Skid Steer Buyer's Inspection Checklist
What to check before buying a new or used skid steer — from loader arms, hydraulics and pivot wear to tyres, drive system, engine hours and attachments.
A used skid steer can be a versatile addition to a construction, landscaping, agricultural or earthmoving operation — but two machines with similar hours and asking prices can have experienced very different working lives.
A skid steer that has spent much of its life performing lighter work may show very different wear from one that has operated daily in demolition, civil construction or other demanding environments.
That is why a pre-purchase inspection should go beyond the hour meter and external appearance. Loader arms, pins and bushes, hydraulic components, tyres, drive behaviour, attachment points and maintenance history can all help build a clearer picture of the machine you are considering.
Use this checklist as a practical starting point while inspecting a machine, but remember that a visual inspection cannot confirm every mechanical, hydraulic or structural issue. Where the purchase is substantial or you identify concerns, an independent professional inspection may be worthwhile.
Quick Take
When inspecting a used skid steer, pay particular attention to the loader arms, pivot points, pins and bushes, quick-attach system, hydraulics, tyres and drive behaviour. Check the machine from cold where possible, operate its functions safely and review documented service history rather than relying only on the displayed engine hours.
Skid Steer Inspection Checklist
- Before You Inspect
- Walk-Around Inspection
- Loader Arms
- Quick-Attach System
- Hydraulic System
- Pins, Bushes & Pivot Points
- Engine
- Engine Hours
- Tyres & Wheels
- Drive System
- Chain Case & Drive Components
- Operator Cab
- Safety Systems
- Attachments
- Underneath the Machine
- Service History
- Serial Numbers & Identification
- PPSR Search
- Test Under Load
- Questions to Ask
- Buying Red Flags
- Professional Inspection
- New vs Used
- Dealer vs Private
- Before You Buy
- Financing a Skid Steer
- Final Inspection Checklist
Before You Inspect a Skid Steer
A useful inspection starts before you arrive at the machine.
Ask the seller for enough information to identify exactly what is being offered and begin building a picture of its previous working life.
Find Out Before You Arrive
- Exact make and model.
- Manufacturing year.
- Displayed engine hours.
- Ownership history.
- Primary previous use.
- Service history.
- Dealer or private sale.
- Attachments included.
- Asking price.
- GST status where relevant.
- Identification details where available.
- Whether finance or security interests may exist.
Ask What Work the Machine Has Actually Done
Hours tell only part of the story. A machine used occasionally around a farm may have experienced very different stresses from a skid steer working daily in demolition, civil construction, landscaping or another demanding commercial environment.
Start With a Walk-Around Inspection
Before starting the engine, walk slowly around the entire skid steer.
Working machinery will normally have scratches, worn paint and other evidence of use. The purpose is not to find a perfect machine. It is to identify damage, unusual wear, leaks or repairs that may warrant closer investigation.
Look For
- Structural damage.
- Cracks.
- Bent panels or components.
- Missing guards.
- Heavy impact damage.
- Excessive corrosion.
- Oil leaks.
- Hydraulic leaks.
- Missing or loose fasteners.
- Damaged hoses.
- Questionable repairs.
- Fresh paint in isolated areas.
- Welding or reinforcement.
Fresh Paint Is Not Automatically a Problem
Machines are often cleaned and presented before sale. However, isolated fresh paint around a structural area, pivot point or previous repair deserves a closer look to understand what may have been repaired underneath.
Inspect the Loader Arms Carefully
The loader-arm assembly is one of the most important skid-steer-specific areas to inspect.
It repeatedly carries lifting and loading forces and operates through multiple pivot points. Wear, cracking or previous structural repair in this area deserves proper investigation.
Check the Loader Arms For
- Cracks.
- Previous welding.
- Reinforcement.
- Bent sections.
- Uneven alignment.
- Damaged mounting points.
- Wear around pivot points.
- Loose or worn pins.
- Bush wear.
- Excessive movement.
Look at both sides rather than concentrating on the easiest side to access. Compare similar pivot and mounting points for obvious differences in wear, repair or alignment.
Movement Can Tell a Story
Some wear is expected on used machinery. Excessive movement around loader-arm pins, bushes or pivot points, however, may indicate that maintenance or component replacement is approaching.
Structural Repairs Need More Than a Visual Guess
If you identify cracking, significant welding, reinforcement or questionable repairs around the loader arms or mounting structure, consider having the area assessed by someone appropriately experienced before proceeding.
Check the Quick-Attach System
The attachment interface is where the skid steer connects to buckets, forks and other implements, so wear or damage here can affect how securely and accurately attachments engage.
Inspect
- Attachment plate.
- Locking mechanism.
- Locking pins.
- Hydraulic locking system where fitted.
- Excessive wear.
- Bent components.
- Cracking.
- Previous repairs.
- Correct engagement.
- Movement once attached.
Where an attachment is available and it is safe to do so, observe the attachment and removal process. The mechanism should engage correctly rather than requiring improvised methods or excessive force.
Don't Ignore the Attachment Interface
A machine may operate well while still having substantial wear around its quick-attach plate or locking components. Inspect this area independently rather than assuming it is sound because the loader functions normally.
Inspect the Hydraulic System
Hydraulics operate many of the skid steer's core functions and deserve a careful visual and operational inspection.
Start by examining visible components before operating the machine.
Visually Inspect
- Hydraulic hoses.
- Hose fittings.
- Cylinders and rams.
- Seals.
- Hydraulic connections.
- Auxiliary hydraulic outlets.
- Protective sleeves.
- Hose routing.
- Visible leaks.
- Signs of rubbing or chafing.
Then Observe the Hydraulics in Operation
With a competent operator and in a safe area, operate the loader functions and pay attention to how the machine responds.
- Do the loader arms raise smoothly?
- Does the bucket tilt smoothly?
- Do the controls respond consistently?
- Does movement appear weak or hesitant?
- Are there unusual hydraulic noises?
- Do cylinders appear to operate evenly?
- Are new leaks visible after operation?
Symptoms Are Not a Diagnosis
Slow movement, unusual noise or weak hydraulic performance can have different causes. Treat unusual behaviour as a reason for further investigation rather than attempting to diagnose a hydraulic fault from one symptom alone.
Inspect Pins, Bushes and Pivot Points
Pins and bushes are wear components, particularly on machines that have completed substantial loading work.
As wear develops, clearances can increase and movement can become more noticeable around the loader linkage and attachment system.
Look For
- Excessive movement.
- Uneven movement.
- Visible wear.
- Worn pins.
- Worn bushes.
- Damaged grease points.
- Blocked grease fittings.
- Signs of poor lubrication.
- Movement around mounting points.
- Evidence of recent component replacement.
Some Wear Is Normal — Excessive Wear Has a Cost
A used skid steer does not need to be completely free of movement to be worth considering. The important question is whether the level of wear is reasonable for the machine or likely to result in significant maintenance expenditure.
Check the Engine
Where practical, ask the seller not to warm the machine before you arrive. Observing a cold start can provide information that may not be obvious once the engine is already at operating temperature.
Before Starting
- Check oil level and condition where appropriate.
- Check coolant where safely accessible.
- Look for oil or coolant leaks.
- Inspect visible belts.
- Inspect hoses.
- Look at accessible wiring.
- Check engine mounts.
- Look for evidence of overheating.
- Look for signs of neglected maintenance.
During the Cold Start
- Observe how readily the engine starts.
- Watch warning lights.
- Observe exhaust smoke.
- Listen for unusual noises.
- Check for excessive vibration.
- Observe idle quality.
- Allow the machine to reach normal operating conditions.
Try to See the First Start of the Day
A machine that has already been warmed before an inspection may behave differently from one being started cold. Where practical, arranging to observe the first start of the day can make the inspection more informative.
Understand the Engine Hours
The hour meter is useful, but there is no single number of hours that automatically makes a skid steer a good or bad purchase.
Hours should be considered alongside the machine's age, maintenance history, workload, operating environment and overall condition.
A documented maintenance history can provide useful context for the number displayed on the hour meter.
Operating conditions and workload can influence wear considerably, even between machines showing similar hours.
Major repairs or replaced components can change how the overall machine condition should be assessed.
Idle time and operator behaviour can also influence what the hour figure represents. A well-maintained higher-hour machine may sometimes be a more attractive proposition than a neglected machine displaying fewer hours.
Don't Buy the Hour Meter
Treat hours as one piece of evidence rather than the entire buying decision. Compare the displayed hours with the physical condition of the controls, seat, pedals, loader components, tyres and maintenance records.
Inspect the Tyres and Wheels
Because this guide is specifically about a wheeled skid steer rather than a tracked compact loader, tyre condition deserves particular attention.
Skid-steer tyres operate in demanding conditions and can represent a meaningful replacement expense, particularly if all four are approaching replacement at the same time.
Check All Four Tyres For
- Remaining tread.
- Uneven wear.
- Cuts.
- Cracking.
- Sidewall damage.
- Missing chunks.
- Puncture repairs.
- Different tyre types.
- Different levels of wear.
- Condition of the rims.
- Wheel nuts.
- Signs of impact damage.
Price the Tyres Before You Dismiss the Wear
If the machine is otherwise attractive but the tyres are nearing replacement, find out what a suitable set will actually cost. That expense can then be considered when comparing the asking price with other machines.
Check the Drive System
A skid steer relies on independent drive control to manoeuvre, making drive behaviour an important part of the operational test.
In a safe area and with a competent operator, move the machine through basic forward, reverse and steering movements.
Observe
- Forward movement.
- Reverse movement.
- Left steering response.
- Right steering response.
- Response from both sides.
- Jerking or hesitation.
- Unexpected pulling.
- Unusual noises.
- Apparent weakness.
- Excessive vibration.
The Machine Should Respond Predictably
Controls can feel different between models, but the skid steer should respond consistently and predictably. Obvious differences between sides, unusual noises or erratic movement deserve further investigation.
Check for Chain Case or Drive Issues
Drivetrain design differs between skid-steer manufacturers and models, so this part of the inspection needs to remain machine-specific.
Where applicable to the machine being inspected, consider the condition and service history of components such as the chain case, drive chains, sprockets and drive motors.
Depending on the Machine, Look or Listen For
- Oil leaks.
- Abnormal drive noises.
- Unusual knocking or clunking.
- Differences in drive response.
- Evidence of previous drive repairs.
- Service records for drive components.
- Correct fluid maintenance where applicable.
Know the Machine's Drivetrain Design
Not every skid steer uses the same drive arrangement. Check the manufacturer's information for the specific make and model rather than applying one drivetrain inspection method to every machine.
Inspect the Operator Cab
The cab can reveal both equipment condition and how the machine has been treated.
Check the basic operating controls as well as the systems designed to protect the operator.
Check
- Seat condition.
- Seat belt or restraint.
- Safety bar.
- Door operation.
- Windows.
- Mirrors or camera where fitted.
- Joysticks.
- Pedals.
- Switches.
- Display.
- Gauges.
- Warning lights.
- Air conditioning where fitted.
- Heater where fitted.
- Work lights.
Heavy wear around the seat, controls and entry points can also provide useful context when comparing the physical condition of the machine with its stated history and displayed hours.
Check the Safety Systems
Operator safety systems should be present and functioning as intended.
Depending on the Machine, Check
- Operator restraint.
- Safety bar.
- Interlock systems.
- Parking brake.
- Emergency controls.
- Warning alarms.
- Work and warning lights.
- ROPS/FOPS structure where applicable.
- Doors and protective structures.
Treat Bypassed Safety Systems Seriously
Evidence that interlocks, restraints or other safety systems have been deliberately disabled or bypassed deserves proper investigation. Do not assume a modification is acceptable simply because the machine still operates.
Inspect the Attachments
Attachments can add useful value to a skid steer purchase, but each one should be inspected as a separate item rather than assumed to be worth a premium simply because it is included.
Buckets, forks, augers, trenchers, grapples, sweepers and hydraulic breakers can all experience very different types of wear depending on how they have been used.
Check Each Attachment For
- General structural condition.
- Cracks.
- Bent components.
- Wear around mounting points.
- Pins and bushes.
- Cutting edges.
- Hydraulic hoses.
- Hydraulic fittings.
- Leaks.
- Attachment compatibility.
- Correct engagement with the quick-attach system.
Included Does Not Automatically Mean Valuable
An attachment that is badly worn, incompatible or likely to require immediate repair may add little practical value to the purchase. Assess condition first, then decide what it is genuinely worth to you.
Look Underneath the Machine
The underside of a skid steer can reveal damage or leaks that are not obvious during a normal walk-around.
Where It Is Safe to Inspect, Look For
- Oil leaks.
- Hydraulic leaks.
- Bent guards.
- Missing guards.
- Impact marks.
- Damaged hydraulic lines.
- Accumulated debris.
- Evidence of hard grounding.
- Loose or damaged components.
Never Crawl Under Unsupported Machinery
Only inspect underneath the machine where it can be done safely. Do not place yourself under raised or unsupported equipment, loader arms or attachments.
Review the Service History
Documented maintenance can provide far more useful information than a general statement that the machine has “always been serviced.”
Ask to see invoices, service records or maintenance logs where they are available.
Look for Records Relating To
- Engine servicing.
- Hydraulic system servicing.
- Filters.
- Fluid changes.
- Cooling system maintenance.
- Drive-system servicing.
- Pins and bushes.
- Tyre replacement.
- Major mechanical repairs.
- Hydraulic component replacement.
- Drive motor replacement.
- Loader-arm repairs.
Match the Records to the Machine
Service history is most useful when it helps explain the machine’s present condition. Compare documented work with the physical wear, displayed hours and any major components that appear to have been replaced.
Check Serial Numbers and Identification
Before purchasing, confirm that the skid steer can be properly identified and that the seller’s documentation is consistent with the machine in front of you.
Check
- Manufacturer identification plate.
- Serial number.
- Engine identification where relevant.
- Seller documentation.
- Purchase invoice or ownership history where available.
- That identification details match available records.
- That plates do not appear altered, removed or damaged.
Consider a PPSR Search
A Personal Property Securities Register search may help identify whether a registered security interest exists against relevant personal property.
It should form part of the wider ownership and identification checks rather than being treated as proof of the machine’s mechanical condition, maintenance history or overall suitability.
Use PPSR as One Part of the Buying Process
Identification, seller details, documentation and physical inspection all remain important. Do not rely on any single check in isolation.
Test the Skid Steer Under Load
Simply driving the machine around unloaded may not reveal every issue.
Where practical, permitted and safe, operating the loader under a suitable load can help you observe how the machine responds when asked to work.
Observe
- Loader-arm performance.
- Hydraulic response.
- Bucket tilt.
- Steering response.
- Braking.
- Drive behaviour.
- Auxiliary hydraulics where an attachment can be safely tested.
- Unusual noises.
- Hesitation or weakness.
- Warning lights or messages.
Use a Competent Operator
The machine should only be operated by someone competent to use it and in a safe environment. Do not perform improvised load tests or operate equipment beyond your experience.
Questions to Ask the Seller
The seller’s answers can provide useful context around the physical inspection and service records.
Useful Questions Include
- Why are you selling the machine?
- How long have you owned it?
- What work has it primarily performed?
- Are the displayed hours believed to be accurate?
- Who serviced it?
- Are service records available?
- Has the engine ever been rebuilt or replaced?
- Have hydraulic components been rebuilt or replaced?
- Have the drive motors been replaced?
- Have the loader arms been repaired?
- Have pins or bushes been replaced?
- Has the machine suffered major damage?
- What attachments are included?
- Are there any known faults?
- Is finance owing?
- Can I arrange an independent inspection?
Skid Steer Buying Red Flags
One warning sign does not automatically mean a machine should be ruled out, but significant concerns or several issues together deserve further investigation.
Red Flags Worth Taking Seriously
- Structural cracking.
- Questionable welding.
- Significant loader-arm movement.
- Major hydraulic leaks.
- Poor cold starting.
- Active warning lights.
- Heavy or persistent smoke.
- Abnormal drivetrain noises.
- Erratic drive behaviour.
- Safety systems bypassed.
- Identification inconsistencies.
- No credible maintenance history.
- Seller unwilling to allow inspection.
- Price dramatically below comparable machines without a clear explanation.
The purpose of identifying a red flag is not to diagnose the exact fault yourself. It is to recognise when the machine deserves a deeper professional assessment before money changes hands.
When Should You Get a Professional Inspection?
An independent professional inspection can be particularly valuable when the purchase price is substantial or the machine’s history is uncertain.
Strongly Consider One When
- The machine has high or uncertain hours.
- Maintenance history is incomplete.
- Hydraulic problems are suspected.
- Structural repairs are visible.
- Drivetrain behaviour is questionable.
- Loader-arm wear appears significant.
- Safety systems have been modified.
- You have limited machinery experience.
Inspection Cost vs Repair Cost
The cost of an appropriate inspection may be small compared with discovering a major hydraulic, drivetrain or structural problem after the purchase.
New vs Used Skid Steer
New and used machines involve different trade-offs, and neither option is automatically right for every buyer.
May provide warranty coverage, known history, current technology and dealer support, but usually at a higher purchase price.
Can reduce the initial purchase cost and may be immediately available, but previous use and maintenance become much more important.
Condition, maintenance, included attachments and upcoming repairs should be considered alongside the asking price.
Dealer vs Private Sale
Skid steers may be purchased through machinery dealers, auctions or directly from private sellers.
Regardless of where you buy, inspect the machine carefully and confirm exactly what is included, who owns it and what maintenance history is available.
A private purchase may place greater responsibility on you to complete ownership, identification and condition checks before paying.
Before You Buy
Once the inspection is complete, step back and review the entire machine rather than focusing on one attractive feature or one isolated fault.
Final Pre-Purchase Process
- Identify the exact machine.
- Research comparable market prices.
- Check hours and service history.
- Conduct a full walk-around.
- Inspect loader arms and pivots.
- Inspect the quick-attach system.
- Inspect hydraulics.
- Inspect pins and bushes.
- Inspect tyres and wheels.
- Observe a cold start where possible.
- Test the drive system.
- Test loader operation.
- Inspect included attachments.
- Verify serial numbers.
- Consider a PPSR search.
- Arrange professional inspection if warranted.
- Understand the total purchase cost.
- Understand finance requirements before making an unconditional commitment where appropriate.
Financing a Skid Steer
If you intend to finance the skid steer, it can be useful to understand the finance position before committing to the purchase.
The available options can vary according to the machine, the transaction and the applicant.
Finance Considerations May Include
- New or used machine.
- Dealer or private purchase.
- Machine age.
- Purchase price.
- Business use.
- Applicant profile.
- Deposit or equity.
- Lender requirements.
You can explore Equipment Finance and Business Equipment Finance before committing to a purchase.
Finance Is Subject to Assessment
Finance availability, loan structure and lender requirements vary according to the applicant, machine and transaction. Approval is subject to lender assessment and eligibility criteria.
Final Skid Steer Inspection Checklist
Use this as a quick final reference when inspecting a machine in person.
Machine Structure
- Frame
- Loader arms
- Mounting points
- Cracks
- Welding
- Guards
Loader & Hydraulics
- Pins
- Bushes
- Pivot points
- Quick-attach
- Cylinders
- Hoses
- Hydraulic leaks
Engine & Drive
- Cold start
- Engine hours
- Cooling system
- Drive response
- Chain case where applicable
- Drive motors
Tyres & Cab
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Seat
- Controls
- Display
- Warning lights
- Air conditioning
Safety & Attachments
- Restraints
- Interlocks
- Parking brake
- ROPS/FOPS
- Attachment condition
- Attachment hydraulics
- Compatibility
Purchase Checks
- Service records
- Ownership details
- Serial number
- PPSR consideration
- Independent inspection
- Comparable price
- GST/tax invoice considerations
- Finance
Final Thoughts
A good skid steer inspection is about understanding how the machine has worked, how it has been maintained and what it may need next.
Loader-arm wear, hydraulics, pins and bushes, tyres, drive behaviour and maintenance history are all especially important because they can reveal more than the hour meter alone.
The aim is not to become a heavy-equipment mechanic during the inspection. It is to gather enough evidence to compare machines intelligently and recognise when something deserves specialist assessment.
Buy the Machine, Not the Hour Meter
A well-maintained higher-hour machine can sometimes represent better value than a neglected lower-hour one. Condition, maintenance history and how the skid steer performs should all form part of the decision.
Found the Right Skid Steer?
Once you've inspected the machine and you're comfortable with the purchase, Yes Approved can help you explore suitable equipment finance options across our panel of Australian lenders.
This guide provides general educational information only and does not constitute mechanical, engineering, safety, legal, financial, taxation or credit advice. It is not a substitute for an independent professional inspection. Equipment condition, operating requirements and finance eligibility vary according to the machine, transaction and individual circumstances. Buyers should make their own enquiries and obtain appropriate professional advice before purchasing or financing machinery.
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