Skid Steer Financing: Equipment Loans, Leases & SBA Programs
Skid steers cost $25,000–$75,000+. Spread the cost with equipment financing. Decisions in 24–48 hours for qualified applications. New or used. Construction, landscaping, and agriculture businesses nationwide.
- Equipment financing decisions in 24–48 hours
- Loans and leases for new or used skid steers
- Typical terms 36–72 months; SBA to 10+ years
- Credit 600+; 0–20% down payment
Skid Steer Financing at a Glance
Why Skid Steer Financing Makes Sense for Contractors
Skid steers are essential for construction, landscaping, agriculture, snow removal, and material handling. They're compact, versatile loaders with interchangeable attachments—buckets, forks, augers, trenchers, and more. But with prices from $25,000 for compact models to $75,000+ for large machines with attachments, paying cash ties up capital you need for payroll, materials, and growth.
Construction and landscaping businesses operate differently from other industries. Revenue is project-based—you incur costs upfront for labor, materials, and equipment, then get paid on draw schedules or after milestones. Seasonal demand, weather delays, and the lag between bid and first progress payment create cash flow gaps. Paying $50,000 or more in cash for a skid steer can strain reserves and limit your ability to bid on new work or cover payroll during slow periods.
Equipment financing spreads the cost over the skid steer's useful life. Lenders like skid steers because Bobcat, Caterpillar, and John Deere models hold value well—50–70% after 5 years. Skid steers are among the most versatile and widely used compact equipment. Tax benefits—Section 179 and bonus depreciation for purchases, lease payments as operating expenses—further reduce the true cost. Apply now to get matched with lenders who specialize in compact equipment. Landscaping equipment financing and construction equipment financing often cover skid steers.
What Is a Skid Steer?
A skid steer (or skid steer loader) is a compact, rigid-frame loader with lift arms that can attach to a wide variety of tools—buckets, pallet forks, augers, trenchers, snow blades, and more. It turns by skidding (slowing one side of wheels or tracks), making it highly maneuverable in tight spaces. Skid steers are used in construction, landscaping, agriculture, snow removal, and material handling for loading, digging, grading, and a range of tasks depending on the attachment.
Skid steers range from compact models (under 1,500 lbs rated operating capacity) to large machines (3,000+ lbs). Brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, Kubota, and Case dominate the market. Understanding what skid steers are and how they're used helps lenders assess your financing application—they want to see that the equipment supports revenue-generating work. Landscapers, general contractors, and farmers rely on skid steers as versatile workhorses. Construction equipment financing often covers skid steers alongside mini excavators and compact loaders.
Why Skid Steer Financing Is Different
Lenders view skid steer financing favorably because skid steers hold value well and have strong demand. Bobcat, Caterpillar, and John Deere models retain 50–70% of value after 5 years. Lower ticket size ($25K–$75K) means smaller loans and often faster approval. The versatility of skid steers—multiple attachments, broad industry use—creates a strong secondary market. If a borrower defaults, the lender can recover through resale to contractors, landscapers, or farmers.
Landscapers, general contractors, and agricultural operations are primary skid steer buyers. Lenders who specialize in construction equipment financing and landscaping equipment financing understand seasonal revenue and project-based cash flow. Skid steers often finance more easily than larger equipment due to lower ticket size and broad appeal. Equipment financing approval timelines are typically 1–5 days for qualified applications.
Skid Steer Financing Options
Several financing structures work for skid steers. Choose based on cash flow, tax situation, and whether you want to own the equipment at the end of the term.
Equipment Loans
Borrow a set amount, make fixed monthly payments, and own the skid steer when the loan is paid off. Typically 0–20% down, terms 24–72 months. Interest rates 6–15% depending on credit. Ideal if you plan to use the skid steer long-term and want to build equity. See typical rates.
Equipment Leasing
Lower monthly payments than loans. At lease end, return the equipment, purchase at fair market value, or upgrade. Operating leases treat payments as operating expenses. Leasing suits businesses that want to preserve cash flow or upgrade regularly. Loan vs lease.
SBA Loans
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans offer longer terms (7–10+ years) and lower down payments. Approval typically 30–60+ days. Best for established businesses planning larger purchases or combining equipment with real estate. View SBA loans.
Working capital loans are flexible but generally carry higher rates and shorter terms. They're better suited for payroll and materials than equipment purchases. Use working capital for operating expenses; use equipment financing for the skid steer itself to secure better rates and terms tied to the asset. Compare equipment loan vs lease in detail.
How Much Does a Skid Steer Cost?
Skid steer prices vary by size (rated operating capacity), type (wheel vs track), brand, and whether you buy new or used. New skid steers range from roughly $25,000–$40,000 for compact models to $40,000–$60,000 for mid-size machines, and $60,000–$75,000+ for large units with cab and attachments. Top brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Kubota typically command premium prices. Track loaders cost more than wheel models. Attachments (buckets, forks, augers) add cost. Factor in delivery and setup when budgeting.
Used skid steers typically cost 30–50% less than new equivalents. A 5-year-old mid-size skid steer might run $25,000–$45,000. Older machines or those with high hours sell for less but may require more maintenance. Many lenders finance used skid steers up to 5–7 years old; older machines may face shorter terms or require larger down payments. Always get an equipment inspection before purchasing used. Rated operating capacity, track vs wheel, brand, cab type, attachments, and regional demand all affect pricing. Obtain a written quote from your dealer or seller—lenders use this to structure your financing. Financing used equipment guide.
Skid Steer Financing Rates and Monthly Payments
Interest rates for skid steer financing typically range from 6–15% for equipment loans and leases, depending on credit, down payment, term length, and lender. See typical equipment financing rates for more detail. Terms commonly run 24–72 months for standard equipment financing; SBA loans can extend to 7–10+ years.
Monthly payments depend on loan amount, rate, and term. A $50,000 skid steer financed at 9% over 48 months would result in roughly $1,245/month. A $35,000 compact unit at 10% over 36 months would run approximately $1,130/month. Strong credit, larger down payment, and shorter terms typically lower your rate. Use our financing calculator to model different scenarios before you apply. Down payment requirements vary by lender and credit profile.
Requirements to Finance a Skid Steer
Lenders evaluate several factors. Meeting these improves your approval odds and terms.
Credit score: Most equipment lenders look for 600 or higher. Scores of 680+ typically qualify for the best rates and lowest down payments. See credit score requirements for equipment financing for tiers. Because skid steer financing is asset-backed, some programs work with 580+ when revenue and down payment are strong.
Down payment: Expect 0–20% down depending on credit and equipment. Strong credit may qualify for 0% down; weaker credit often requires 15–20%. A larger down payment can improve approval and reduce monthly payments.
Time in business: Most lenders prefer 1–2+ years. Newer businesses may need a co-signer, larger down payment, or may qualify through SBA or specialized startup programs. What lenders look at for equipment financing approval.
Revenue and documentation: Lenders want to see that your business can support the payments. Prepare bank statements, tax returns, and profit & loss statements. An equipment quote from your dealer specifies the purchase price and helps the lender structure the loan.
What to Have Ready Before You Apply
Gathering documentation before you start speeds approval and reduces back-and-forth. Have these ready when applying for skid steer financing:
- 3–6 months of business bank statements — Lenders want to see consistent deposits and cash flow.
- Last year's tax returns — Business and personal if required by the lender.
- Recent profit and loss statement — Shows revenue and expenses.
- Equipment quote or proposal — Written quote from your dealer with make, model, serial number (if applicable), and total cost. Include attachments if financed together. Lenders use this to structure the loan.
- Business formation documents — Articles of incorporation, operating agreement, or similar.
- Basic business information — EIN, formation date, ownership structure.
If you have existing equipment loans or leases, have those statements available. Lenders may ask for a voided check for ACH. The more organized your documentation, the faster you'll get funded. What do lenders look at when approving equipment financing.
When to Apply for Skid Steer Financing
Apply when you have a clear equipment need, a written quote from your dealer or vendor, and financials that show your business can support the payment. The best time to apply is before you need the equipment—approval often takes 1–5 days, but having documents ready speeds the process.
If you're replacing aging equipment, expanding capacity, fulfilling a new contract, or taking on a larger project, applying now gives you time to compare offers without pressure. Don't wait until equipment fails or a project starts; early application improves your leverage and terms. Rush approvals may limit your options. Axiant Partners matches businesses with lenders—submit once and receive offers typically within 24–48 hours.
Tips to Get Approved for Skid Steer Financing
- Improve your credit score. Pay down balances, correct errors on your report, and avoid new credit applications before applying. Even a modest improvement can lower your rate.
- Provide strong revenue documentation. Clean bank statements, consistent deposits, and organized financials speed approval and improve terms.
- Consider used equipment. A quality used skid steer may cost less and require a smaller loan, improving approval odds and cash flow when credit is borderline.
- Make a larger down payment. Putting more down reduces lender risk and can lower your rate or improve approval when credit is borderline.
- Choose equipment with strong resale value. Major brands (Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere) and popular models hold value better, making lenders more comfortable.
- Work with a broker. Applying through a marketplace like Axiant Partners connects you with multiple lenders at once—increasing approval odds and helping you compare terms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Financing a Skid Steer
Avoid these when financing skid steers:
- Skipping the equipment quote. Lenders need it to structure the loan. Get a written quote from your dealer before applying. Include attachments if you're financing them together.
- Applying with incomplete financials. Missing bank statements or tax returns causes delays. Gather everything upfront.
- Focusing on rate alone. Terms, fees, prepayment penalties, and flexibility matter. Read the full agreement before signing.
- Waiting until the last minute. Rush approvals may limit your options. Apply early when you have time to compare offers.
- Ignoring used equipment. A quality used skid steer can cost 30–50% less and often qualifies for financing with shorter terms.
Compare at least 2–3 offers. Watch for prepayment penalties, collateral requirements, and insurance obligations. Red flags in equipment finance agreements.
Why Businesses Finance Skid Steers Rather Than Pay Cash
Paying cash ties up working capital that could fund payroll, inventory, or growth. Financing spreads the cost over the equipment's useful life, matches expenses to revenue, and preserves liquidity. Equipment loans and leases also offer tax benefits—Section 179 and bonus depreciation for purchases, lease payments as operating expenses for leases.
Many businesses prefer to finance so they can keep reserves for emergencies or opportunities. If your cost of capital is lower than the return on that cash elsewhere, financing makes sense. Even strong businesses often finance equipment to optimize cash flow. Construction and landscaping businesses facing project-based revenue especially benefit from preserving cash for mobilization, materials, and payroll between draws.
How the Skid Steer Financing Process Works
Standard equipment financing approval takes 1–5 business days from application to funding. Day 1: submit application and documents. Days 2–3: lender review, possible follow-up questions. Day 4–5: approval, documentation, and funding. Funds typically go directly to the seller; you take possession once the deal closes. SBA loans add 30–60+ days. Having everything ready upfront can compress the timeline.
Get a Quote & Apply
Obtain a written quote from your dealer. Complete one application—we submit to multiple equipment lenders. Share business financials, equipment details, and your goals.
We Match You With Lenders
Our team identifies lenders whose programs fit your skid steer purchase. Equipment-only, new or used, with or without attachments. We connect you with the right programs.
Review & Approve
Equipment financing often requires minimal docs—application, bank statements, equipment quote. Decisions in 24–48 hours for many applications. SBA adds 30–60+ days.
Funding & Closing
Once approved, sign documents. Funds typically go directly to the seller. You take possession of the skid steer. Ready to work.
Related Construction Equipment
Browse financing for similar compact and construction equipment. One application, we match you with lenders for your equipment type.
Skid Steer Financing FAQ
Can you finance a used skid steer?
Yes. Many lenders finance used skid steers, typically those 5–7 years old or newer. Used equipment may require a larger down payment and shorter terms. Resale value and condition affect approval.
What credit score is required?
Most lenders look for 600 or higher. Scores of 680+ qualify for the best rates. Asset-backed financing sometimes works with 580+ when revenue and down payment are strong.
How long does approval take?
1–5 business days for equipment loans and leases. SBA loans add 30–60+ days. Having documents ready—financials, equipment quote, business info—speeds the process.
Is leasing better than buying?
It depends. Leasing offers lower monthly payments, potential tax benefits, and easier upgrades when the lease ends. Buying builds equity and works if you plan to use the skid steer long-term. Compare both based on your cash flow, tax situation, and ownership goals. Equipment loan vs lease comparison.
Can startups finance skid steers?
Startups face tighter requirements. Most equipment lenders prefer 1–2+ years in business. New businesses may need larger down payments, shorter terms, or a co-signer with strong credit. SBA loans and some specialized programs can help newer businesses. Apply and we'll match you with lenders that fit your profile.
What documents are needed for skid steer financing?
Typical requirements: 3–6 months of business bank statements, tax returns (business and personal if required), a recent profit and loss statement, equipment quote from your dealer, and business formation documents. Having these ready speeds approval. What lenders look at.
Can I finance skid steer attachments?
Yes. Many lenders include attachments (buckets, forks, augers, etc.) in the same financing package as the skid steer. Get a combined quote from your dealer and include it in your application. Bundling can simplify the process and sometimes improve terms.
How do I estimate monthly payments for skid steer financing?
Use our financing calculator to model different scenarios. A $50,000 skid steer at 9% over 48 months is roughly $1,245/month. A $35,000 compact unit at 10% over 36 months is about $1,130/month. Rates typically range 6–15% depending on credit and lender.
More Equipment Financing Resources
Explore our articles on equipment financing requirements, approval timelines, and best practices.
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