Used skid steer loaders: what to check and reference FOB price

Step 1: put ROC, tipping load and dimensions on the same spec sheet

When requesting a quote, don’t ask only “how much can it lift.” ROC is the everyday rated load listed on the spec sheet; tipping load is a separate stability‑related figure. Both must come from the same tires or tracks, bucket, counterweights and hydraulic configuration. Caterpillar’s official CAT 236D sheet lists 818 kg ROC and 1,633 kg tipping load, about a 50% relationship. Use this example to check that a spec’s numbers come from the same configuration, but it does not replace the seller’s confirmation for a specific unit.

ImportantA wheeled skid steer loader and a compact track loader are not interchangeable just by model size. Caterpillar’s compact track loader page lists ROC at 35% tipping load; first confirm whether the spec sheet you received is for a wheeled or track machine.

Step 2: choose size, lift path and undercarriage according to the work

First write down the daily tasks: what material the bucket will load, whether you’ll lift pallets over a truck bed side, whether you’ll turn in narrow aisles, whether the ground is firm or soft, and which attachments you’ll use. Don’t choose size by operating weight alone; also get length with bucket, tire overall width or track width, cab height, maximum pin height and dump reach so you can check site, vehicle and transport limits.

• Wheeled machine: ask about tire size, tread wear and cuts, and the traction and flotation required on your destination ground.
• For tracked machines: ask about wear on tracks, drive sprockets, rollers and the tensioning mechanism, and confirm the tracks are suitable for the destination ground conditions.
• For any undercarriage type, include track/ground clearance (ancho de paso), transport dimensions, ground conditions and attachment weight in your inquiry instead of only giving a model name.

Step 3: inspect the used unit actually for sale, in this order

When buying used machinery you buy a specific unit, not a catalog spec. Ask the seller to show a single continuous video that walks all the way around the machine and captures the nameplate or PIN, hour meter, cab, engine bay and attachment interfaces; then compare the numbers, appearance and hours seen in the video with the proforma invoice and photos. Items not visible should remain pending confirmation, not assumed from a single photo.

1. Verify the machine PIN, engine number and hour meter; request the shot frame to show the machine, the nameplate and the hour meter together to avoid receiving only old photos.
2. With the arms lowered and raised, check for play in pins, bushings and the quick coupler; inspect that the bucket or attachment locks, and look for cracks or repairs on the frame and arms.
3. Check for leaks on cylinder rods, hoses, fittings and quick-connects; in the video, operate lift, tilt, auxiliary hydraulics and the quick coupler.
4. Inspect the drive train according to the undercarriage type. For wheeled machines check tires, hubs and final drive or transmission components; for tracked machines check tracks, drive sprockets, rollers and the tensioning system.
5. Request video of cold start, idle and loaded operation, and note abnormal smoke, noises, warnings and temperature behavior; do not accept only footage with the engine already warm.
6. Check ROPS, FOPS, seat belt, seat or safety bar, control interlocks and arm support device. Do not accept a machine with safety devices bridged, disabled or faulty.

ImportantUnited States OSHA notes that seat belt, ROPS, FOPS and control interlocks are common safety features on skid steer loaders; when performing maintenance with the boom or attachments raised, you must use an approved boom support device.

Step 4: confirm attachments and auxiliary hydraulics as a package

A bucket or forks don’t always need hydraulic connections, but an auger, sweeper, trencher, milling head or flail mower may require them. Don’t just ask “Does it have high flow?”; also request the auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure, whether the machine has standard-flow or high-flow configuration, the continuous-flow control method, the coupler type and the electrical connector. Then match each item against the chosen attachment’s nameplate or manual.

ImportantBobcat states that standard flow drives most hydraulic attachments and high flow adds output for attachments needing greater hydraulic power. Actual compatibility depends on the specific machine and specific attachment requirements.

Step 5: distinguish a used machine’s reference price from a configuration inquiry for a new one.

The comparison table is for distinguishing machine condition and quotation method and does not replace inspection of a specific used machine. The CAT 236D and the YUYAN WM312 on this site are representative models: the first is a used machine of another brand; the second is a new YUYAN-brand machine quoted by configuration. When comparing, first confirm new-or-used status, serial number, year, reported hours, attachments, tires or tracks, hydraulic configuration and destination port, then request a written quotation.

ImportantThe amount for the used CAT 236D is a reference FOB price, not a final quotation; it depends on year, hours, condition, configuration and loading port. New machines are quoted by configuration; price, supply and lead time are confirmed in writing.

Step 6: check the container size first, then decide shipment and import plan

A small wheeled skid steer loader may travel in a container, but you must measure the specific machine and attachments. Caterpillar's official data for the CAT 236D lists 3,487 mm length with bucket on ground, 1,676 mm tire outside width and 2,082 mm height to the cab top; Hapag-Lloyd publishes interior dimensions for a standard 20-foot container as 5,900 × 2,352 × 2,395 mm and a door opening of 2,340 × 2,292 mm.

With the published dimensions, the CAT 236D can pass through and be placed into that type of container; before shipment you must still confirm the bucket, tires, cab, attachments, lashing plan, weight and the carrier’s requirements for that unit. Hapag‑Lloyd also clarifies that its dimensions are examples of containers in its fleet and may vary by manufacturer.

ImportantDo not assume a used machine can always be imported. Before you pay, ask your destination customs broker to confirm classification, used‑equipment restrictions, permits, duties and documents; for country rule context, see "How to import heavy machinery from China: step‑by‑step guide."

Step 7: require continuous video and written documents as conditions for a quotation

A useful remote inspection should let you match paper records to the machine itself. Ask the seller to record as continuously as possible rather than supplying several edited clips as a complete test; if you hire a third‑party inspector, include the inspection scope, required videos, photos and any findings in the assignment.

1. Start the video with the machine PIN, engine number, hour meter and the date.
2. Walk around the machine showing the chassis, arms, bucket or attachment, tires or tracks, cylinders, hoses and the quick coupler.
3. Show cold start, instruments and warnings; then demonstrate lifting, tilting, auxiliary hydraulics, forward, reverse and steering.
4. Save clear photos and video that link the nameplate and hour meter, and state which items were not inspected.
5. Put model, serial number, reported hours, condition, attachments, price term and loading port in the written quote or proforma invoice.

ImportantFor more used-equipment inspection points, see “What to check before buying a used excavator”; for trade terms, documents and destination-country preparation, see “How to import heavy machinery from China: step-by-step guide”; and for how to write an inquiry, see “How to prepare an FOB quotation request for machinery.”