Skid steer financing

Quick answer

Skid steers are among the easiest pieces of construction equipment to finance — they hold value, resell quickly, and serve as their own collateral. Expect to put 0–20% down and finance the rest over two to five years.

New units run roughly $40,000–$80,000; used skid steers cost far less and still finance readily, often with credit from the low 600s.

A skid steer is the workhorse of small and mid-size crews, and lenders know it.

Because the machine is versatile, in demand, and easy to resell, financing one is about as straightforward as construction equipment gets. That makes it a common first financed purchase for newer contractors.

Key takeaways

  • Skid steers are easy collateral — among the simplest construction machines to finance.
  • New units run roughly $40K–$80K; used ones cost much less and still finance well.
  • Down payments run 0–20% with terms of two to five years.
  • Good fit for startups and thinner credit thanks to strong resale value.

What it costs to finance a skid steer

New skid steers typically run $40,000 to $80,000 depending on size, attachments, and brand. Used units come in well below that.

With financing you put down a fraction and spread the rest, so the machine earns on the job while you pay it off rather than tying up cash.

Rates, terms, and down payment

Terms usually run two to five years for a skid steer. Rates depend on your credit, the machine's age, and your time in business.

Down payments range from nothing to about 20%, with the best terms going to stronger borrowers and newer machines. Run the numbers with our loan calculator.

New vs used skid steers

Used skid steers are a smart buy — they hold value and finance on close to new terms when hours are reasonable. Our used equipment guide covers how age shifts the terms.

Deciding whether to own or rotate the machine? The lease vs buy guide walks through it.

Best skid steer lenders

Best lenders for skid steer financing

1
eBoost Partners Best Overall

Best Overall — Same-Day Funding Across Six Loan Types Ad

From 1%/mo Up to $10,000,000 No hard pull
2

Best for Equipment Financing

From 8.99% Up to $500,000 600+ FICO
3
Live Oak Bank ★ 4.6

#1 SBA Lender for Construction

From 9.5% Up to $5,000,000 650+ FICO
4
Bluevine ★ 4.4

Best Line of Credit for Cash Flow

From 7.8% (simple interest) Up to $250,000 625+ FICO
5

Best Invoice Factoring for Contractors

From 1–3% factor fee Up to $5,000,000+ No hard pull
6
Kiavi ★ 4.4

Best for Fix & Flip / Hard Money

From 9.25% Up to $3,000,000 660+ FICO

eBoost Partners can match you to several equipment lenders on one soft-pull application through its construction business financing.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to finance a skid steer?

New skid steers run roughly $40,000–$80,000; used ones much less. With financing you put down 0–20% and spread the rest over two to five years, so monthly payments often land in the few-hundred-dollar range depending on price and rate.

Can I finance a used skid steer?

Yes, easily. Skid steers hold value well and are in constant demand, so lenders finance used units readily, often up to 10+ years old.

What credit score do I need for a skid steer loan?

Often the low 600s, and sometimes lower with a down payment, because the machine secures the loan. Skid steers are among the easiest construction equipment to finance.

Can a startup finance a skid steer?

Yes. Because the machine is collateral and resells easily, lenders are comfortable financing skid steers for newer businesses, especially with solid personal credit.