How to Find a Bobcat for Sale: Buy vs. Rent, Where to Look, and What to Check

Decide whether to rent or buy by comparing total rental costs against purchase plus ownership expenses. Search authorized dealers, online marketplaces, auctions, and local classifieds for new and used Bobcats. Before buying used, inspect hours, service history, hydraulics, undercarriage, controls, and attachments. Consider dealer financing and certified used programs to reduce risk.

Should you buy or rent a Bobcat?

A Bobcat (skid-steer or compact track loader) is a versatile machine for landscaping, property work, and light construction. Renting can make sense for short jobs. Buying can save money if you need the machine repeatedly or for extended work. Instead of fixed daily rates, compare the total expected rental cost for the full project timeline to the purchase price plus ownership costs (maintenance, storage, insurance, financing, and attachments).

How to calculate break-even

Estimate how many days or weeks you'll need the machine and multiply by local rental rates. Add likely overrun time. Then estimate ownership costs for a year (service, tires/tracks, storage, insurance) and subtract likely resale value. If total rental spending approaches a substantial fraction of purchase price, buying may be better.

Where to look for a Bobcat for sale

• Authorized Bobcat dealers: Start with an authorized dealer for new machines, warranty options, dealer inspections, and trade-in or financing programs. Dealers can also list certified used units.

• Online equipment marketplaces: Search well-known marketplaces and auction sites for used machines and attachments. Examples include EquipmentTrader, MachineryTrader, IronPlanet, and auction houses such as Ritchie Bros.

• Local options: Check community classifieds, farm-supply bulletin boards, Facebook Marketplace, and local equipment dealers. Small sellers sometimes post solid deals.

• Auctions and liquidation sales: Auctions can offer lower prices but require careful inspection or bidding knowledge.

Buying used: what to inspect

Always inspect a used Bobcat before purchase or have a mechanic do it. Key checks:

• Hour meter and service history. Lower hours help but maintenance history matters most.

• Hydraulic system: look for leaks, damaged hoses, and consistent lift/tilt behavior.

• Undercarriage, tires, or tracks for wear and damage.

• Frame and bucket/attachments for cracks or excessive wear.

• Controls and gauges: test all switches, safety interlocks, and the parking brake.

• Test run: operate the loader under load to check performance and unusual noises.

Financing, warranties, and resale

Explore dealer financing, bank equipment loans, or leasing if you want new or low-hour machines without a large upfront payment. Ask dealers about any manufacturer-backed or dealer-certified used programs and whether a short-term warranty is available.

Final tips

Buy only after you've compared long-term costs to rental spending, inspected the machine, and confirmed logistics for transport and storage. A carefully selected used Bobcat can be a practical investment for recurring property work and projects.