Loader arms, hydrostatic drives, and undercarriages take constant abuse on skid steers. Get independent verification of condition before you buy.
Skid steers work hard in tight spaces — lifting, pushing, grading, and running attachments all day long. That constant cycling destroys hydrostatic drives, loader arms, and tires fast. A machine with fresh paint can still be hiding expensive problems.
Worn pumps, damaged motors, and internal leaks cause weak drive and loss of power. Hydrostatic rebuilds run $4,000–$12,000.
Cracked arms, worn pins and bushings, and sloppy bucket movement. Repairs range $1,500–$6,000.
Blow-by, overheating, and injector failures from dusty, demanding conditions. Repairs cost $2,500–$10,000.
Lift cylinders, tilt cylinders, and auxiliary circuits develop leaks. Repairs range $1,000–$5,000.
Worn tires, damaged rims, or shot undercarriage components on CTLs. Replacement costs $2,000–$8,000.
Faulty joysticks, bad sensors, and wiring problems from vibration and debris. Repairs run $500–$3,000.
This is what repairs cost when issues go undetected. Our inspection is just $800.
Skid Steer Inspection Checklist
Our inspectors perform a comprehensive skid steer evaluation — checking the hydrostatic drive, loader arms, hydraulic system, and engine under actual operating conditions.
Your Inspection Report Includes
25-40 high-resolution photos covering loader arms, tires/tracks, engine compartment, hydraulic cylinders, cab interior, undercarriage (if CTL), and any problem areas found.
Written summary with Good/Fair/Poor ratings for engine, hydrostatic drive, loader, and all major systems. Clear identification of wear items and needed repairs.
Video footage of the skid steer driving, lifting, tilting, and operating auxiliary hydraulics. See and hear exactly how the machine performs.
Simple 3-Step Process
Send us the skid steer details (make, model, serial number) and location. We coordinate with the seller to schedule the inspection.
Our inspector performs a thorough evaluation — testing hydrostatic drive, loader, and hydraulics while documenting everything with photos and video.
Receive your detailed inspection report via email within 24 hours. Know exactly what you're buying before you commit.
Skid Steer Inspection FAQs
Most skid steer inspections take 1.5-2.5 hours. Compact track loaders and machines with enclosed cabs or high-flow systems may take slightly longer.
We inspect all major brands including Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, Case, New Holland, Kubota, Gehl, Takeuchi, and ASV. Wheeled skid steers and compact track loaders.
Yes. For CTLs, we evaluate the full undercarriage — tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and final drives — in addition to all standard skid steer systems.
We test drive response, power, and steering in both directions. We check for weak drive, jerky operation, and listen for pump/motor noise that indicates wear.
Yes. We test auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure, including high-flow systems if equipped. We verify the couplers function properly.
We inspect loader arms for cracks, check all pins and bushings for wear, and test lift and tilt cylinders. Worn pins cause sloppy bucket control and are expensive to repair.
We inspect the bucket included with the machine. If other attachments are part of the sale, let us know and we can evaluate those as well.
Yes. We regularly inspect skid steers at rental companies, dealers, and auctions. We coordinate with the seller to schedule access.
The IronCheck Difference
We work for you, not the seller or rental company. Our only goal is giving you the truth about the machine's condition.
Our inspectors understand skid steer systems — hydrostatic drives, loader arms, and the wear points that cost real money to fix.
We inspect skid steers across all 50 states. Job sites, dealers, auctions — wherever the machine is, we can get there.
Most inspections scheduled within 24-48 hours. Report delivered same day or next business day.
Skid steers work hard and wear fast. A weak hydrostatic drive or worn loader arms can turn a bargain into a money pit. Get the facts first.