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How Much Does a Skid Steer Cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)
The skid steer is the most versatile machine on most job sites, and its price depends almost entirely on frame size, hydraulic flow, and whether you buy new or used. A landscaper's compact unit and a demolition contractor's high-flow track loader are both "skid steers" — with a $50,000 gap between them.
Because the machine holds value and pairs with dozens of attachments, it's one of the most financed pieces of equipment in the trades. Here's what each tier actually costs.
What a skid steer costs: full breakdown
| Configuration | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used (older, <50 hp) | $15,000 – $30,000 | The owner-operator entry; check hours and hydraulic condition |
| Late-model used | $30,000 – $45,000 | Lower hours, modern controls — easy to finance |
| New standard-frame (50–75 hp) | $45,000 – $70,000 | The all-purpose workhorse; captive 0% promos common |
| New high-flow / large-frame | $70,000 – $90,000 | For mulchers, planers, and heavy attachment work |
| Attachments (bucket, grapple, auger, mulcher) | $500 – $25,000 | A forestry mulcher head alone can add $10,000–$25,000 |
What drives the price
- Frame size and rated operating capacity — bigger lift class means a higher price.
- Standard-flow vs. high-flow hydraulics: high-flow machines cost more but run mulchers, planers, and snow blowers.
- Wheeled vs. tracked: compact track loaders cost several thousand more than wheeled skid steers but handle soft ground.
- Hours and tire/track condition on used units.
- Attachments — the machine is only as useful as the attachments you can afford to run with it.
Financing a skid steer?
Most buyers finance rather than pay cash — the equipment is collateral, which keeps rates lower than unsecured borrowing. The highest-leverage move is comparing at least two offers: a dealer or manufacturer quote against an independent lender.
See our full skid steer financing guide for real rates, terms, a payment calculator, and what lenders look for.
Get matched with equipment lenders →Frequently asked questions
How much does a used skid steer cost?
A used skid steer typically runs $15,000–$45,000 depending on age, hours, and frame size. Older sub-50-hp units start around $15,000; late-model used machines run $30,000–$45,000.
How much is a new skid steer?
A new standard-frame skid steer (50–75 hp) generally costs $45,000–$70,000, and large high-flow machines up to $90,000. Manufacturer 0% financing promos are common on new units — compare them against an independent loan.
Do I need to buy attachments separately?
Usually yes. A skid steer typically comes with a general-purpose bucket; grapples, augers, mulchers, and planers are extra, ranging from a few hundred dollars to $25,000 for a forestry mulcher head. Bundle them into the equipment loan.
Prices are typical market ranges, not quotes, and vary by region, condition, and configuration. Browse all equipment cost guides or find your machine's financing guide.