Tips for Buying a John Deere® Skid Steer

John Deere® skid steers are a popular choice for professionals and homeowners alike. They’re rugged, user-friendly, and built to last. Our team at Castongia Tractor has a great selection of John Deere construction equipment for sale and rent. You can visit one of our Northwest Indiana locations to learn more, but first, keep reading for a few tips on how to purchase the right skid steer. 

Know Your Needs

The first tip we can provide you with is the importance of knowing what you need when you set out to purchase a piece of equipment. Although our Sales Consultants can help you navigate your options, knowing what tasks you’ll need to complete and how you’ll primarily be using your equipment will be a tremendous help. 

When you think about the tasks you’ll perform, also think about where those actions will take place. Will you be in your backyard or on a construction site? The terrain and environment can have a major influence on the features you choose, like the type of tires or tracks and the cab features.

Understanding your expectations for owning a skid steer can truly help you select a model that will work for you. If you expect to have the ability to complete several heavy-duty tasks, you’ll want to choose a model that can handle higher lifting and pushing capacities. However, if your vision of owning a skid steer is mostly for small landscaping projects, you may not need to invest in higher levels of power. 

Size and Power

There are a couple of ways to look at the size of a skid steer. First, is the power, which can be looked at as net or gross power. Second, is the physical footprint of the machine. 

Gross power is the power measured at the engine crankshaft that is produced by the engine that is only equipped with accessories necessary for operation. Net power is the effective power that is output from the engine’s power output shaft and is measured when the engine is equipped with all parts needed for operating conditions in conjunction with the regulating rotating speed in the laboratory table. 

The physical footprint of the skid steer will be an important factor if you intend to use the machine in smaller spaces. While skid steer loaders themselves tend to be compact, you want to think ahead! Consider how the loader will change the physical size of the machine and if you’ll have plenty of space to safely operate.

Attachments

You may also need to purchase additional skid steer attachments to make your machine operate the way you expect it to. Most machines will come with a loader, which is great for lifting and grading, but you might need different attachments to complete other tasks. Some attachments you can utilize include augers, trenchers, brooms, mulchers, and hammers. John Deere® has a wide range of attachments to choose from, so as you shop, think about your short and long-term needs and what accessories might be necessary to make your investment worthwhile.

Research Different Models

When it comes to equipment, John Deere® knows it’s important to have an option available to meet everyone’s needs. That’s why when you’re shopping for a skid steer, you’ll want to take the time to compare the available models. Some models will be better suited for professional construction work, while others are ideal for residential use.

Some of the models you’ll want to learn about include the 316GR, 320G, and the 332G. These models range in power and price, and there are additional models between these levels to choose from as well. 

If you’re having trouble determining what option is right for you, our team is happy to go over the details of each model! You can also utilize customer reviews and specification charts to compare choices. 

Consider Your Budget

Another key tip for the buying process is to set your budget before you begin seriously shopping! John Deere® skid steers can drastically range in price as you determine the power, features, and add-ons you may need. It’s best to determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start looking at the machines in person. 

Most buyers will finance their purchase, so you can also have an idea of your buying power when you apply to John Deere Financial before you visit our lot or call our Sales Team. Knowing your borrowing options can also make it easier to buy the right skid steer. 

Check for Warranties and Support

As you move through the buying process, you’ll want to consider the available warranty coverage that is available through John Deere®. Many new equipment will have a standard warranty, but extended warranties are available and can be worth the price. Remember that these warranties only cover manufacturer-related faults, though. Regular wear, damage, and maintenance needs typically don’t qualify. Be sure to ask your Consultant about available plans. 

When it comes to buying a skid steer, there are quite a few things to consider before you finalize your purchase. This post has only scratched the surface of what you might need to consider! Power, features, size, price, and protection are all factors that can affect your final purchasing decision. Our team is here to help you throughout the shopping process, whether you know exactly what you need or if you need assistance choosing the right fit. You can visit us throughout Northwest Indiana; we have locations in Fowler, DeMotte, Crown Point, Valparaiso, and Rensselaer.