idlers, and final-drive areas because undercarriage cost can be significant.
Review hours and service history together
Hours are useful context, but maintenance and application matter. A well-maintained higher-hour machine can be preferable to a neglected lower-hour machine.