A used skid steer in the US typically runs $12,000 to $55,000 in 2026, depending on age, hours and condition. Older high-hour wheeled machines start around $12,000, mid-age units land in the mid-$20,000s to high-$30,000s, and newer low-hour models push toward $55,000. Compact track loaders cost more. But the sticker matters less than what's under it: maintenance history, drive condition and included attachments swing the real value more than the model year alone.
Quick Answer: 2026 Used Skid Steer Prices
Here's the fast version. All prices are US used-market ranges and vary by region, hours, condition, brand and attachments.
| Machine | Typical Used Price | What Drives It |
|---|---|---|
| Older / high-hour wheeled (10+ yrs) | $12,000 – $20,000 | High hours, worn tires, few records |
| Mid-age, mid-size wheeled | $22,000 – $38,000 | Moderate hours, decent service history |
| Newer / low-hour wheeled | $38,000 – $55,000 | Low hours, warranty, clean drive |
| Compact track loader (CTL) | $50,000 – $78,000+ (newer) | Tracks, high-flow, versatility |
| New skid steer (reference) | $45,000 – $85,000+ | Brand, size, options |
For live pricing, MachineryList carries around 2,600 active listings, so you can see what sellers across the country are actually asking today, not just an average from a rate book. If you're on the selling side, you can check what your machine is worth with the valuation tool.
Wheeled Skid Steer vs. Compact Track Loader
The single biggest price fork is tires vs. tracks. A compact track loader (CTL) generally costs about $8,000 to $15,000 more than a comparable wheeled skid steer, and newer CTLs commonly sell for $50,000 to $78,000 or more. You're paying for flotation on soft ground, better traction on grades, and less ground damage. If you work mostly on pavement, gravel or hard-packed lots, a wheeled machine does the same job for less. We break the tradeoff down in skid steer vs. compact track loader cost.
What Changes the Price
Two skid steers with the same model year can be $10,000 apart. These are the levers that move the number:
- Brand. Bobcat, Cat, Deere and Kubota hold value best and resell fastest. Off-brand or discontinued makes sell for less and can be harder to get parts for.
- Hours. The meter is the headline number. See how many hours is a lot for a skid steer for what's normal at each age.
- Tires or tracks and drive condition. A fresh set of tires or tracks is a $2,000–$6,000 item; worn ones are a real discount.
- Attachments included. A bucket, forks, grapple or auger bundled in adds thousands of usable value.
- Service records. Documented maintenance justifies a higher price and lowers your risk.
- Lift style and hydraulics. Vertical-lift and high-flow hydraulics command more than radial-lift, standard-flow units.
How to Know You're Paying a Fair Price
Don't anchor to one listing or one rate book. Pull up several comparable machines with similar hours, age and drive condition and see where the cluster sits. Because MachineryList shows real current asking prices across roughly 2,600 listings, you can build that comparison in minutes on the skid steers for sale page. If a machine is priced well below the pack, treat it as a flag to inspect harder, not a bargain to grab. Then verify the specific unit against a used skid steer inspection checklist before you hand over money.
Buying and Selling Smart in 2026
Buyers: set your budget against the right tier above, then let condition break ties. A well-kept mid-age machine with records often beats a neglected newer one at the same price. Sellers: clean it, gather your service history, and price against live comparable listings, not what you paid new. A machine that shows well and prices in line with the market moves fastest. Whichever side you're on, comparing real listings is the cheapest research you'll do.
These ranges are general 2026 guidance for the US used market. Actual prices vary by region, hours, condition, brand and attachments. Always inspect a machine and verify pricing before you buy or sell. This is not financial or tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for a used skid steer with 2,000 hours?
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For a mid-size wheeled machine, 2,000 hours usually puts it in the $22,000 to $38,000 range, assuming good drive condition and some service records. A strong brand like Bobcat, Cat, Deere or Kubota lands at the higher end; a worn-out or off-brand unit at the lower end. Compare several listings with similar hours to pin down the fair number for your area.
Do Bobcat skid steers cost more used?
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Often, yes. Bobcat, along with Cat, Deere and Kubota, holds resale value better than off-brand makes, so comparable used units can carry a premium of a few thousand dollars. You're paying for strong parts availability, dealer support and easier resale down the road. Whether it's worth it depends on how long you'll keep the machine.
Is a compact track loader worth the extra money?
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If you work on soft, wet or uneven ground, usually yes. The extra $8,000 to $15,000 buys flotation, traction and less turf damage that a wheeled machine can't match off pavement. If your jobs are mostly on hard, flat surfaces, a wheeled skid steer does the same work for less and has cheaper drive components to maintain.
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