Used Bobcat Skid Steer for Sale: Models and Fair Prices
SkidInfo Team 8 min read
# Used Bobcat Skid Steer for Sale: Models and Fair Prices
Finding a used Bobcat skid steer for sale is one of the smartest equipment decisions you can make. Bobcat commands roughly 40% of the skid steer market, and that dominance translates directly into the used market — more available units, better parts availability, and stronger resale values than any other brand. Whether you're a contractor looking for a jobsite workhorse, a landscaper stepping up from hand labor, or a farmer who needs year-round versatility, this guide breaks down exactly which models to target, what you should pay, and what to watch for before you hand over a check.
## Why Bobcat Dominates the Used Market
Bobcat invented the skid steer loader in the 1950s, and they've never let go of the top spot. They sold 2,796 new financed skid steers in 2025 alone — roughly 1,000 more units than their nearest competitor — capturing 28.5% of financed new sales. When you factor in cash purchases, fleet deals, and the massive rental channel, real market share sits closer to 40%.
That matters when you're buying used for three reasons. First, **supply is abundant**. More new Bobcats sold over the past two decades means more used Bobcats cycling through the market right now. At any given time, you'll find thousands of listings across platforms like [IronPlanet](https://www.ironplanet.com/Bobcat-Skid+Steer+Loaders) and [Fastline](https://www.fastline.com/farm-equipment-for-sale/listings/bobcat-s650-skid-steers/results?category=Skid+Steers&manufacturer=Bobcat&model=S650). Second, **parts and service access is unmatched**. Bobcat's North American dealer network is the largest in the compact equipment industry, meaning you're rarely more than a short drive from genuine parts and factory-trained techs. Third, the **Bob-Tach attachment system** gives you access to the widest aftermarket attachment ecosystem available — from buckets and pallet forks to augers, trenchers, and snow blowers — all swappable without leaving the cab on Power Bob-Tach equipped models.
The bottom line: buying a used Bobcat means buying into an ecosystem, not just a machine.
## Best Used Bobcat Models by Price Range
Bobcat's lineup spans from compact utility machines to heavy-duty production units. Here are the models you'll encounter most often on the used market, grouped by budget:
**Entry-Level ($10,000–$25,000):**
- **S450** — The lightest full-size Bobcat with a 1,300 lb rated operating capacity. Ideal for tight residential work, light grading, and property maintenance. Expect to find 2015–2019 models with 1,500–3,000 hours in this bracket.
- **S510** — Steps up to 1,750 lb capacity. A solid choice for landscapers who need a bit more muscle without a bigger footprint.
**Mid-Range ($20,000–$40,000):**
- **S550** — Offers 1,800 lb capacity and 61 HP. The sweet spot for small contractors who need to dig, grade, and load without overinvesting. Average used pricing sits around $24,400.
- **S590** — Bumps to 2,100 lb capacity with 66 HP. Extremely popular in rental fleets, which means a steady supply of well-maintained used units hitting the market. Dealer-direct units typically list around $45,900 for low-hour 2025 models, while private-party units with more hours trade in the mid-$20K range.
**Workhorse ($25,000–$50,000):**
- **S650** — This is the most popular Bobcat on the used market, period. With 2,690 lb operating capacity and 74 HP, the S650 handles everything from general construction to serious landscaping. Used prices range from $18,960 to $67,955 depending on year and hours, with the average landing around $36,000.
- **S770** — A large-frame machine with 3,350 lb capacity and 92 HP. Auction averages sit around $27,200, though low-hour units easily push past $40,000.
**Heavy-Duty ($35,000–$72,000+):**
- **S850** — Bobcat's biggest skid steer with 3,950 lb capacity. Built for production loading, heavy grading, and demanding forestry work. Used pricing ranges from $24,000 to $72,500, with condition and hours driving the spread.
## What to Pay for a Used Bobcat Skid Steer
Price is always a function of hours, age, condition, and features. Here's a realistic pricing framework based on current market data:
| Model | Typical Year Range | Hour Range | Fair Price Range |
|-------|-------------------|------------|-----------------|
| S450 | 2014–2020 | 1,000–3,500 | $11,900–$37,900 |
| S510 | 2015–2021 | 1,000–3,000 | $15,000–$41,900 |
| S550 | 2014–2020 | 1,500–4,000 | $11,700–$40,000 |
| S590 | 2015–2022 | 1,000–3,500 | $17,000–$45,900 |
| S650 | 2014–2023 | 1,000–5,000 | $18,960–$67,955 |
| S770 | 2015–2022 | 1,000–4,000 | $19,500–$55,000 |
| S850 | 2015–2022 | 1,000–4,000 | $24,000–$72,500 |
**Key pricing factors to watch:**
- **Hours per year** matter more than total hours. A machine averaging 250–400 hours/year has been used moderately. Over 600 hours/year suggests heavy commercial use.
- **Cab vs. open station**: Enclosed cabs with heat and A/C add $3,000–$6,000 to the price. Worth it if you work in extreme weather.
- **Controls**: Joystick (ACS) controls command a premium over traditional hand-and-foot controls. Most buyers prefer joysticks, and resale reflects that.
- **High-flow hydraulics**: Machines equipped with high-flow push into the upper end of price ranges because they can run demanding attachments like mulchers, cold planers, and forestry heads.
If a deal seems too good to be true, check why. Machines with salvage titles, undisclosed frame repairs, or engines past their overhaul interval get dumped at below-market prices for a reason. Don't forget to check our [guide to red flags when buying a used skid steer](https://skidinfo.com/red-flags-used-skid-steer) before committing to any purchase.
## Bobcat-Specific Inspection Points
Every used skid steer deserves a thorough inspection, but Bobcats have a few brand-specific items you need to check beyond the basics.
**Bob-Tach Wedges and Pins**: The Bob-Tach mounting system is what connects every attachment to the machine. Check the wedges for cracks and excessive wear. Worn wedges cause attachment slop, which creates stress on the loader arms and can lead to dangerous detachment. Replacement wedge kits aren't expensive, but the wear pattern tells you how the machine was used.
**Lift Arm Pins and Bushings**: Grab the loader arms at full height and check for side-to-side play. Worn pins and bushings are common on high-hour Bobcats and cost $500–$1,500 to repair depending on severity. Raise the boom and release the controls — the arms should hold position. If they drift downward, you're looking at cylinder seal or valve issues.
**Hydraulic System Health**: Lift the bucket to full height and hold it. If it sinks more than an inch over 30 seconds, the lift cylinder seals are worn. Check every hydraulic hose, fitting, and cylinder for weeping or active leaks. According to [IronPlanet's inspection guide](https://blog.ironplanet.com/equipment-inspection-tips-skid-steer-loaders), accumulated pools of fluid under the machine are a red flag.
**Engine Exhaust Test**: Start the machine cold and watch the exhaust. After 10 seconds, it should clear up. Persistent gray or white exhaust suggests head gasket issues or worn rings — both expensive fixes.
**Electrical and Controls**: On ACS-equipped Bobcats, test every joystick function through its full range. Check the [Bobcat display panel](https://www.bobcat.com/na/en/equipment/loaders/skid-steer-loaders) for stored fault codes. M-Series and newer machines log fault histories that a Bobcat dealer can pull with their diagnostic tool.
**Undercarriage and Tires**: Skid steer tires typically show significant wear after 500 hours. A full set of replacement tires runs $1,200–$2,500 depending on size and type. Factor that into your offer if the rubber is shot.
## Where to Find Used Bobcats
The used Bobcat market is large and liquid. Here are the best channels, ranked by reliability:
**Authorized Bobcat Dealers**: Your safest bet. Dealers often sell certified pre-owned units with limited warranties. Prices are typically 10–15% higher than private party, but you get machine history, service records, and recourse if something goes wrong.
**Online Auction Platforms**: [IronPlanet](https://www.ironplanet.com/Bobcat-Skid+Steer+Loaders) offers inspected equipment with their IronClad Assurance program. Live auctions create genuine market pricing, so you'll get fair value — though you may face competition on popular models like the S650.
**Equipment Listing Sites**: [Fastline](https://www.fastline.com/farm-equipment-for-sale/listings/bobcat-s650-skid-steers/results?category=Skid+Steers&manufacturer=Bobcat&model=S650), TractorHouse, and similar platforms aggregate dealer and private-party listings. These are great for comparison shopping across a wide geography.
**Rental Fleet Liquidations**: Large rental companies cycle out skid steers at 3,000–5,000 hours. These machines have been maintained on strict schedules but have been operated by dozens of different people — some careful, some not. Inspect thoroughly but don't dismiss them automatically.
**Private Party Sales**: Lowest prices, highest risk. Always get a mechanic involved, pull the Bobcat service history through a dealer if possible, and never skip the hydraulic fluid sample test.
## Key Takeaways
- **Bobcat is the safest used skid steer brand** due to market dominance, parts availability, and strong resale values.
- **The S650 is the most popular used model** and offers the best balance of capability and availability for most buyers.
- **Budget $20,000–$40,000** for a mid-range used Bobcat with moderate hours — that's where the best value lives.
- **Always check Bob-Tach wear, lift arm play, and hydraulic health** as Bobcat-specific inspection priorities.
- **Hours per year** is a better indicator than total hours alone — target machines under 500 hours/year for the best longevity.
- **Buy from authorized dealers or inspected auction platforms** when possible to reduce risk.
If you've been searching for a used Bobcat skid steer for sale, you're looking at one of the best values in compact equipment. The combination of brand reliability, attachment versatility, and a deep used market means you can find the right machine at the right price with some patience and due diligence. Do your homework on pricing using the ranges above, inspect thoroughly, and you'll end up with a machine that earns its keep for years to come.