Purchasing a skid steer loader can be a great investment since it’s one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on construction sites. However, with numerous options available, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices.

What’s the best place to buy skid steer loaders for construction sites? Answering this question involves more than just the initial up-front costs. How durable is the equipment? Are there after-sales guarantees? Can you obtain access to parts if something breaks down? These are the things you need to research before investing. 

The Top 4 Places to Buy Skid Steer Loaders for Construction Sites

There’s no question that a skid steer will boost your productivity. However, you need to find the right provider to source it from. The best place to buy skid steer loaders for construction sites is from a company with an excellent after-sales service record. 

Each of these options has a reputation backed by a history of excellence, which should streamline the decision-making process for you.

1. Thompson Tractor

Thompson Tractor is well-known for a reason and is one of the best places to buy skid steer loaders for construction sites. The company is an official Cat dealer, so you can be assured that all the equipment it sells exceeds industry standards. This equipment is known for its durability, engineering excellence and high-performing capabilities. 

Thompson Tractor offers a lineup of new, used and rental skid steer loaders for construction sites. The company also provides customized financial options tailored to your needs — whether that’s testing out the equipment, using it for short-term projects or supplementing your fleet during peak seasons.

Besides the quality reassurance, Thompson Tractor guarantees minimal downtime for parts and services so you don’t have to worry about losing productivity. The company maintains a vast inventory of components, boasting a 98% fill rate within 24 hours, one of the highest in the industry. Thompson Tractor’s staff are highly trained, Caterpillar-certified technicians. This level of after-sales support is crucial, ensuring you feel confident that you’ll benefit from the investment in times of trouble. 

Its equipment has proprietary telematics that allow users to track its health, fuel and location, which will help streamline your operations. Thompson Tractor is a great choice for those seeking durable machinery, flexibility in purchase options and outstanding after-sales service.

2. United Rentals

United Rentals’ reputation is widespread across the country, making it a go-to source for renting and purchasing equipment. It has plenty of locations, making it a convenient option, especially for those with businesses operating across the country and who don’t want to limit themselves to just one regional dealer. Larger operations can access the Total Control® platform, which lets you see fleet location, equipment productivity, inefficiencies and costs in real time. 

Its rental fleet features a variety of brands, including Bobcat, Case and John Deere. This variety enables you to quickly inspect and compare options to find the one that will best fit your work needs and goals. You can even test equipment with its “try before you buy” policy so you can be confident in your purchase. This allows you to gain insights into real-world use, such as operator comfort and its performance on your site. 

United Rentals’ used equipment is very reliable, as the company implements regularly scheduled maintenance. The company offers certified operator training programs for much of its equipment, including skid steers. This can help you learn more about how to use the machine to its full potential and ensure that your workforce complies with OSHA standards.

3. Sunbelt Rentals

Sunbelt Rentals is mostly geared toward providing rentals and selling used fleet equipment. If you are looking to save a bit, Sunbelt Rentals can be a great choice. Its machines are regularly maintained, so you don’t have to worry about quality. The company offers a variety of brands and options, allowing you to select the one that best fits your operational needs and budget. Sunbelt Rentals’ lineups consist of Takeuchi, Gehl, Bobcat and many more. 

You get the advantages of a national company and the highly specialized and tailored service of a localized partner, giving you the best of both worlds. Its customer-centric platform enables you to schedule service calls, track utilization analytics and access invoices. This allows for efficiency and transparency. 

The company’s expertise lies in providing specialized equipment to various industries, including climate control, power and HVAC, industrial flooring, and many more. Its equipment is ideal for projects that need more than just typical loaders, with unique features that are specifically required by various industries. Its services include on-site consultations, solution designs and project management for specialty fleets. It will help engineer, install and manage the machinery throughout the duration of your project.

4. John Deere

Instead of multibrand suppliers, you can also opt to purchase from authorized distributors of John Deere, one of the most reliable and well-known manufacturers. Since it only has a single brand, all of its staff, from salespeople to maintenance technicians, are knowledgeable about John Deere products. The company can provide you with high-level information on its fleet, allowing you to determine which product best suits your needs. Technicians can use proprietary diagnostic tools and pinpoint exact solutions to problems when they arise.

Since you’ll be buying from the manufacturer, you’ll have a reliable source for genuine original equipment manufacturer parts, so you don’t need to worry about part availability down the road. This lowers your total cost of ownership since you can count on the company to handle its own equipment quickly during repair or maintenance, avoiding lengthy back-and-forth explanations, long downtimes and lost productivity. 

You also have access to specialized warranties and service bulletins that you wouldn’t normally receive if you didn’t purchase John Deere equipment from official distributors. Get the advantage of its technology ecosystem with JDLink™, telematics and grade control, which provides sales, installation and training so you can easily start using your investment. John Deere is ideal for those looking to expand their fleet with brand consistency and those who prioritize a streamlined after-sales service.

How the Best Places to Buy Were Identified

General suppliers and distributors were evaluated against each other to determine the best through the following criteria:

• Equipment availability and brands: A wide variety of brands and a large inventory of equipment
• After-sales support: Quality of technical support, expertise and on-site repair capabilities
• Parts and logistics network: Speed and reliability of parts delivery to avoid long equipment downtime
• Financing and purchasing flexibility: Competitive financing options
• Geographic footprint and dealer network: Consistency of service across locations

Choosing Your Ideal Supplier

To help you choose among these companies, here’s a quick, scannable comparison table of each brand’s advantages.

Key Factors for Your Skid Steer Purchase

Consider the long-term implications of the equipment’s use, beyond the up-front costs, to inform your decision-making. You don’t want to invest in cheap machinery now, only to be burdened with unsatisfactory repairs or parts delivery in the future. Here are key factors to consider before purchase:

• Total cost of ownership: Include factors such as maintenance, fuel, repairs and resale value as part of the service you’re getting from a company.

• New vs. used equipment: Both new and used equipment have their pros and cons. Ensure you’re knowledgeable about the trade-offs before committing to a particular path.

• Performance and capability: It’s important to understand how much weight the skid steer can lift and how high it can do so. Make sure it has enough horsepower to support heavy loads.

• Attachments and versatility: To fully maximize your equipment, check the ecosystem of attachments from various brands and determine whether they fit your current workflow and needs.

• Brand reliability: Research each provider and read reviews to learn how dependable they are. Check for easily accessible maintenance points and durable construction. 

Making the Right Investment for Long-Term Productivity

Knowing where to buy skid steer loaders for your construction sites ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a provider. Consider factors such as scale, budget and after-sales service in order to make a knowledgeable decision. National rental companies can offer you flexibility, while specialized dealers are able to give you deep product knowledge and service. 

Ensure that you thoroughly explore and examine all your options to choose the best one. Cheap equipment might seem good in the short term, but you may face additional costs due to prolonged downtime resulting from a lack of repair services or extended delivery times. Look at your investment as choosing a partner for your business that can boost productivity and guarantee top-notch after-sales service for years to come.