5 Steps to prepare your skid steer for sale - step 3 raises the price!

Selling a skid steer loader usually seems simple at first glance. You clean it, take a few photos, and post it online. Anyone who has sold heavy machinery before knows it rarely goes that smoothly. 

Buyers today look for proof, documentation, and detailed condition reports. They compare listings side by side, often using online platforms that show dozens of similar machines. 

That is why preparing your skid steer properly can make a big difference in how quickly it sells and the final price you get.

This article walks through how to present your loader in a way that earns buyer trust and helps you justify your asking price.

What should you inspect before listing your skid steer?

A complete pre-sale inspection reduces negotiation time and avoids disputes later. It signals to the buyer that the machine has been maintained and that you are transparent about its condition.

1. Engine and powertrain checks

The engine is one of the first systems buyers evaluate. Some sellers overlook small issues that seem minor, but serious buyers know how to spot them.

Check the following:

• Engine oil level and oil condition.
• Coolant levels and signs of overheating.
• Air filter cleanliness.
• Turbocharger noise or smoke (for models like the Cat 226B3 that often run in dusty applications).
• Hydraulic pump pressure (especially for models like the Bobcat S510, which relies heavily on hydraulic performance for lifting and attachments).
• Transmission response and smoothness.
• Battery voltage and charging performance.

If you notice slow cranking, inconsistent idle, or hydraulic whine under load, fix these issues before listing. Buyers inspecting a skid steer often compare engine sound to working machines of the same category. Clear sound and stable idle create a positive impression immediately.

2. Hydraulics and auxiliary systems

Hydraulics determine productivity. Machines with weak hydraulics often receive offers that are 15 to 25 percent lower.

Inspect:

• Main hydraulic hoses (check for cracks, sweating, or abrasion).
• Cylinder seals for leaks.
• Auxiliary hydraulic couplers.
• Flow rate performance.
• Smoothness of bucket curl and lift.

Testing the auxiliary line pressure is especially important if your machine previously worked with hydraulic hammers or planers. Some models like the Bobcat S450 often run attachments in tight environments, and hoses show wear early.

3. Chassis and structural components

The frame, arms, and mounting points indicate how the machine was used.

Examine:

• Loader arms for cracks or welding marks.
• Bucket pivot pins and bushings.
• Rear frame alignment.
• Weld quality.
• Tie-down points.
• ROPS and FOPS structure integrity.
• Undercarriage areas where corrosion develops.

Take note if the machine carried heavier loads than recommended. For instance, the S510 has a rated operating capacity of about 794 kilograms, and consistent overloading strains the lift arms.

4. Tires or tracks

Worn tires can drop resale value quickly. Buyers look at tire wear as a sign of overall maintenance.

Inspect:

• Tread depth.
• Sidewall cracks.
• Rim condition.
• Matching tire brands.
• Track tension (for tracked versions).

If tires are close to the wear limit, replacing them can raise the listing price enough to offset the cost.

5. Operator cabin and electronics

Cab condition strongly affects perceived value. A skid steer can be mechanically perfect but still undervalued if the cabin looks neglected.

Check:

• Seat condition.
• Safety belts.
• Display panel and gauges.
• Joystick response.
• AC and heater.
• Foot pedals.
• Backup alarm and lights.

Simple repairs such as fixing broken switches or replacing torn seat cushions make the machine presentable.

How to clean and detail your skid steer before resale?

Cleaning is more than washing the exterior. It affects the first impression and helps highlight the machine’s true condition.

Exterior cleaning steps

A heavy-duty pressure wash removes mud, hydraulic oil, and built-up grease. Once the machine is clean, you can spot issues that were hidden before, such as corrosion or hose leaks.

Do the following:

1. Wash the entire body including the engine bay, counterweight, and loader arms.
2. Remove caked mud from around the axles and articulation points.
3. Degrease hydraulic lines and engine components.
4. Clean the radiator and coolers using low-pressure air or water to avoid damage.

A clean machine photographs better and shows you are a responsible owner.

Cabin cleaning steps

A clean cabin suggests the machine was cared for. Buyers notice when controls are sticky or dusty.

Clean:

• Floor mats.
• Switch panels.
• Display screens.
• Roof liners.
• Windows (inside and out).
• Joysticks and pedals.

Replace damaged cabin components if they are inexpensive. Small changes like a new seat cover or fresh cabin filter show attention to detail.

How to document your skid steer’s condition for resale?

Documentation makes the listing trustworthy and helps you justify your price. Most serious buyers want transparency, and a well-documented machine receives more inquiries.

1. Service history

Compile all available history:

• Oil change logs.
• Hydraulic service intervals.
• Filter replacements.
• Cooling system flushes.
• Major repairs.
• Tire or track replacements.

If service was done at regular intervals, highlight this clearly. A well-maintained skid steer can outperform a newer one with inconsistent maintenance.

2. Inspection report

Professional inspections build credibility. Heavy machines on Makana are inspected (+75 point) inspections to reassure buyers.

A good inspection report includes:

• Mechanical condition.
• Structural integrity.
• Fluid samples.
• Photos of critical components.
• Operating video.

3. Operating hours verification

Hour meter verification protects you from disputes. Some buyers bring diagnostics tools, especially when inspecting Bobcat or CAT loaders.

To prepare:

• Photograph the hour meter.
• Share maintenance logs that match the hours.
• Review control modules if available.

If you recently replaced an engine or some major component, document the replacement hours clearly.

How to price your skid steer correctly?

Pricing your machine accurately increases buyer interest. A good price reflects the model, condition, market demand, and included attachments.

Steps to price your machine.

1. Compare similar models in your region.
2. Adjust the price for attachment packages such as buckets, forks, hydraulic breakers, or augers.
3. Deduct value if the tires are worn, leaks exist, or cabin parts are damaged.

4. Add value for new tires, fresh service, or new bushings.

   For an accurate market-based price, sellers can use the Makana Appraisal & Valuation Tool, which evaluates real-time sales data, machine condition, operating hours, and comparable listings to determine the true value of your skid steer.

Bobcat skid steer for sale on Makana

After inspection, cleaning, and documentation, the final step is choosing the right platform to list your machine. Buyers searching for a Bobcat skid steer for sale today rarely trust random classifieds. 

They compare machines across professional heavy equipment platforms where condition, hours, and pricing are clearly documented.

Makana provides a structured environment for selling used skid steers, where buyers focus on verified data rather than seller claims. Listings are evaluated based on operating hours, inspection results, service history, and comparable machines sold through auctions.

For models like Bobcat S510 and Bobcat S450, this matters even more. Buyers familiar with these machines know their typical wear points, hydraulic behavior, and resale value. They expect transparency around lift arm condition, auxiliary hydraulics, tire wear, and engine performance. 

When this information is presented clearly, negotiations become shorter and price justification becomes easier.

Makana currently features Bobcat S510 and Bobcat S450 for sale, allowing buyers to compare specifications, condition, and recent sale results in one place. This comparison-driven approach increases buyer confidence and often leads to faster decisions compared to unverified listings elsewhere.

Sell your Bobcat skid steer on Makana.

FAQs

• What is the best time of year to sell a skid steer?

Demand usually increases when construction activity rises, especially during spring and early autumn. However, well-priced machines sell year-round.

• Does repainting a skid steer help resale value?

A full repaint is not always needed. Touching up scratches and rust spots is usually enough. Buyers care more about transparency than cosmetic perfection.

• How many photos should a skid steer listing include?

Most buyers expect at least 20 detailed photos including all sides, the cabin, engine bay, serial plate, and attachments.

• Should I service the machine right before selling it?

Servicing before listing builds trust, especially if you provide receipts. Fresh filters and fluids also make the machine run smoother during inspections.