A skid steer can cost about $30,000 to $130,000 or more, depending on its size, features, condition, and attachments. Used skid steers may cost less, while larger or highly equipped machines can cost more.
For landscaping and hardscaping businesses, the purchase price is only part of the budget. You also need to account for maintenance, insurance, fuel, and transportation. Beacon Funding can help startups and established businesses finance new or used skid steers by spreading the large upfront cost into low monthly payments.
This article explains skid steer pricing, what affects the cost, and what to consider before financing your equipment.
Dive into Skid Steer Costs on The Equipment Financing Navigator
The truth is that buying equipment like a skid steer with upfront costs is not practical for startups and small landscaping businesses. Instead, it is much simpler and easier to finance a skid steer in multiple payments over a long time. If you run a landscaping company, you understand that a skid steer is an invaluable tool to efficiently get the job done.
In This Article
- How Much Does a Skid Steer Cost?
- What Affects the Cost of a Skid Steer?
- Should You Buy a New or Used Skid Steer?
- How Can Equipment Financing Help With a Skid Steer?
- Can You Finance a Used Skid Steer?
- What Does It Take to Qualify for Skid Steer Financing?
- How Do You Estimate a Skid Steer Financing Payment?
- What Should You Consider Before Buying a Skid Steer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Skid Steer Cost?
A skid steer can cost roughly $30,000 to $130,000 or more. The actual price depends on the machine's size, lift capacity, features, condition, brand, and attachments.
The price can vary considerably depending on what you need the skid steer to do.
| Skid Steer |
Est. Price Range |
Est. Low Monthly Payments from Beacon Funding* |
| Used skid steer |
About $30,000 - $60,000+ |
As Low As $579 - $1,151 per month |
| New skid steer |
About $80,000 - $100,000+ |
As Low As $1,535 - $1,916 per month |
| Larger or highly equipped models |
Can reach $130,00+ |
As Low As $2,491 - $3,444 per month |
*Estimated payments are based on a 60-month term and calculated using the Beacon Funding equipment financing calculator. Actual payments depend on credit approval, down payment, and the equipment financed.
A used skid steer may have a lower purchase price, but you should also consider its:
- Operating hours
- Maintenance history
- Condition
- Included attachments
A new skid steer usually costs more, especially when you choose:
- Higher lift capacity
- Additional features
- Specialized attachments
What Affects the Cost of a Skid Steer?
The machine's purchase price is only one part of the total cost. Several factors can change what you pay.
Machine Size and Lift Capacity
Skid steers come in different sizes and lift capacities. The right machine depends on the type of work you perform and the materials you need to move.
Choosing a machine based on your actual workload can help you avoid paying for capacity you do not need.
New vs. Used Condition
Used skid steers generally cost less than new machines, but the condition of the equipment matters.
When shopping for a used skid steer, review its:
- Operating hours
- Maintenance history
- Previous use
- Overall condition
- Repair history
- Included attachments
A lower purchase price may not save money if the machine needs major repairs soon after you buy it.
Businesses considering used equipment can also explore used equipment financing from Beacon Funding, which provides financing options for eligible businesses purchasing used equipment.
Attachments
Attachments can increase the cost of a skid steer, but they can also make the machine much more useful.
Before buying an attachment, think about the work it will help you complete. If an attachment allows your business to take on jobs you already perform or plan to pursue, it may be worth including in the equipment budget.
Other Costs to Consider
Your equipment budget should also include the costs that come after the purchase.
These may include:
- Insurance
- Fuel
- Routine maintenance
- Repairs
- Transportation
- Storage
Looking at the full cost of owning and operating the machine gives you a better picture than focusing only on the purchase price.
Should You Buy a New or Used Skid Steer?
There is no single answer for every landscaping business. Your choice should depend on your budget, the work you perform, and the condition and capabilities you need from the machine.
| Â |
Used Skid Steer |
New Skid Steer |
| Upfront cost |
Lower initial purchase price |
Generally costs more |
| Machine condition and features |
Condition varies, so inspect carefully |
Newer machine with current specifications and features |
| Best fit when |
You want to add equipment while keeping the purchase within a specific budget |
You need a specific lift capacity, technology, attachment setup, or other equipment features |
| Before you buy |
Review maintenance records and account for repairs and replacement parts that may be needed later |
Confirm the lift capacity, technology, and attachment setup match the work you do |
Whether you choose new or used, the key question is simple: Does the machine match the work your business needs to do?
How Can Equipment Financing Help with a Skid Steer?
Equipment financing allows a business to spread the cost of a skid steer over scheduled payments instead of paying the entire purchase price upfront.
Preserve Working Cash
Using all of your available cash to purchase one machine can leave less money for other business needs.
Financing spreads the upfront purchasing cost over time. A low monthly payment can help you maintain working capital for everyday expenses and unexpected costs.
Get Equipment Without Waiting to Save the Full Purchase Price
Saving enough cash to buy a skid steer outright can take time, particularly for a newer landscaping business.
Equipment financing can provide another way to acquire the machine while making low monthly payments over time. The equipment can then be put to work while it pays for itself.
Make Equipment Costs Easier to Plan
A scheduled equipment payment can make it easier to include the purchase in your monthly budget.
Your actual payment will depend on factors such as the equipment cost, financing structure, term, and your business's financing profile.
Finance the Equipment You Need With the Skid Steer
A skid steer may not be the only equipment you need.
Depending on the transaction, Beacon Funding can finance related equipment such as attachments and trailers along with the skid steer.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Can You Finance a Used Skid Steer?
Yes, you can finance used skid steers with Beacon Funding.
Used skid steer financing can help your business acquire equipment without paying the entire purchase price upfront. Beacon Funding's used equipment program is designed to provide financing options for businesses purchasing used equipment while helping them preserve cash for other business needs.
If you are considering a used skid steer, compare the financing cost with the equipment's age, operating hours, condition, and expected maintenance needs.
The goal is not simply to find the lowest purchase price. It is to find equipment that fits your work and a payment that fits your business budget.
What Does It Take to Qualify for Skid Steer Financing?
There is no single number that determines whether a business qualifies for equipment financing.
Depending on the financing program, the review may consider factors such as:
- Time in business
- Personal and business credit
- Owner experience
- Business plan
- Equipment being purchased
- Transaction size
- Requested financing terms
For startups, the equipment itself and the owner's industry experience can also be important parts of the financing review. Beacon Funding's current startup program specifically describes an approach that looks beyond time in business alone.
If you are unsure where your business stands, you can review Beacon Funding's equipment financing qualification requirements before applying.
How Do You Estimate a Skid Steer Financing Payment?
Before financing a skid steer, it helps to have an idea of what the monthly payment could look like.
Beacon Funding's equipment financing calculator lets you enter the amount you want to finance and choose a term to estimate a potential payment. The original article recommends including the cost of additional accessories or attachments in the amount you are considering.
The basic process is:
- Select the equipment type.
- Enter the amount you want to finance.
- Choose the desired financing term.
- Review the estimated payment.
A longer financing term can reduce the scheduled monthly payment, but it may increase the total financing cost because payments continue for a longer period. The calculator is an estimate and does not represent an approval or exact financing offer.
CALCULATE YOUR LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Skid Steer?
Before choosing a skid steer, look beyond the purchase price.
Consider:
- What jobs will the machine handle most often?
- What lift capacity do you need?
- Will you buy new or used?
- Which attachments will you actually use?
- How much cash can you comfortably put toward the purchase?
- What will insurance, fuel, maintenance, and transportation add to the budget?
- What monthly payment would fit your normal business cash flow?
A landscaping startup may have additional expenses such as marketing, payroll, insurance, and materials. An established business may be more focused on replacing an older machine or expanding its equipment fleet.
In either case, the right equipment decision starts with the work you need the machine to perform and the budget available to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used skid steer cost?
A used skid steer can cost around $30,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on its age, operating hours, condition, brand, and attachments. The purchase price is only part of the cost, so factor in maintenance, repairs, insurance, and other ownership expenses.
How much does a new skid steer cost?
A new skid steer can cost roughly $80,000 to $100,000 or more, while larger or highly equipped models can reach $130,000+. The final price depends on the machine's size, lift capacity, features, and attachments.
Can I finance a used skid steer?
Yes. Eligible businesses can use used equipment financing to spread the cost of a used skid steer over time instead of paying the full purchase price upfront.
Can a startup finance a skid steer?
Yes. Startups can apply for equipment financing, and Beacon Funding's current startup program does not require a minimum time in business. Approval can depend on factors such as the owner's credit, industry experience, business plan, equipment, and the overall transaction.
How do I know how much skid steer financing I can afford?
Start with the equipment price and estimate the potential monthly payment, then compare that payment with your normal business cash flow. Leave room in your budget for fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and other operating expenses.