How Much Does a Bobcat Skid Steer Cost?

Last Updated on April 1, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Bobcat skid steer loaders represent one of the most versatile investments for construction, landscaping, rental fleets, farms, industrial applications, and beyond. Their compact size, unmatched maneuverability, and huge attachment flexibility enable tackling virtually any digging, lifting, clearing, grading, or material handling job.

This guide goes through new and used Bobcat skid steer pricing in detail across all factors – machine sizes, engine power, attachments, warranties, financing, maintenance, and more.

How Much Does a Bobcat Skid Steer Cost?

New Bobcat skid steer costs range from just over $10,000 for a mini loader up past $100,000 for high-end heavy lifting models, and it’s crucial to understand exactly what drives costs.

Given the diversity of available models with different capacities, capabilities, and options, Bobcat skid steer costs can vary significantly. Here are typical new pricing ranges by loader class:

Here’s a clean and organized table based on the information you provided:

Model	Price Range (USD)
Mini Track Loaders	$10,000 – $15,000
S70 Series	$30,000 – $40,000
S450 Series	$40,000 – $50,000
S550 Series	$45,000 – $55,000
S590 Series	$50,000 – $60,000
S595 Series	$60,000 – $70,000
S645 Series	$55,000 – $65,000
S650 Series	$60,000 – $70,000
S670 Series	$65,000 – $75,000
S770 Series	$75,000 – $90,000
S850 Series	$90,000 – $110,000

Of course, pricing depends on factors like engine size, specific components, and optional accessories chosen.

According to Purple Wave, recent auction prices for Bobcat skid steers range from $56,100 to $72,600. These prices are based on closed auctions from various locations across the United States, including Missouri, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.

IronPlanet provides a more diverse range of prices for used Bobcat skid steers. Their listings show prices varying from as low as $1,000 for older models in online auctions to $28,372 for newer models available for immediate purchase. Current high offers on various Bobcat skid steers range from $6,500 to $21,100, depending on the machine’s condition, hours of use, and location.

Overview of Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders

First, what exactly are Bobcat skid steers? Bobcat Manufacturing Company popularized the term “skid steer” with their early compact loader models. Skid steers feature four-wheel drive with wheels located on pivot points alongside the main body. This allows them to maneuver in tight spaces that conventional front loaders can’t, hence the “skid steering.”

Bobcat skid steers offer lifting capacities from 1,000 to over 4,000 pounds. Their attachment-ready design accepts over 100 specialized tools like augers, grapples, trenchers, and more. Common applications include:

• Digging trenches, holes, and foundations
• Land clearing and brush removal
• Lifting and placing bricks, lumber, dirt, sand, snow, etc.
• Landscaping tasks like raking, grading, mulching
• Scrap and waste material handling
• Forklift-style pallet and cargo moving

Factors Influencing the Costs

Bobcat offers a wide range of loader models and configurations to match different jobsite needs. Several variables influence the base purchase price and total cost of ownership:

Machine Size and Rated Lift Capacity – Bobcat skid steers range from their smallest 773 pound rated mini track loaders up to 4,575 pound rated heavy lifters like the S850 model. Higher lifting capacities require more robust frames, boom arms, cylinders, and counterweights. But this toughness comes at a price. In general, expect each step up in lift rating to add $5,000 to $15,000 to machine cost.

Engine Horsepower – More horsepower equals greater hydraulic power and pushing/digging forces generated by the loader. But larger diesel engines add substantially to purchase price. For example, moving from a 24 HP engine to a 74 HP version could add $10,000 ormore. Factor in how much power your work truly requires.

Drive Type – Wheels vs Tracks – Wheeled skid steers provide compact mobility and maneuverability at lower acquisition costs. But optional rubber tracked drive type systems improve traction and flotation in soft terrain. Unfortunately, tracks add around $5,000 in upfront cost over wheels. Choose based on your work environment.

Hydraulic Lift Design – Bobcat offers vertical lift or radial lift boom configurations. Vertical lifts maximize bucket breakout force for digging. While radial lifts curl farther for easier truck loading. Radial lift versions cost $2,000 to $4,000 more due to the complex geometry.

Comfort and Convenience Features – Luxe upgrades like air conditioning, deluxe suspension seats, Bluetooth radio, rearview camera, climate-controlled cab, and so forth ratchet up the comfort level along with MSRP.

Used Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders

For cost-conscious buyers not needing the latest models, purchasing a used Bobcat represents a great value. Pre-owned units see pricing like:

• Mini models under $15,000
• Older S-Series models ranging $20,000 – $40,000
• Low hour late model S-Series from $40,000 – $60,000

Well-maintained used Bobcats still have years of rugged life left, at a fraction of new costs. Just scrutinize hour meters, wear components, and service records carefully before purchase. Auctions, private sellers, and equipment resale sites provide used inventory.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Bobcat tractor, Hitachi excavator, or dump truck.

Rental vs Buying vs Leasing

In addition to buying new or used, customers can also rent Bobcats short term or lease over longer periods. How do these options compare on cost and value?

Bobcat Rental Cost

Renting makes the most sense for one-off jobs or very intermittent needs where purchasing would be hard to justify. Average Bobcat rental rates range:

• Daily: $150 – $300 per day
• Weekly: $900 – $1,500 per week
• Monthly: $1,500 – $3,000 per month

Rentals allow affordable access but limited selection in your region.

Bobcat Leasing Cost

Leasing means paying a consistent monthly fee over a set contract term spanning 12 to 48 months, after which you return the equipment. Lease rates run:

• $500 – $800 per month for mini models
• $800 – $1,200 per month for larger units

Leasing locks in predictable budget-friendly payments for long-term work.

Buying Cost

While buying new costs the most up front, over years of ownership buyers save substantially on rentals and profit from equity in the asset. Just be sure to budget for maintenance.

Augers, Forks, Buckets

Bobcat skid steers accept over 100 attachments for added functionality. Here are typical prices:

• Buckets – $500 to $2,000
• Augers – $2,000 to $5,000
• Grapples – $3,000 to $6,000
• Pallet Forks – $1,000 to $1,500
• Angle Brooms – $1,500 to $3,000
• Trenchers – $4,000 to $8,000
• Landscape Rakes – $1,500 to $2,500
• Snowblowers – $4,000 to $6,000

The machine and attachment combined provide endless versatility.

Fuel, Maintenance, Insurance

Beyond just the machine, ownership costs include:

• Fuel – $15 to $30 per day
• Preventative Maintenance – $250 per service
• Major Repairs – $2,000 to $5,000 if issues arise
• Tires – $1,000 per set
• Insurance – $500 to $1,500 annually
• Storage – $100+ per month if renting space

Factor ongoing costs into your budget. Protect uptime with scheduled service.

Financing and Payment Options

Most customers finance Bobcat purchases through:

• Bank Loans – Apply directly with your bank; good credit key.
• Bobcat Direct Financing – Offers plans through Bobcat and partner banks.
• Dealer Programs – Dealers often coordinate lending programs.

Typical terms run 36 to 60 months with interest rates from 5% to 15% APR. Down payment around 30% recommended. Monthly payments for a $50,000 machine could range $750 to $1,150. Have your credit ready!

Research and Buy Bobcat Skid Steers

New Bobcats must be purchased through authorized dealers who sell models and attachments for your region. There are over 500 North American dealers. Visit Bobcat’s dealer locator to find nearby sellers.

Used Bobcats can be purchased through private sellers, auctions, and classifieds:

• Auction Sites – Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, etc.
• Classifieds – Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
• Equipment Resale Sites – MachineryTrader, Equipment Trader, etc.

Once you’ve narrowed down options, comparing models helps find the right match.

Bobcat vs Other Skid Steer Brands

While Bobcat pioneered the very first skid steers decades ago, today Caterpillar, John Deere, New Holland, CASE, and other equipment brands offer their own competitive models. When comparing brands, assess factors like:

• Engine horsepower range
• Rated lift capacity
• Attachment availability
• Local dealer proximity for sales and service
• Parts availability and supply chain
• Technology features and cabin comforts
• Service intervals and maintenance costs
• Expected machine longevity and uptime
• Operator reviews and sentiments

Try operating different loader brands on your worksites to choose the optimal model that best fits performance, reliability, and budget needs. An extra $5,000 upfront could easily pay dividends long-term via increased capacity, lower downtime, or greater attachment flexibility that saves future equipment purchases.

Right Skid Steer for Your Needs

When selecting a Bobcat, consider:

• Weight and lift capacity for the loads
• Handling in the work environment
• Power and speed for tasks
• Crew comfort and visibility
• Attachment flexibility needed
• Purchase budget available
• Financing terms and rates

Narrow your choices to best fit the work.

Expert Insights

“Always add extended warranty protection when buying new Bobcat equipment. While these machines are built rugged, major component repairs like hydraulic pumps or wheel motors can cost $5k or more out of pocket post-warranty. An extra 1-2 years of protection provides invaluable peace of mind well worth the premium.”

– Wade Grimes, Owner, Carolina Land Management Solutions

“If financing a Bobcat, avoid long 6-7 year loans with low payments but tons of interest. Instead take a 3 year term with higher payments to minimize total interest paid. You’ll spend the same monthly but own it outright years sooner! Check used inventory too for huge potential savings over new.”

– Kat Dunn, Founder, Athens Landscaping LLC

“For occasional needs, look into Bobcat’s long term rental plans that offer up to 7 years use with a built-in purchase option, all while building equity along the way. This avoids large upfront CapEx. We currently rent two S650s this way.”

– Neil Stanowski, Equipment Manager, Breakthrough Construction

Doing homework on prices, financing, and operating costs optimizes your Bobcat investment and total job site productivity. Let the skidding begin!

Final Words

Given their versatility across so many industry sectors, Bobcat skid steer loaders deliver excellent long-term value by enabling you to take on diverse income-generating work.

Carefully weigh the total costs against your projected usage and needs. For frequent heavy work, buying new or used can provide better ROI than renting alone.

Focus on total cost of ownership – not just sticker pricing. And always buy from authorized sellers to ensure warranty support, parts availability, and reliable service down the road.

Answers to Common Questions

Will a Bobcat fit through a gate?

It depends on the model, but most full-size Bobcat skid steers range 7-8 feet wide and will not fit through standard yard gates. Look at compact and mini Bobcats if tight access is needed.

Are skid steers easy to operate?

Bobcats utilize twin lever steering that takes practice to master precision movements. New operators require training time to gain confidence. Controls are not as intuitive as a wheel loader.

How fast can a Bobcat skid steer go?

Top speeds for most Bobcat skid steer models range 6 to 12 mph, slower than typical road vehicles. Higher speeds allow quicker worksite mobility. But precise slow control is preferred for grading, digging, and lifting.