Skid Steer Used Equipment Buying Guide
Buying any equipment can be challenging. It takes research and a reasonable amount of time to find what you need within your budget. Finding an excellent second-hand skid steer, for instance, can be even more difficult. The task can be overwhelming and frustrating with so many outlets to find used skid steers — local dealers, live and online auctions, and fellow producers looking to make an upgrade.
Today, we are making equipment decisions differently because of the economy and the variety available to us more now than ever.
Instead of new, buying used equipment can be an intelligent way to reduce investment costs and increase profit margins. With used equipment comes uncertainty and the unknown can be scary and costly.
Considerations
Be sure to think about what it is you need and do not. Will the equipment allow you to:
- Do more specialized jobs?
- Do jobs more quickly and efficiently?
- Do jobs that are not currently capable of performing?
- Be more profitable?
Inspection
To reduce the risk associated with purchasing a piece of used equipment, it is vital to inspect the machine before making a purchase. The degree of the inspection largely depends upon the age of the skid steer and the dealer's or individual seller's reputation.
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 skid steers with higher hours, oil and hydraulic fluid samples should be taken to check for any contaminants or system problems. You should also adjust the thoroughness of the inspection based on the weather and geographical conditions the machine has been exposed to.
The major components that require the most attention are the engine, transmission, hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinders, and attachment pins/bushings.
You should also investigate the steering assembly, brake functions, and operation of the safety devices.
Checklist
- Frame cracks or welds
- Tire condition
- Hydraulic hoses
- Hydraulic controls
- Seating
- Seat belts
- Steering
- Front axle condition
- Parking brake
- Battery and cables
- Lights
- ROPS/Canopy
Engine
- Diesel or gas
- Starting easy or hard
- Power to cycle the loader
Transmission
- Noisy or quiet
- Power
- Oil appearance
Loader Arms
- Cracks or welds
- Cylinders and pins
- Bucket and bucket teeth
- Boom hinge points loose or tight
- Boom pivot loose or tight
Being methodical in your pursuit of purchasing a skid steer will be worth it in the end. Check out our website for all your parts and supply needs. All States Ag Parts has the necessary parts and supplies to keep you going.
