Tires or tracks: check the running gear
On a wheeled skid steer, check tire tread and even wear on all four. On a compact track loader (CTL), inspect the rubber tracks, rollers, sprockets and idlers, the undercarriage is the expensive wear item on a CTL and replacing it is a real cost. Look for chunking, cracks or exposed cords on the tracks.
Hydraulics, lift arm and attachments
Run the lift and tilt functions and watch for drift and leaks. Inspect the lift-arm and bucket pins for play, which shows hard use. If you are buying for attachments, test the auxiliary hydraulic couplers, and confirm whether it is standard-flow or high-flow, since many attachments need high-flow.
Cab, controls, hours and value
Check the control pattern (hand-foot vs joystick, and ISO vs H-pattern), the seat-bar interlock, and the door seal on enclosed cabs. Value is driven by hours, tire or track condition, engine and hydraulic health, and included attachments. See real-sales values by model on the skid steer value guide.
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Frequently asked
Does a track loader hold value better than a skid steer?
Compact track loaders often command higher prices than comparable wheeled skid steers, but they also carry undercarriage wear costs. Factor remaining track and undercarriage life into the price.
What is high hours on a used skid steer?
Condition matters more than the meter. A machine with a documented service history and healthy hydraulics can be a good buy at higher hours than a neglected low-hour unit.
Do attachments add value to a skid steer?
Yes. Included buckets, forks, grapples and other attachments add real value, and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics broaden what the machine can run. Confirm the couplers and flow rating work.