Used Skid Steer Buyer’s Checklist: What to Look For Before You Buy

Don’t Buy Someone Else’s Headache

A skid steer loader is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on any farm or job site. Because they are designed to turn on a dime and lift heavy loads in tight spaces, they take a tremendous amount of structural and mechanical abuse. Buying a used skid steer can save you tens of thousands of dollars, but the risks are high. Here is the definitive Iron Machinery inspection checklist.

1. Inspect the Loader Arms and Pivot Pins

The loader arms endure immense stress. Look for welded cracks or plating along the main boom arms—this indicates a previous failure. Next, check the pivot pins and bushings. Have the seller lower the bucket to the ground and put slight down-pressure on it, lifting the front tires off the ground an inch. Look for excessive slop or movement in the pivot points where the arms meet the chassis. If the pins are entirely worn out, repair can run into the thousands.

2. The Drive System: Wheels vs. Tracks

The drive motors are the most expensive component to replace on a skid steer.

• Wheeled Machines: Listen for grinding noises from the chain cases when turning. Smooth operation is key. Uneven tire wear usually just means aggressive turning on concrete, but check for rim damage.
• Tracked Machines (CTL): Inspect the rubber tracks for deep cuts exposing steel cables. More importantly, check the undercarriage rollers. If the rollers are leaking oil or missing chunks of steel, factor that into your negotiation. Track systems cost significantly more to maintain than wheels.

3. Hydraulic Integrity and the ‘Roast’ Test

Check the belly pan (the area under the engine and pumps). Is it full of oil and packed with dirt? A filthy belly pan hides major hydraulic leaks. Run the machine for at least 15-20 minutes until the hydraulic fluid is fully warmed up. Many worn hydraulic pumps work fine when the oil is cold and thick, but begin to fail and lose lifting power once the oil gets hot and thin.

4. ROPS and Safety Switches

Never buy a machine with a modified or cut ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure). Ensure the safety interlocks work—the machine should not move, and the loader arms should not operate unless the operator is in the seat and the safety bar is lowered.