The best skid steer for the money and how to size one

A skid steer is one of the most useful machines you can own, and one of the easiest to overspend on. The best value is rarely the cheapest machine or the biggest one. It is the machine that matches your work, keeps running and still sells well when you are ready to upgrade. This guide covers the best skid steers for the money, how to choose the right size and what to check before you buy used.

The short answer: for most buyers, the best skid steer for the money is a used vertical-lift machine with about 74 hp and roughly 2,700 to 2,800 lb of rated operating capacity, such as the Case SV280B, Bobcat S650, Kubota SSV75 or John Deere 324G. These are among the most traded used skid steers in the U.S., so they are easy to price, service and resell. If you need more lift or high-flow power, the Case SV340B is the best value in the large-frame class.

Best skid steers for the money at a glance

Model	Rated operating capacity	Engine	Best for
Case SV280B	2,800 lb	74 hp	Best overall value
Bobcat S650	2,690 lb	74 hp	Widest dealer and parts network
Kubota SSV75	2,690 lb	74.3 hp (gross)	Reliability reputation
John Deere 324G	2,690 lb	74 hp (gross)	Buyers near a Deere dealer
Case SV340B	3,400 lb	90 hp (gross)	Best large-frame value

Specs are published manufacturer and dealer figures. They vary by model year and options, so confirm them against the serial number of the machine you are buying.

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2023 John Deere 332G Two-Speed High Flow Skid Steer Loader

Medford, MN · 987 hrs

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What is the best skid steer for the money?

The Case SV280B is the best skid steer for the money for most buyers, because it pairs the highest lift rating in its group with one of the deepest used markets in the country.

The SV280B carries a 2,800 lb rated operating capacity on a 74 hp engine, about 110 lb more than its closest rivals. Its vertical-lift arms add reach at full height for loading trucks, and high-flow hydraulics are available for attachments like mulchers and planers. Equipment World data ranks it as the most traded used skid steer in the U.S., which means mechanics know it well, parts are easy to find and you will have plenty of buyers when it is time to sell.

The Bobcat S650, Kubota SSV75 and John Deere 324G are close behind and trade just as often. On paper they are nearly identical, so the right choice among them usually comes down to condition, hours and which dealer is closest.

Who makes the best skid steer for the money?

Bobcat, Case, Kubota and John Deere all build strong-value skid steers, and the best brand for you is usually the one with a dealer closest to your operation.

Bobcat sold the most new skid steers in Equipment World’s latest rankings, with 2,672 units, followed by Caterpillar, Kubota, John Deere and Case. That sales volume gives Bobcat the widest dealer and parts network, which matters more than small spec differences when a machine is down. Kubota’s SSV75 was the best-selling individual model, helped by its reliability reputation. Our Bobcat vs Kubota comparison goes deeper on those two brands.

What is the best large-frame skid steer for the money?

The Case SV340B is the best large-frame value, delivering 3,400 lb of rated operating capacity and 38.7 gpm of high-flow hydraulics from a 90 hp engine.

That is enough to run most mulchers and cold planers without paying for engine power you may not need. If you run high-flow attachments every day or need the most lift, our guide to the best heavy-duty skid steers compares the SV340B with the Cat 272D3 XE, Bobcat S86, John Deere 332G and New Holland L334.

Should you buy a new or used skid steer?

A used skid steer is usually the better value, because the steepest depreciation happens in the first few years while a well-maintained machine keeps working for thousands of hours.

Equipment World data puts the average used skid steer at about $39,900 and 7.3 years old, a fraction of the price of a comparable new machine. Buying used also lets you step up a size class for the same budget. Before you commit, compare recent sold prices for the exact model, year and hours you are considering, so you know what the market actually pays.

What size skid steer do you need?

Match the rated operating capacity to the heaviest load you lift regularly, and pay for high-flow hydraulics only if you will run attachments that need them.

Rated operating capacity is half the machine’s tipping load. Small-frame machines, under about 1,750 lb, fit through gates and work well for landscaping and tight spaces. Mid-size machines, from about 1,750 to 2,200 lb, cover general farm and property work. Large-frame machines, above 2,200 lb, handle pallets of block, truck loading and heavy attachments. The 74 hp models in this guide sit at the lower end of the large-frame class, which is why they suit so many buyers.

Ground conditions matter too. If you work mostly in mud, sand or snow, read our guide to compact track loaders vs skid steers before you decide.

Are cheap mini skid steers worth it?

Low-cost imported mini skid steers can handle light homeowner jobs, but parts, dealer support and resale value are much weaker than with established brands.

A machine you cannot repair quickly costs more in downtime than it saved at purchase. Before buying any imported machine, confirm you can source filters, hydraulic parts and drive components by serial number. Our guide to Chinese skid steers covers what to check.

What should you check on a used skid steer?

Check the service history, pins and bushings, drive system and hydraulics, because those are where expensive repairs hide.

1. Hours and records. Look for regular hydraulic filter and fluid changes. Records matter more than a low hour meter.
2. Pins and bushings. Raise the arms and check for play at the pivots and quick attach.
3. Drive system. Listen for grinding from the chaincase or drive motors while turning in place.
4. Hydraulics. Look for leaks at cylinders and hoses, and test the auxiliary circuit with an attachment if you can.
5. Emissions. On Tier 4 machines, ask for DPF and DEF service history.
6. Tires, glass and seals. Cheap to inspect, costly to replace.

For a full walkthrough, read our skid steer loader inspection tips. Once you have a machine, the right attachments multiply its value, starting with a skid steer grapple.

The bottom line

For most buyers, a used 74 hp vertical-lift machine like the Case SV280B, Bobcat S650, Kubota SSV75 or John Deere 324G is the best skid steer for the money. Step up to the Case SV340B if you need large-frame lift and high flow. Buy from a brand your local dealer supports, and judge each machine on its records and condition. Browse used skid steer loaders and compact track loaders on RB Auction, and if you need help spreading the cost, Ritchie Bros. Financial Services can help you get pre-approved before you bid.

See also

The most reliable trucks you can buy used