Skid Steer Cost in 2026: Bobcat and Other Brands, New, Used, Rent or Lease

Updated October 2026

Bobcat invented the compact loader category, and many people still call any skid steer "a Bobcat". These machines are some of the most versatile on any job site: with the right attachments they dig, grade, lift, sweep, auger, trench and clear land. This guide covers 2026 prices for new and used skid steers and compact track loaders, rental and lease options, and how to choose.

Wheeled skid steer or compact track loader?

Landscapers and contractors working on soft ground usually prefer track loaders; those on paved sites or doing snow removal often choose wheeled machines.

How much does a skid steer cost in 2026?

Prices depend on size (rated operating capacity), horsepower, wheels or tracks, hydraulic flow, cab options and attachments:

• New mid-size machines commonly sell in the tens of thousands of dollars, and well-equipped compact track loaders with high-flow hydraulics, enclosed heated and air-conditioned cabs and technology packages can approach or exceed $100,000.
• Market data for one popular model shows the spread. TractorHouse listings for the Bobcat T66 compact track loader range from about $17,500 to $95,720, from older high-hour machines to new units.
• Mini track loaders, the stand-on machines for tight landscaping work, cost far less than full-size models.

Dealers rarely publish new prices because they depend on configuration and incentives, so get written quotes from two or three dealers for the same specification.

Used skid steer prices and resale value

Skid steers hold their value better than most equipment, especially well-known brands such as Bobcat, Cat and John Deere. What drives used value:

• Hours. Under about 1,500 hours is generally considered low for a skid steer.
• Condition and maintenance history.
• Tracks or tires. New tracks can cost $3,000 to $6,000 to replace, and a new set of tires $2,000 to $4,000 installed, so worn ones should lower the price.
• Hydraulics and cab. High-flow hydraulics and enclosed cabs add value.
• Emissions systems. Newer diesel machines have emissions equipment that can be costly to repair; check its condition.

What to inspect on a used skid steer

1. Run it under load and test every hydraulic function.
2. Check pins and bushings on the lift arms and attachment plate for play.
3. Look for leaks around hydraulic hoses, cylinders and drive motors.
4. Inspect tracks, rollers and sprockets, or tire tread and sidewalls.
5. Check the engine for blow-by, smoke and starting issues.
6. Review service records and confirm the hour meter reading.

Small, medium or large frame?

Skid steers are commonly grouped by frame size and rated operating capacity (the weight they can safely lift):

• Small-frame machines are light and compact, ideal for tight backyards, interior demolition and work behind fences. They’re easier to trailer, but have limited lifting capacity and hydraulic power.
• Medium-frame machines are the most popular all-rounders for landscaping, construction and farm work, balancing lifting capacity with maneuverability.
• Large-frame machines lift heavier loads and run demanding high-flow attachments such as forestry mulchers and cold planers, but need bigger trailers and more space.

Choose by the heaviest material you’ll lift regularly, the attachments you’ll run, the access widths at your typical job sites, and the trailer and truck you already have.

Ownership costs to budget for

Beyond the purchase price or rental fee, plan for:

Safety and training

Skid steers are powerful and can tip, especially on slopes or when carrying raised loads. Train every operator on the specific machine: seat belts and the seat bar, keeping loads low when traveling, never exiting with the arms raised unless supported by the lift-arm support device, and using approved attachments correctly. Federal workplace safety rules require employers to provide safe equipment and training, and many manufacturers and dealers offer operator training programs.

Rental and lease options

Rental companies and dealers rent skid steers and track loaders by the day, week and month, usually with attachments available separately. Renting suits short projects and lets you try a machine before buying. Leasing or financing suits steady, long-term use and keeps cash free for other costs.

When comparing rental quotes, ask about delivery and pickup, damage waivers, fuel charges, attachment rental and hour limits on longer rentals.

Attachments: where the value is

A skid steer’s earning power comes from its attachments. Common ones include:

• Buckets: general purpose, grapple, and 4-in-1 buckets.
• Pallet forks for moving materials.
• Augers for post holes and planting.
• Trenchers for irrigation and utility lines.
• Brush cutters and mulchers for land clearing (often need high-flow hydraulics).
• Snow blades, pushers and blowers for winter work.
• Landscape rakes and soil conditioners for preparing lawns.
• Breakers for demolition.

Check that each attachment matches your machine’s mounting system and hydraulic flow.

Rent, lease or buy?

If your annual rental spending approaches the yearly cost of owning (payments or depreciation, insurance, maintenance and transport), buying usually wins. See how to finance business growth for equipment financing options.

Businesses built around a skid steer

• Landscaping and hardscaping. See our landscape installation business guide.
• Snow removal. A skid steer with a pusher clears commercial lots efficiently.
• Land clearing and forestry mulching with high-flow machines.
• Site prep and grading for builders.
• Equipment rental to homeowners and contractors.

Check your state’s contractor licensing rules before taking paid work, and read our landscaping industry profile.

Example: buying a first machine for a landscaping business

A landscaper who rents a track loader about eight days a month in season, at a few hundred dollars a day plus delivery, spends several thousand dollars a month on rentals. A used compact track loader with moderate hours, financed over several years, can cost a similar monthly amount while being available every day, including for extra jobs. For businesses using a machine that often, buying a well-inspected used unit usually pays off; for occasional use, renting stays cheaper.

This example is illustrative; use your own quotes.

Skid steer or mini excavator?

If most of your work is moving, loading and grading material, start with a skid steer or track loader. If it’s mainly digging trenches, footings and ponds, start with a mini excavator. Compare prices in our excavator cost guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Bobcat" a type of machine or a brand? Bobcat is a brand that popularized skid steer loaders, but the name is often used for any skid steer.

How many hours is too many on a used skid steer? There’s no fixed limit; condition and maintenance matter most. Under about 1,500 hours is generally considered low.

Do track loaders cost more to run? Usually yes, mainly because tracks and undercarriage parts cost more to replace than tires.

Should I buy a mini track loader instead? Stand-on mini track loaders cost much less and fit through garden gates, making them popular with landscapers working in tight residential yards. They lift far less, so they suit light material handling rather than heavy grading.

What’s the best time to buy? Dealers sometimes offer incentives near the end of the year, and used prices can soften after the busy construction season. Ask several dealers about current promotions.

Can I finance a used skid steer? Yes. Equipment lenders, dealers and banks finance used machines, often with shorter terms than new.

Next steps

See how to finance business growth, estimate costs with the startup cost calculator, and explore landscaping business ideas.

Prices are typical ranges and listings as of October 2026 and vary by region, dealer and specification. Get several quotes before buying.

Sources

1. TractorHouse, Bobcat T66 listings and price range (2026)
2. EquipBook, What is my skid steer worth? 2026 pricing guide
3. Machinery Trader, skid steers for rent (2026)

Last reviewed October 20, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.