Is It Better to Buy New or Used Skid Steer Attachments?

A skid steer is one of the most versatile pieces of machinery for taking care of business on your land. With the right attachment, a skid steer can clear brush, move heavy objects, uproot trees, till soil, and more. When investing in a skid steer, many buyers will want to weigh buying new skid steer attachments against used skid steer attachments that are potentially cheaper (but in good working order). The right choice depends on your use case, budget, and other factors. Here are a few tips to help you get to the root of the matter and make the right call.

Pros of Buying Used Skid Steer Attachments

1. Cost savings. Saving money is the most direct benefit you'll get from buying a used skid steer attachment. If you need multiple different attachments, the savings can really add up. You can then use the money to invest in other aspects of your business.
2. Value preservation. If you decide to sell your attachment in the future, you'll likely be able to break even or come very close to it, assuming the equipment is still in good working condition. When you buy new, the value depreciates the moment the equipment leaves the lot.

Cons of Buying Used Skid Steer Attachments

1. Quality uncertainty. While deals are certainly to be had with used attachments, it can be a headache if you wind up with a dud. If you're purchasing online, you can't be sure of the product's condition. A reputable seller should be amenable to answering all your questions but you may still be anxious until you're able to verify the quality in person. Look out for cheap knockoffs made from low-grade materials. Also, simply put, you don’t know where it has been. There’s no telling what stresses it may have endured that haven’t been shared with you.
2. Lack of warranty. Many used skid steer attachments don't come with a long-term warranty. If the product fails, you may find yourself outside of the return window and have to deal with paying a technician to repair it.

Pros of Buying New Skid Steer Attachments

1. Cutting-edge technology. The skid steer industry is always innovating. When you buy a new attachment, you're likely getting a more durable, efficient, convenient, and reliable piece of machinery. While older, used models can certainly get the job done, new models can often make your job easier and more enjoyable. For example, Prime Attachments offers heavy-duty grapples, forks, brush mowers, and other attachments designed for the toughest projects.
2. Quality certainty. Buying new equipment means you won't have to go back and forth with the seller asking about the product's history or worrying whether the product is truthfully advertised. A new product will be in exceptional working condition and backed by a replacement or money-back guarantee in the event of a defect. Buying new often ensures that you'll have a product that can last decades.
3. Options. Buying new gives you more products to choose from. Newer skid steer attachments are often optimized for specific use cases, which might be hard to find when shopping in the used market.
4. Warranty and Support. Reputable dealers like Prime Attachments offer long-term warranties and support for their products. You're not only buying a higher quality product but also peace of mind.

Cons of Buying New Skid Steer Attachments

1. Cost. For smaller one-time projects, buying new ones may not be cost-effective. If you plan to use an attachment very sparingly or only need it for one project, it may be wiser to buy used or consider a skid steer attachment rental.
2. You may not need the latest features. While new models often offer more features and quality-of-life improvements, those upgrades may not make much of a difference for your specific use case. Prime Attachments can help match your needs with the ideal skid steer attachment.

Consider Skid Steer Rentals

For one-off projects, a skid steer rental may be the optimal choice. You'll get the job done at minimal cost and get a better idea of whether you want to own the product in the future. Another situation that merits renting is when you're starting a new business and don't have the capital or knowledge to commit to a purchase, be it used or new. As your business grows, you may have the means and confidence to purchase a skid steer and a few staple attachments.

Prime Attachments is a premier manufacturer of high-quality skid steer attachments for the most intensive residential and commercial projects. Contact us today to learn more about our products and get a quote.