A new minicar typically costs between $35,000 and $75,000, while used models range from about $15,000 to $40,000, depending on hours, make and condition. Attachments are sold separately and can add $1,000 to $15,000 or more each, so budgeting for the tools you’ll be using is essential when pricing a purchase.
This range is wide for a reason. The price of a minicar depends on the size class, power, hydraulic flow, whether it moves on wheels or tracks, and the brand badge on the side. And the sticker price is only half the story: the attachments you screw onto the front are what turn the machine into a hole digger, grapple, shredder or snow pusher. Here’s how to think about your total spend before you buy.
How much does a new minicar cost
Prices for new mini-roads closely follow size, as measured by nominal operating capacity (ROC):
- Small frame (ROC under 1,500 pounds): approximately $30,000 to $45,000. Best for tight spaces, landscaping and light material handling.
- Medium Frame (ROC £1,500 to £2,200): approximately $45,000 to $60,000. The most popular class for general construction and agricultural work.
- Large frame (2,200 pounds ROC and up): $60,000 to $75,000 or more. Built for heavy levels, demolitions and high flow fixtures.
High-flow hydraulics, heated enclosed cabs, and two-speed travel add several thousand dollars each, but they’re worth it if you plan to use demanding attachments like shredders or cold mills.
How much does a used skid steer cost
A used mini-flyer typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000, with the biggest price lever being hours on the machine. As a rough guide:
- Less than 1,000 hours: expect to pay 70-85% of the new ones. These machines have a lot of life left.
- 1,000 to 3,000 hours: the best value point, often 50-70% off new.
- More than 3,000 hours: cheaper up front, but budget for wear and tear and a closer inspection.
Before buying used, check the hour meter against service records, inspect the tires or tracks and undercarriage, cycle each hydraulic function, look for cracks and frame welds near the lift arms, and watch for leaks around the couplers. A machine that is a few thousand dollars cheaper but needs a hydraulic pump is not a bargain.
Which brand should you buy?
There is no single skid steer, just the best fit for your job and support from your local dealer. That last part matters more than most buyers realize, because parts availability and service can cost you more in downtime than the price difference between brands.
- Bobcat: the category leader, strong resale and a large network of distributors and accessories.
- Caterpillar: premium construction and hydraulics, a higher price and excellent dealer support.
- John Deere and Case: all-round performers popular in farms and mixed fleets.
- Kubota and New Holland: average competitive market value.
- Takeuchi: known for compact loaders and hydraulics.
If you’re cross-shopping, weigh resale value, accessory compatibility, and proximity to the nearest service center, not just the quoted price.
Wheeled vs Tracked: The Cost Difference
A compact track loader (CTL) typically costs 10-20% more than a comparable skid steer loader, and the tracks themselves are a recurring expense to replace. In return you get flotation on soft ground, better traction on slopes and less damage to the surface. If you work primarily on pavement and packed sites, a wheeled machine is cheaper to buy and maintain. If you’re on mud, sand or grass, the CTL premium usually pays for itself.
Don’t forget the attachments
A bare minicar is a power source waiting for a tool. Attachments are sold separately, and this is where budgets quietly stretch. Usual purchase prices:
- Buckets: $500 to $2,500
- Pallet forks: $700 to $2,000
- Mixers: $1,800 to $3,500
- Staples: $2,000 to $6,000
- Mulching headers: $8,000 to $18,000
The smart move is to price the machine and the two or three accessories you’ll be using as a single package. Browse minicart attachments by job type and start with the anchoring tools for your job, whether it’s a general-purpose bucket, an auger for fences and foundations, or a grapple for cleaning and ground work.
Financing a purchase of minicarts
Most buyers do not pay in cash. Between dealer financing, equipment loans, and lease-to-own programs, monthly payments on a skid steer often come to around a few rental days per month, which makes ownership affordable for anyone who uses a machine regularly. Attachments can usually be built into the same package, so you’re not left with a capable loader and no tools to run it. If you’re weighing the numbers, take a look at the minicart and accessory financing overview to understand your options before you sign.
Depreciation and resale value
Skid steers hold their value better than most heavy equipment because demand for used machines remains high. Expect the steepest drop in the first year, then a smoother slide. Low hours, full service records and a popular brand protect resale. Accessories also have value, and a well-maintained set can be sold or transferred to your next machine, which softens the true cost of ownership.
The actual total cost of the property
The purchase price is just the entry fee. Over the life of a machine you’ll also pay for fuel, routine maintenance and filters, tires or tracks, insurance and the occasional repair. A reasonable planning figure is a few thousand dollars a year in running costs for a machine in constant use, more if you’re logging a lot of hours. Keeping this in mind is what separates a budget that holds up from one that surprises you in year two.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a skid steer?
Rent costs $200-$400 per day, $700-$1,200 per week or $1,800-$3,500 per month, plus delivery and a damage waiver. Renting makes sense for one-off jobs, but if you’re renting the same machine or accessory more than a couple of weeks a year, buying usually wins.
Who makes the best minicar?
There is no universal winner. Bobcat leads in reseller and dealer coverage, Caterpillar in premium hydraulics and John Deere, Case, Kubota, New Holland and Takeuchi all power machines. The best choice is the brand with the best local service and the accessory line that fits your job.
How much does a Bobcat skid steer weigh?
Depending on the model and frame size, a miniature Bobcat generally weighs between 4,900 and 8,600 pounds. Heavier machines tend to carry higher rated operating capabilities and higher price tags, so weight, capacity and cost tend to move together.
New vs Used: Which is Right for You?
Buy new if you run the machine hard, want the latest hydraulics and full warranty coverage, and value predictable uptime. New machines also give you the first choice of configuration, from high-flow hydraulics to cab comfort options, and the tax treatment of a new purchase works in favor of some buyers.
Buy used if you want the most capability for your dollar and feel comfortable inspecting a machine or paying a mechanic to do it. A used skid steer in good condition with between 1,000 and 3,000 hours often offers the best value on the market, leaving room in the budget for attachments that really get the job done. For many buyers, a used machine and a set of strong attachments beats a new loader in terms of both price and productivity.
The bottom line
Budget for machine and tools together. A used mid-frame miniature with a bucket, auger and grapple can cost less than a new machine and do a lot more work. Decide how many hours you will run each year, match the size class and hydraulic flow with your attachments, and the price of ownership with what you currently spend on rentals. When you’re ready to build the working end of your machine, browse the full range of miniature accessories and explore financing to spread the cost.
