Many dealers sell both new and used skid steers. While you can save quite a bit of money buying a used skid steer, it’s not worth the risk if you’re going to be using the machine full time. One reason is the abuse they take: skid steers are used hard in adverse conditions and are subject to significant wear.

Another is the warranty. You’ll typically get at least a one-year parts and labor warranty on a new machine, and as with cars, you’ll often be able to get longer warranties on some subsystems, like the powertrain or the hydraulics. A used skid steer will usually have a 90-day warranty at most – and often, no warranty at all.

That said, if you’re looking for a used skid steer for part-time use, you can find some great deals. A mid-sized skid steer that sells for $20,000 new will probably sell for around $14,000 used. A good benchmark to look for is a machine that has 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use – that’s enough to drop the price while still getting you a machine with a long lifespan ahead of it.

The size you’re looking for will impact your decision, as well. The most popular size is the 1,750 lb to 2,200 lb range, so there are more used skid steers out there in this range than in the smallest and largest sizes.

If you buy a used skid steer, find out everything you can about its maintenance history. Skid steers require regular maintenance: prompt hydraulic fluid and oil changes are a must. A skid steer that’s been neglected will be prone to all kinds of problems, while one that’s well-maintained can last for years.