How to Save Money When Buying a Skid Steer
Tip #1: Shop for Used Skid Steers in Good Condition
Skid steers are like anything else – once they’ve been used they immediately drop in price. Rather than buying a new skid steer, you’ll save a significant amount of money is you choose the used skid steers market. Look for skid steers with low hours and for those that haven’t been used for exceptionally heavy work – like lots of lifting. Often, you’ll be able to find used skid steers 3-10 years old that are in very good condition. Prices will be 25% to 50% lower than new skid steers. Keep in mind that the skid steers should be in good condition. Of course, if one you are looking at needs work and that fact is disclosed, that will usually be reflected in an even lower price.
Tip#2: Consider Buying a Skid Steer that Needs Work
Virtually anything on skid steers that needs work, including the engine and the hydraulic system, can be fixed. If you can do the work yourself or have a mechanic in your company who can do it, you’ll have an opportunity to save even more money on the skid steer. It is important, however, to know exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost. Even if you are buying the skid steer online, you can hire a mechanic in the city it is located to look it over and give you his professional opinion on what is wrong with it. He may also be able to tell you how much the parts will cost to fix the skid steers he evaluates for you. Whether its local or distant, make sure the mechanic you use has good experience working on the make and model skid steer he is evaluating.
Tip #3: Don’t Buy More than You Need
If you’ve got your eye on a Caterpillar 226B Series 3 skid steer that delivers 56 horsepower and can handle 1500 pounds, don’t let anyone give you a “good deal” on a 246C with 73 horsepower and rated for 2,150 pounds. Don’t pay for performance and work capacity you won’t use. The same is true for attachments. Having the right attachments is vital for any job. But don’t look at skid steers that come with equipment you don’t need if they increase the price. There’s no such thing as a “good deal” if you spend more than you intended to.
Summary
Skid steers are an essential part of the team for many contractors. They are an expensive investment in getting work done more quickly and more effectively. If you’ve got to have one, remember these tips in order to save a significant amount of money. There are thousands of skid steers for sale out there and these tips will help you locate the right one at the right price.