You likely use or have considered using a skid steer if you work in construction, landscaping, utilities, or any trade that requires compact equipment.
These essential tools enable companies to maximize their efficiency and meet customer needs when it counts.
At RDO Equipment Co., we have sold John Deere equipment in many U.S. locations for more than 50 years.
When you buy a skid steer, you invest in your productivity, your team and your bottom line.
We’ve laid out everything you need to know about buying a skid steer from RDO Equipment Co.
Key Takeaways:
- RDO Equipment Co. sells the full range of new and used John Deere skid steers, from simple G‑Tier machines to advanced P‑Tier models.
- The right skid steer depends on your application, attachments, workload and budget, not just size or horsepower.
- The buying process is consultative and low‑risk, often including free demos so you can test the machine on your jobsite.
- RDO provides fast, transparent pricing and financing, with trade‑ins commonly applied toward the purchase.
- Support continues after delivery with startup walkthroughs, follow‑ups, warranty coverage and long‑term service support.
What Kind of Skid Steers Does RDO Equipment Co. Sell?
This lineup includes both new and used machines ranging from 65 to 118 horsepower (hp).
John Deere categorizes its skid steers into different tiers, which can be a bit confusing if you’re new to the lineup.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the G and P tiers:
G Tier: These are entry-level, rugged machines. Landscapers favor the 324G because it doesn’t require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and still packs enough horsepower (74 hp) to get the job done. You can buy these G-tier skid steers:
P Tier: These more advanced models come with enhanced features. For example, the 330P and 334P offer more horsepower, better cab design and upgraded technology like advanced screens and smart controls. You can buy these P-tier skid steers:
How to Choose the Right Skid Steer for Your Business
Understand your application and the specific problems you need to solve to choose the right skid steer for your business. Whether you’re clearing land, doing concrete work, plumbing or electrical trenching or moving dirt, your needs determine the size, power and attachments you should look for.
Here are some quick tips for picking the correct John Deere skid steer for your business. Of course, we’re always happy to help you with this as well.
Tip 1) Start With Your Needs
Our salespeople enjoy digging in to identify your specific use case because every RDO customer is unique. Your equipment needs won’t be the same as the next person. We’ll ask questions to help you come to a conclusion.
- What compact construction equipment do you currently have?
- What do you use these machines for?
- What will this machine be used for?
- How often will you be using it?
- What attachments will you need?
- How much horsepower are you looking for?
Answering these questions will help us hone in on a solution.
For example, if you use a skid steer for mulching, you might need a higher horsepower model like the 330P. Alternatively, if you are a plumber doing commercial work, you might benefit from a more compact model with precision digging capabilities.
Tip 2) Understand the Problem You’re Solving
Sometimes, it’s not just about what you’re doing, it’s about what’s not working with your current setup.
For example, let’s say you’re a customer with two machines: one has become a forklift because it just doesn’t have the power to move dirt the way you need it to, and the other is constantly being run as a mulcher.
Instead of trying to fit another machine into this mix, you may find a solution by using a skid steer like the 330P to cover all tasks, possibly replacing the underpowered model.
Working with an RDO salesperson can help you identify these opportunities, saving you money in the long run.
Tip 3) Consider Your Budget
Price is another major consideration in this process. Depending on the machine you choose – and whether you want certain attachments, your skid steer costs can vary.
On the low end, the 316P, for example, is around $46,000. On the higher side, a larger premium model like the 334P may cost as much as $100,000 or more for a new model.
For instance, the 316P starts around $46,000. On the other end of the spectrum, a larger premium model like the 334P can cost $100,000 or more.
Consider your budget when choosing a model. If you want a budget-friendly option, consult an RDO salesperson to compare models and check used inventory.
The Process of Buying a Skid Steer From RDO
Buying a skid steer from RDO is a straightforward process designed to ensure you get the right machine for your needs. Here’s how it works:
Step 1) Discovery and Needs Assessment
A local RDO representative will start by visiting your worksite, talking to you about your needs, and asking detailed questions to understand your business, challenges, goals and budget.
Step 2) Equipment Demo and Test Drives
To help you with your decision, RDO offers free equipment demos where you can plug the machine into your operation to use it and see how it fits. Typically, demos last for one day, but we understand that’s not always enough, especially if you’re switching from another brand.
You can extend your demo to two or even three days to really put it through its paces. You’ll need to provide insurance, just like a rental, in this scenario. Our team wants you to feel confident that the machine is perfect for you so we can be very flexible with our demos.
3) Quoting and Proposal
Once we’ve identified a solution together and you’re confident it’s the right one — either through a demo period or otherwise — we’ll get you a quote to look at. This should take less than an hour.
Our quotes include the final price you will pay for your machine — including any attachments, extra warranties, delivery charges and fees associated with the purchase.
4) Sign the Purchase Order
If you are happy with the price and machine, sign a purchase order to hold it. While this doesn’t lock you into anything, it’s the best way to ensure that you have the machine you want available when it’s time to pay.
5) Financing and Credit Approval
Most of our customers (roughly 9 out of 10) finance their machines.
Once you’ve seen the quote and approved, it’s time to purchase. You can either do this outright (without financing), completely financed or with any combination in between.
Your credit application can be filled out online or filled out alongside your RDO representative.
Once submitted, our finance manager and team will work quickly to get you approved. This will typically take less than one day, if not a couple of hours.
6) Trade-In Evaluation (If Applicable)
If you’re trading in a machine, we’ll need details upfront to schedule an evaluation before you purchase your John Deere skid steer. About half of our customers trade in equipment, and the value of it will be applied directly to your new purchase.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Skid Steer from RDO?
The time it takes to get your skid steer depends on inventory and delivery options. If the machine is on-site, you could have it within 24–48 hours. Our service department inspects it, and we either deliver it or you pick it up.
Here are two factors in this process.
RDO strives to have a variety of skid steer models on site at each location. All of the current inventory at your local RDO store is located on its lot. This is a good place to go if you’d like to see what’s currently on hand.
If the machine is at another RDO location or needs to be picked up from the port, it may take longer to get your machine. This could also increase your price as transportation costs creep in. In this case, these costs will be reflected in your quote.
Another thing that may impact the timing of your machine is the delivery option you choose. Typically, customers come and pick up the machine. This will speed up the process.
Alternatively, we can deliver your machine. This can either be done through our in-house trucking department or through an outside carrier. The option we use will depend on your timelines.
What Happens After the Sale?
Our relationship doesn’t end when you sign the purchase order and your machine is delivered. When you buy a skid steer from RDO, you can expect a long-term partnership on your terms.
After your first purchase, we will follow up within three days of delivery and one week later to make sure everything is working as expected.
It’s also important that we’re there the first time you start up your machine.
If it’s delivered, we’ll be on-site to walk you through it and do a walk around. If you pick it up, we’ll be at the store to make sure everything goes smoothly.
From here, your RDO point of contact will always be available and will reach out to you at regular intervals each year.
How Does the Product Warranty Work?
For our skid steers, you’ll receive a standard 2-year, 2,000-hour full machine warranty.
If you would like additional coverage, you can opt for a John Deere Protect plan to extend your parts and labor coverage at any time.
Tips to Make the Buying Process Smoother With RDO
Here are four things you can do to ensure your machine purchase goes smoothly from start to finish:
- Return your credit application quickly and completely filled out.
- Provide trade-in details early so we can schedule evaluations.
- Be clear about your timeline, if you need a machine next week (for example), let us know upfront so we can check availability.
- Ask questions, we’re here to help you make the best decision.
Buying a Skid Steer From RDO Equipment Co.: Your Next Step
Buying a skid steer is more than a transaction, it’s a partnership. At RDO Equipment Co., we’re not just selling you a machine. We’re helping you grow your business with the right equipment, the right financing and the right support.
- Understanding your needs
- Offering flexible demos
- Providing fast, transparent financing
- Delivering machines quickly
- Staying in touch after the sale with great support
RDO Equipment Co.
Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world.
