Looking for the Best Used Skid Steer? Here’s Why Most People Pick Bobcat

Why Bobcat Used Skid Steers Hold Their Value Well

You can save a lot of money buying used. But not every low-hour, clean-looking loader is worth it. So, what’s the best used machine? We’d say a Bobcat skid-steer or compact track loader, and most of our customers would say so, too. Before you buy, though, let’s walk through what makes Bobcat the best used skid steer brand on the market. 

Reason #1: Used Bobcat Skid Steers Hold Up Better

Used Bobcat vs Other Brands 

Bobcat has cornered the skid steer market for a long time. But the thing about used inventory is that you’re going to find a great machine and a really bad machine out there, no matter what color it is. It really comes down to hours, maintenance history, and how the last guy treated it. 

If you’re trying to figure out what brand to buy, start with the basics. Figure out what size you need, find a dealer that will support you well, then look at the condition of their machines. 

How Do Used Bobcat Skid Steers Perform? 

Research and customer feedback confirmed what we’ve seen for years: older Bobcat skid steers hold up well, even with high hours. They’re like the Toyota of compact equipment. If you’re looking at used Bobcat performance, take a close look at the engine. Depending on the year and series, you could be looking at a Kubota, Deutz, or Doosan engine. Each one’s a little different, so it’s worth taking the time to ask how that specific machine’s engine performs before you buy.   

What to Check Before You Buy

No matter what brand you decide to look at, there are a few spots you’ll always want to inspect on a used machine. 

• Tires or tracks 
• Loader arms and pins 
• Hydraulic cylinders and hoses 
• Footwells and pedals 
• Axle seals, wheel bearings, steering linkages, and pintle shafts 
• Drive motors 
• Chain case 
• Hydrostatic drive system 
• Gear pump 

If any of these components look chewed up, patched over, or leaky, it’s probably not worth the risk. 

Reason #2: Used Bobcat Skid Steers are Easy to Maintain

Once you’ve bought a used Bobcat skid steer from a trusted local dealer, you’re not on your own. You’ve got a machine that’s overall very reliable—and all the service support Bobcat of Indy can offer.  

A lot of our customers like to handle smaller repairs themselves. With a used Bobcat loader, that’s doable. If you’re handy with a wrench and comfortable doing a little troubleshooting, these machines are easy to work on. But, if something doesn’t go as planned, or if you’re looking at an issue you can’t solve, we’re here for you. That can look like anything from a quick phone call to an in-store service appointment to same-day field service. Whatever it is, our team’s got your back. 

Great Parts Support

New or used; eventually, you’re going to need a replacement part. That’s just part of owning equipment. Where the rubber really hits the road is how fast you can get back up and running—especially when you’re in the middle of a job. With Bobcat of Indy, you’re not stuck waiting on a part. Our team keeps a wide range of Bobcat parts on hand, and they’re always ready to help you get the right replacements. Here’s what one of our customers had to say after working with Bobcat of Columbus: 

“Always a nice bunch of guys in there to help out with parts and rentals. Usually have what we need in stock for our old Bobcat 853.” – Doug Chapman 

Reason #3: Our Bobcat Used Skid Steers are Reasonably Priced

Buying used is a great call if you’re looking for a high-performance but low-budget skid steer. The quality of the machine matters a lot, but the dealer support you get matters just as much. If you’re looking for the best all-around deal, you really can’t beat a used Bobcat skid-steer or compact track loader from Bobcat of Indy. Call your sales rep to get started today!