Best Used Skid Steer to Buy for Mulching
By: Hard Work Theory
Tags: Heavy Equipment, Remodeling Contractors, Construction, Equipment

Whether you’re getting into the forestry business or are already in it and just want more equipment to complement your current efforts, skid steers are essential to your productivity. And buying a used skid steer, rather than a new one, can offer cost advantages while also adding another viable piece of equipment to your fleet. But it goes without saying that some skid steers are better than others when it comes to forestry and mulching.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best used skid steers out there right now, what to look for in a skid steer for the forestry industry, and we’ll offer a few buying tips. Here’s a look:

Best Used Skid Steers

Bobcat S650

When it comes to skid steers, there’s perhaps no brand more synonymous with this type of equipment than Bobcat. And its S650 is one of the brand’s most popular loader models. Specifically, the S650 is a vertical lift loader with a high lift and dump height, which can be helpful if you’re working in forestry. Though compact, it’s a powerful unit that’s equipped with a 74 horsepower diesel engine. Classified as a mid-size skid steer, the S650 is compact enough to easily navigate through tight and confined spaces.

John Deere 332G

Next to Bobcat, John Deere is another top name in skid steer equipment — and its 332G is a popular vehicle for larger work sites. Equipped with a 100-horsepower diesel engine but compact enough to get into tight spaces, the 332G is a productive workhorse that can handle just about every attachment you want to put on it.

Case SV280

If you’re looking for a strong, mid-sized loader, look no further than the SV280 from Case Construction Equipment. It’s technically considered a compact piece of equipment, but it packs more than enough power into its footprint. For starters, Case says it offers the best torque and hydraulic flow out of any skid steer that’s in its class. It matches power with versatility, which makes it easy to both store and transport. Packed with ergonomic features that make operation more seamless, it’s an ideal option for forestry work.

Caterpillar 262D

Caterpillar is another top brand when it comes to skid steer vehicles, and its 262D is its most popular offering. You can find Cat’s 262D on construction sites, often with attachments to mill concrete. But thanks to its robust operating ability and high hydraulic power, it’s a versatile piece of equipment that can handle a variety of attachments and be deployed for a variety of different uses, including mulching and forestry work.

Mustang 2700V NXT2

We’ll round out this list with a model from Mustang. What’s neat about the Mustang brand is that it initially began as a manufacturer of agricultural equipment, and you can still see evidence of these early roots in the equipment that the company makes today. Mustang skid steers are known for their power and high-output engines. The 2700V NXT2, specifically, offers good stability, good lifting height and it comes with quick-attach plates that make securing attachments convenient and fast.

Buying Tips

So what should you be looking for in a used skid steer for forestry and mulching? And what do you need to consider with used models before you make the purchase? Here’s a look at some used skid steer buying tips:

Skid Steers for Forestry and Mulching

When it comes to forestry and mulching, you want to look for versatile and compact units. Skid steer mulching attachments come in all different sizes and there are plenty of highly productive ones available for more compact skid steer units. Compact skid steers are easy to maneuver and navigate through forestry terrain with greater ease, and they’re also more than adequate when it comes to performing effective and efficient work.

Shop Through a Reputable Outlet

You don’t just want to buy a used skid steer from anyone. It’s why it’s important to only shop with a reputable outlet. The good news is that when it comes to this type of equipment, there are several credible outlets to do so online. Terex and MachineryTrader.com are two of the most popular. Browsing these websites for used equipment will allow buyers to easily access in-depth specifications and prices to enable smarter overall decision making.

Ask the Important Questions

While it can be tempting to buy a used skid steer just to get it added to your equipment fleet, you need to make sure you’re doing your homework on the model that you choose. On this note, we’d suggest reviewing these key questions to ensure that your purchase is a smart one:

Will this skid steer enable my fleet to work more productively?

Does the vehicle support the attachments that I need it to?

Does this vehicle give me any sort of competitive advantage over others working in the industry?

How will it help my bottom line?

Is there any extended warranty available with the unit?

Are there any red flags with its maintenance history?

Is the total cost of ownership worth it versus purchasing a new skid steer outright?

Is it fast and easy to outfit the unit with attachments?

Assess the Critical Components

Before you purchase any used vehicle or piece of equipment, you should always perform an inspection on the unit. This is especially true with skid steers, which put a lot of wear and tear on their critical components doing the type of work that is demanded of them. During the inspection phase, you want to be sure to thoroughly check out the engine, transmission, hydraulic pump, cylinders and the attachment features. Carefully examining these components can give you a good idea of how well the vehicle has been maintained throughout its history. You’ll want to start up the unit, monitor whether the transmission runs silent or noisy, and observe the loader arms.

Just like purchasing any used machinery or forestry equipment, doing your research in the beginning can save you a lot of headaches down the road. The same goes for buying a used skid steer, do your homework now to avoid the pitfalls later.