Everything You Should Know About Renting a Skid Steer

Whether you plan to switch out attachments throughout a job to tackle different tasks or you need a compact machine to fit into tight spaces, skid steers are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment for any jobsite. 

You have multiple choices when sourcing equipment for an upcoming project — renting, leasing, or buying. If you're renting a skid steer for the first time, we're here to help you through the process so it's as easy as possible. 

What Is a Skid Steer?

A skid steer loader is a compact machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools like buckets and augers. It's a highly versatile piece of equipment, with applications spanning across various industries:

• Material handling
• Site preparation
• Landscaping
• Forestry
• Property maintenance
• Underground work
• Waste management
• Demolition and excavation
• Snow removal

Most skid steers have either two tracks or four wheels for different jobs and environmental conditions. 

The Features of a Skid Steer Loader

The essential features of any skid steer include:

Compact Design

The compact footprint of skid steers makes them advantageous for working in tight spaces like warehouse aisles and urban construction sites. It's important to note that “compact” here refers to the equipment's footprint rather than its frame size. 

While you might need a larger-frame skid steer for heavier-duty projects, it will still take up less space on your jobsite than other equipment like excavators or tractors.

Zero-Radius Turning

Also known as zero-turning or spin turning, zero-radius turning enables skid steers to rotate 360 degrees in place. This capability provides easy maneuverability in tight spaces and maximizes efficiency in transporting materials around a jobsite. 

Zero-point turning also helps keep operators safer. For example, you might need to pivot on a construction site if another operator moves their equipment too close. 

Size Range

While all skid steers have a compact design, they come in various frame sizes to accommodate different jobsites and use cases. The Associated Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) classifies these sizes into three categories:

• Large frames: Minimum rated operating capacity of 2,200 pounds with at least 70 horsepower.
• Medium frames: Rated operating capacity between 1,750 and 2,200 pounds with 50 to 70 horsepower.
• Small frames: Rated operating capacity between 1,500 and 1,750 pounds with roughly 50 horsepower.

The frame size you need directly corresponds to the requirements of your jobsite.

Attachments

Various rental attachments are available to expand your skid steer's functionality, so you can take on different tasks without having to rent more equipment. Some examples include:

• Buckets: You can attach a bucket to the front or rear of your skid steer to dig, lift, and carry material as needed.
• Augers: An auger enables you to efficiently dig holes for tree planting, fence posts, footings, and more.
• Pulverizers: A pulverizer skid steer attachment enables you to break up soil and smooth over plots of land for planting and landscaping.
• Adapters: If you have attachments designed for other equipment, an adapter plate can help you use those attachments on your skid steer so you can save on equipment costs.
• Trenchers: A trencher helps you dig straight and narrow trenches for utilities, agriculture, and other applications.

While you can often rent attachments at the same time as your skid steer, you'll want to ensure your rental provider has what you need in stock. Reserving a rental in advance is the best way to avoid last-minute mix-ups and other similar issues.

Hydraulic Systems

A skid steer has a robust hydraulic system that enables operators to perform multiple functions simultaneously without losing precision or control. The system works by converting mechanical power from the engine into useful work through the hydraulic flows, which allows the skid steer to complete multiple tasks via one power source:

• Lift 
• Push
• Dig
• Drive
• Power attachments

Tracks or Wheels

You can choose between a tracked skid steer and a wheeled model based on your specific requirements. Typically, tracked models are better for navigating rough terrain, while wheeled ones are better suited to maneuvering through tight spaces and long distances.

Operator Amenities

Modern skid steers come with extra amenities in the cabin to enhance operator comfort and productivity during long shifts. Some examples of amenities pioneered by Cat® equipment include:

• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Noise reduction technology
• Adjustable seats
• Seat-mounted joystick controls
• Speed-sensitive ride control

A reliable rental provider will offer models equipped with at least some of these amenities, so be sure to ask about them when deciding which model to rent. These extras can help make long shifts easier and increase employee morale, which is key for keeping your project on schedule.

How Much Is It to Rent a Skid Steer?

While it's difficult to provide an exact answer for how much renting a skid steer will cost, we can give you a general idea so you can begin building your budget. Some of the most important factors involved in determining your rental price include:

1. Rental Period Duration

Rental providers typically price equipment rentals based on the amount of time you plan to have them. For example, monthly rental agreements are more costly than daily or weekly plans.

That said, many rental providers offer discounted rates for longer rentals. Typical rates you might find include:

• Daily: Between $300 and $500 
• Weekly: Between $1,000 and $1,300
• Monthly: Between $2,000 and $3,000

Many rental providers also offer flexible rental agreements, which enable you to extend your rental period if you need the equipment longer than you expected. 

2. Machine Size and Capacity

Generally, larger equipment models will have higher rental fees than smaller equipment models because they have a more specialized design. The same goes for weight capacity — the more weight a skid steer can lift, the more you'll likely pay. 

3. Attachments

Renting attachments will add to your overall rental cost for the skid steer. Prices will vary depending on which attachments you want to rent, so be sure to do some research into the type of attachment you will need for the job.

4. Delivery Fees

Many rental providers offer transportation of their equipment to and from your jobsite for an additional fee. This service fee can vary based on the following factors:

• Your location
• Your rental provider
• Time of year

5. Damage Waivers

Damage waivers, also known as rental protection damage waivers or loss damage waivers (LDWs), are similar to renters insurance policies. Like insurance, a damage waiver protects your company from having to pay for accidental damage to the equipment.

For example, if a natural disaster causes your jobsite to flood, your rental provider's damage waiver might waive some of your responsibility for covering those damages. Speak to your rental provider for more information on their specific policies.

Can Anyone Rent a Skid Steer?

People who meet the following requirements can rent a skid steer:

• Age: Depending on the rental company you work with, you typically must be at least 18 or 21 years old to rent a skid steer. 
• Licensure: While you must have a valid driver's license, you do not need an operator's license to rent.
• Security deposit: You'll need to put down a security deposit before you can rent any piece of equipment. If you have a credit card or other payment method on file, though, your rental provider will likely charge your account instead.
• Safety and liability agreement: This legal document outlines all potential risks associated with the equipment, as well as the responsibilities you and your rental provider have throughout the rental period.

While you're not required to have previous equipment operation experience, we strongly recommend that you or your staff undergo some form of operator training before you rent. This step is important to ensure a safe working environment and maintain compliance with your industry's requirements.

What Are the Benefits of Renting a Skid Steer vs. Buying?

Some advantages of renting a skid steer include:

1. Lower Up-Front Cost

With a rental, you don't need to make a significant up-front investment like you would when buying a new or used skid steer. You pay for the amount of time you use the equipment and return it when you're finished.

2. Included Maintenance

Your rental provider will take care of all maintenance and storage tasks for you, so you can reduce your operating expenses and have peace of mind on the jobsite. 

3. Adaptation to Demand

If you are in an industry like construction where demand fluctuates between seasons, renting can help you keep up with seasonal peaks without needing to invest in new equipment.

4. Access to New Tech

A reliable rental provider fills their fleet with the most up-to-date equipment, which means their renters get to use the latest technologies on the market. Some examples include proximity sensors, telematics, and payload monitoring capabilities.

5. No Long-Term Storage Requirements

When you rent equipment, you can simply return it once you've finished using it. The same can't be said for equipment you own, which you need to store for the long term. These storage fees can add up over time and reduce your return on investment, especially if you don't use the skid steer often enough to justify the cost. 

When Should You Buy Instead of Rent?

While renting can be advantageous for certain projects and organizations, buying a skid steer is often more cost-effective and convenient for companies that will use it often. If you know it will be part of your regular equipment rotation, you'll save more when buying a skid steer than you would with renting multiple times.

You'll also want to weigh the benefits of renting versus buying when considering investing in attachments, as these can be costly. 

Tips for First-Time Skid Steer Renters

Are you renting for the first time? These tips and tricks will help you rent the best skid steer for your application.

Reserve in Advance

Scheduling a rental in advance is essential to ensure your desired skid steer will be available when you need it, especially if you plan to work during peak season. 

Of course, you may need to rent equipment in an emergency if you experience a breakdown during work. While an emergency rental will help you minimize downtime and delays, you may have to rent a different model due to the last-minute notice.

Choose the Right Equipment

If you're unsure which model or frame size is best for your application, your rental provider's staff is a great resource. Our equipment experts at Thompson Rents can help you better understand the pros and cons of each available model, and they can work with you to schedule your rental at the best time for you. 

Understand Attachment Compatibility

To avoid unexpected issues later on, it's important to remember that certain attachments are incompatible with specific skid steer models. Consult with your sales rep before signing the rental agreement to ensure you rent the correct attachment for your skid steer. 

Check Site Accessibility and Terrain

The type of terrain you'll be working on directly impacts the specific skid steer model you'll need for your project. For example, tracked skid steers — also known as compact track loaders — are most appropriate for jobsites with rough terrain because they can roll over small obstacles that would stop a wheeled machine. 

Wheeled skid steers are better suited to applications with tight space and smooth terrain, like:

• Material handling applications in warehouses or distribution centers.
• Indoor construction and renovation projects.
• Residential landscaping on soft ground.

Your jobsite will also determine the type of wheels or tracks you should choose. An indoor application, like warehousing, benefits more from rubber tires because they cause minimal damage to the flooring and enable the operator to make sharp turns as needed. 

Where to Rent a Skid Steer Near You

If you're located in Alabama or the Florida Panhandle, Thompson Rents is your go-to choice for rental equipment. We carry a diverse fleet of rental skid steers from Caterpillar and other leading equipment manufacturers, so you can benefit from optimal hydraulic performance and work efficiency. 

Our team is well-versed in the equipment we carry, making us a valuable partner in your rental experience. We also offer field service and emergency repairs to our renters, helping you minimize downtime through the most demanding projects.