As you look for a skid steer, we know that price is a big factor. You deserve to find a skid steer that fits your business needs and aligns with your budget without compromise.
At RDO Equipment Co., our teams passionately connect customers with the perfect piece of machinery to set them up for success.
In fact, we’ve been selling John Deere machinery and supporting the people that buy it since 1968. We’re excited to help you achieve your goals.
As you look for a skid steer, we know that price is a big factor. You deserve to find a skid steer that fits your business needs and aligns with your budget without compromise.
We can give you an idea of how John Deere skid steer pricing works, including how you can save some money on this essential purchase.
Note: This article only references pricing for wheeled John Deere skid steers. For John Deere compact track loader pricing, read How Much Does a John Deere Compact Track Loader Cost.
How Much Does a John Deere Skid Steer Cost?
Factor 1) Size of the Machine
The size of the machine plays one of the biggest roles in determining your skid steer’s price. Generally, as a skid steer’s frame size, weight, height and power increase, expect your price to follow.
Here’s a breakdown of popular skid steer models, how their sizes differ and how this relates to price.
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Height to Hinge Pin (Inches) | | | | | | |
Operating Weight (Pounds) | | | | | | |
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The kinds and frequency of tasks you perform will impact the size of the skid steer you need.
When considering only the size of the machine, expect your starting price to be around $45,000-$99,000.
Once you settle on a skid steer size and model, other factors, including the type of cab you need, determine your final price.
Factor 2) Cab Style
John Deere offers each skid steer with a mix of cab options (also called packages).
When buying your skid steer, you can either get a roll-over protection system (ROPS) or a more sophisticated enclosed cab that includes heating and cooling.
Some models (such as the 330P) also offer a premium cab option with high-flow capabilities.
The type of cab you choose for your skid steer will affect the price — see the table below for a general view of how.
Factor 3) Attachments
Outside of the exact machine you choose, the attachments you purchase for it have the largest impact on your final skid steer price. The cost of an attachment can range greatly.
When you add attachments, this will increase the price of your skid steer by $1,000-$40,000 or more.
See below for some general ranges for the price impact of purchasing new skid steer attachments.
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Buckets (rock, rollout, construction, utility) | |
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If you buy new attachments, consider how they will affect your bottom line.
To save some money, consider purchasing used attachments.
Factor 4) Extended Warranties
Each new John Deere skid steer comes with a 2,000-hour full machine warranty. These warranties give you peace of mind and support as you integrate the machine into your operation.
If you want additional coverage, you can purchase an extended warranty through one of John Deere’s four plan tiers:
- Engine Only
- Powertrain
- Powertrain & Hydraulics
- Comprehensive
Depending on your needs, these plans can be applied for 36, 48 or 60 months. If you decide to add an extended warranty to your skid steer at the point of purchase, this will cost $500-$5,000.
The comprehensiveness and length of the policy determine the cost of your extended warranty. For example, a 60-month comprehensive extended warranty will be your most expensive option.
Factor 5) Delivery and Fees
The final factors to consider are delivery costs and ancillary fees. Although less of a price factor compared to things like attachments and the cab option you choose, expect a processing fee for your skid steer, particularly if it’s financed.
These should not be more than a few hundred dollars.
If you need your machine delivered and you’re outside a certain radius of the store, you might be charged a fee. Delivery is usually free within 15 miles and billed by the mile beyond that.
Many customers pick up their skid steers, so delivery tends to be irregular and flexible.
How to Save Money on Your Skid Steer
Now that you know the most common factors that influence your skid steer’s price, let’s see how you can save money. You can’t always control certain expenses; for example, if you need 74 horsepower or a forklift attachment, those requirements stay the same.
Here are three ways you can actively control the price when buying a skid steer.
1) Lead Time
Every business, including ours, considers lead time. While we strive to keep plenty of skid steers in stock at each of our locations, you can help cut costs by giving us some lead time to secure your machine. If we have the skid steer available right away, you won’t encounter any delays. However, if you need a model that isn’t currently in stock and want it urgently, we may need to expedite its transit to your location—either from a port or another part of the country.
This urgency could increase your price, as we take extra steps to meet your timeline. As a general rule, the more urgent your need, the higher the costs you can expect.
2) Providing Trade Ins
You can also lower your purchase cost by offering a trade-in. Our team will evaluate your machine and determine a fair trade-in value, which you can apply directly to your new purchase to save money.
We welcome trade-ins on most machines. To ensure a smooth process, let us know your trade-in details early so our team can schedule its evaluation.
3) Work Closely With Your RDO Account Manager
Your account manager will guide you through this process. Your local account manager helps you find the best value for your investment by asking relevant questions, helping you compare machines, assisting you in evaluating alternatives and ensuring you know about current deals, making them a valuable asset in this process.
Compare John Deere Skid Steer Models
You can boost your productivity by investing in a John Deere skid steer for grading, lifting or handling tough terrain.
Prices typically range from about $46,000 to over $120,000, but when you understand key factors like machine size, cab style, attachments, warranties, and delivery fees, you can make a smart, cost-effective decision.
With careful planning, a trade-in and support from your RDO account manager, you’ll find the right fit without sacrificing performance.
Want to get in the driver’s seat? Visit your local RDO store to take a test drive and have your pricing questions answered in even greater detail.
Clayton Vincent
Clayton has been with RDO Equipment Co. since early 2024. He joined the team as a Rental Sales Professional on our Buda team. Today, Clayton is a Utility Sales Professional focused on helping customers throughout his region reach their business goals by supplying reliable machine solutions.
