Used Skid Steer Inspection Guide

As with any used vehicle purchase, it is a good idea to inspect a used skid steer before you actually buy it. A skid steer is a complex piece of equipment, with many parts and systems that could be compromised. A good inspection will not only allow you to establish the chances that the model will need maintenance in the near future, but it will also help you ascertain how many years of operation it has left. That is why Stribling Equipment has created this guide for inspecting a used skid steer.

Check the Hydraulics

A skid steer’s hydraulics system plays a key role in many of its operations. If the hydraulics system is damaged, it can cause major performance issues. Problems like these are usually costly to fix, so look out for any worn seals, leaky hoses, and damaged fittings during your inspection.

Test the Safety Devices

If the operator cannot safely control the skid steer, then an accident is almost certain to occur at some point. If the model’s brakes, steering assembly, or other safety devices are in poor condition, that is a huge red flag. Either come up with a plan to fix these issues before you start using the equipment, or move on to a different model.

Check the Arms

A skid steer’s arms have several parts that may be in need of maintenance, including the cylinder, pins, bucket, bucket teeth, boom hinge points, and boom pivot. If your inspection finds an issue with any of these parts, you will need to include the cost of fixing them in your budget.

Look for Signs of Poor Past Maintenance

In some cases, you may come across a skid steer whose previous owner was not diligent enough regarding maintenance. Some common signs that point to poor maintenance include fluid leaks, ungreased pins, dirty air filters, and rust. You can also ask to see the vehicle’s service records. Remember that poor maintenance often leads to a shorter lifespan or the need for replacement parts. If you buy a poorly maintained skid steer, you may be on the hook for the prior owner’s negligence.

To view our selection of used skid steers for sale, visit Stribling Equipment! We have 20 locations across the states of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, and offer parts, financing, and servicing.