Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Skid Steer in 2025

Gone are the days when the main focus point was simply to match a machine with your budget. Nowadays, buying a skid steer by 2025 is merely the beginning of being a part of a smooth running performance, safety, and versatility project for years to come.

Just in between a time period of 3 years from 2022 to 2025, the construction market have witnessed changes more than it ever experienced in the past while buying a skid steer.

By 2025 end, will battery-powered and hybrid models be the norm?

Will the industry be ready for those changes much sooner than we think? No matter which of the scenarios might come true, one thing is obvious: Buying a skid steer in 2025 is a big task. The correct skid steer can perform as a productivity booster for you as a contractor, landscaper, or equipment rental business and thus, give you a better ROI, but if you take the wrong path, not only will you not be able to make money, but you will also be worrying about maintenance at the same time.

In fact, post this blog, your awareness about new and used skid steer features will not only be heightened, but you will also know how to become the custodian of your own investment through wise decisions that stand the test of time. Honestly, we ought to be pinpointing the questions every buying a skid steer in 2025 should pose before deciding on a signature.

Ask these Top 10 Questions Before Buying a Skid Steer in 2025

The Typhon Machinery 2025 skid steer buying guide is designed to assist you in the navigation of the Top 10 questions that one should ask before buying a skid steer so as to be able to make the right decision. At first, take into account the aspects of operating capacity, attachments, and hydraulic systems.

Then move on to resale value and safety standards. Every question is there, each one leading you to the very appropriate machine for your specific needs.

1. What Is the Rated Operating Capacity and Size That Best Fits My Needs?

It is very important to select the right size:

Get to know the rated operating capacity – in other words, the weight of the load that a skid steer is able to handle safely without the risk of tipping over. Overloading the machine is not only dangerous but also interacts with safety aspects of the equipment as well.

Delve into which size would it be most suitable for you:

• Small Frame : ~1,550–1,750 lbs, ~50 hp
• Medium Frame : ~1,750–2,200 lbs, ~50–70 hp
• Large Frame : 2,200+ lbs, 70+ hp

Thus, while buying a skid steer not only the frame size but also the terrain of the worksite, type of job, and budget should be correlated in this way the small frames could be mentioned for the work in the tight spaces or with light tasks whereas, large frames could be referred to heavy commercial work for which the areas become inclined towards high horsepower and heavy lifts.

2. Tracked vs. Wheeled: Which System Works for My Terrain?

First, take a look at the area of the ground and analyze the mobility that is needed:

• The Wheeled Skid Steers: Are great for hard surfaces, and also, they have better speed and, in addition, are gentle on the pavement.
• Track Loaders Compact Track Loaders: Provide traction better than the other machines for the tracks that can be found on the mud, snow, or even on the uneven terrain.

Furthermore, you can examine the relation between surface impact and wear—tracks can still be very good at working on the rough surface but may deteriorate soft ground quickly.

3. What Attachments Can I Use and Does the Machine’s Hydraulic System Support Them?

One of the main things which is the reason the machine is so efficient is the versatility:

Firstly, pinpoint the very jobs—you might need buckets, grapples, augers, etc. right?  Besides, be certain that the skid steer of yours has standard or high – flow hydraulics to support your attachments.

In addition, make a check on the coupler types and their convenience for changing attachments to be able to get the most of your uptime.

4. What Is the Maintenance and Service History—Or If New, What Support Is Provided?

You need to know the facts, not get caught off guard while buying a skid steer:

• In the case of a second-hand machine: Maintenance/service logs should be handed to you, and ensure that the unit has been serviced regularly.
• New machine importantly from Typhon Machinery, underlines the warranty, assistance, and availability of the spare parts for relaxation.
• Look up results using serial numbers and dealers records to authenticate the statements.

5. How Many Hours Has the Machine Been Running? Is That Number Okay?

Working hours show the degree of usage:

• The average lifespan is about 5,000 hours. It’s better if the number of hours is less than 3,500 hours.
• Check out the brands’ characteristics: Some are like Takeuchi while those with Yanmar/Cummins engines can be reliable for a longer time run.
• Do not trust falsified hour meters—check the figure for consistency and compare it with the actual condition of the machine.

6. What Is the Overall Condition of Engine, Hydraulics, and Transmission?

The most important parts that need to be tested:

• Engine: If there is rattling, unusual smoke can be seen, smooth start, and idle should be checked.
• Hydraulic system: Check if there are leaks, if the machine is hard to lift or there is the drift in the boom/bucket.
• Transmission: Try for the ease, levels of noise, condition of fluid.

7. Are There Any Visible Wear, Leaks, or Structural Problems?

Identify the signs of internal issues:

• In combination with being on the alert for leaks from hydraulic, and oil, check for the occurrence of these small noises on joints or boom area of the equipment.
• Check the cab for the signs of safety hazards, i.e., roof, ROPS/FOPS, safety bar, and seat belt.
• Inspect the bucket edges, loader arms, and the welds for any cracks or signs of repair.

8. How About Tires or Tracks Condition?

Don’t just look up, check the ground:

• Make sure that the tires are inflated properly, have even tread, and have no cuts or dry rot.
• Tracks should be observed for any broken rubber, worn-out rollers, and damaged links.
• Think about costs—tires and tracks are not cheap to be repaired or replaced.

9. Are Operator Controls and Safety Features Functional?

Safety and comfort are important aspects:

• Do all the testing for the controls: foot pedals, levers, switches, horn, backup alarm, lights, HVAC.
• Check the safety interlocks—seatbelt, lap bar, ROPS/FOPS, cab visibility.
• Safety regulations are always very important—especially the rule of the standards for the worksites.

10. What Is My Full Cost—Including Transport, Setup, and Resale Potential?

Cost is not only about the sticker price:

• Be sure after buying a skid steer transport costs, setup, attachments, and site prep are being accounted if needed.
• Inquire about the resale value—some brands have a better reputation than others in terms of retention of their value thus affecting future ROI.
• So far, for new Typhon Machinery models, the initial impact of the warranty, spare parts, and support on resale has been very comforting.

Quick Comparison Table on Buying a Skid Steer in 2025

Question	Key Factor	Why It Matters
1	Operating capacity & frame size	Match machine to job and budget
2	Tracks vs wheels	Affects terrain handling and surface impact
3	Attachments & hydraulics	Determines versatility and compatibility
4	Maintenance/support	Minimizes downtime and surprises
5	Hours used	Reflects previous use and remaining life
6	Engine/hydraulics/trans mission	Core performance indicators
7	Structural integrity	Avoids hidden defects or past damages
8	Tires/tracks condition	Safety, performance, cost of future repairs
9	Cab controls & safety	Ensures safe, ergonomic operation
10	Total cost and resale outlook	Helps ROI and financial planning

FAQs Buying a Skid Steer 2025 Edition

Can I get electric or hybrid skid steers?

Yes—electric skid steers are rising in adoption for indoor, urban, and low-emission zones.

What’s the difference between radial and vertical lift arms?

Vertical lift offers better reach and bucket control at height; radial is simpler and cheaper.

Are autonomous skid steers available yet?

Semi-autonomous or robotic skid steers are emerging, but still niche in general purchase.

How do I determine if I need high‑flow hydraulics?

Check attachment requirements—high-efficiency attachments often need high‑flow systems.

What’s a safe threshold for engine hours on a used machine?

Generally, under 3,500 hours is preferred; 4,000 hours can be late life unless well maintained. Should I be concerned about brand longevity? Yes, machines that are equipped with reliable engines made usually last for a long time.

What safety features related to the regulations can I anticipate?

The safety devices to be considered while buying a skid steer are ROPS/FOPS, beacon lights and reverse alarms as these are common features for many job sites, and they are prerequisites for such places.

Final Thoughts to Keep in Mind While Buying a Skid Steer

Buying a skid steer—especially from a reputable brand like Typhon Machinery—is a major decision and requires careful planning. Posing the Top 10 questions above to the seller will not only address you with performance and safety matters, but also with the cost, compatibility, and longevity aspects. Follow the FAQs to keep yourself informed about the changes that take place in the industry in 2025.

The move of sound decision-making will not only facilitate the process of purchase in the future but will also maximize the utilization of the product. Please let me know if you want the assistance of comparisons between top Typhon models or the guidance of attachments to come as per your requirements.