Skid Steer Rental
A skid steer rental gets you a compact, highly maneuverable loader that can dig, grade, lift and carry, and switch jobs in minutes by swapping attachments. Choose the frame size and attachments for your job, then compare local suppliers on rates, delivery and terms.
What a skid steer is used for
A skid steer loader is a compact machine with lift arms on either side of the operator cab and a quick-attach plate on the front. It steers by driving the wheels or tracks on each side at different speeds, which lets it turn in its own footprint. That makes it one of the most versatile machines on a job site or property.
Common jobs include moving dirt, gravel and mulch, grading driveways and yards, backfilling trenches, clearing brush, loading trucks, carrying pallets, removing snow and cleaning up demolition debris. Many people still call any skid loader a bobcat, so if you have searched for a bobcat rental, a skid steer is the machine you are looking for, whichever manufacturer built it.
Wheeled vs tracked and frame sizes
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Wheeled skid steer | Good on pavement, concrete and firm ground; generally quicker on hard surfaces |
| Compact track loader | Rubber tracks spread weight for soft, muddy or sandy ground and slopes; gentler on lawns |
| Small frame | Fits tighter spaces and lighter trailers; lower lifting capacity |
| Medium and large frame | More lifting and pushing power for heavy material and bigger attachments |
Skid steers are also described by lift path. Radial-lift machines swing the arms in an arc and are handy for digging and pushing. Vertical-lift machines raise loads more straight up, which helps when loading trucks or lifting pallets high.
Attachments to consider
The real value of a skid steer loader rental is the attachment list. Popular options include:
- General purpose or dirt bucket for digging and moving material - Pallet forks for lifting materials and supplies - Auger for fence posts and footing holes - Grapple for brush, logs and debris - Trencher for irrigation or utility trenches - Box blade or land plane for grading - Brush cutter for overgrown lots
Confirm with the supplier which attachments are available for the machine you choose and how they are quoted.
Tips before you rent
- Plan transport. A skid steer requires a properly rated trailer and tow vehicle. Check the machine's weight against your truck and trailer ratings, or ask the supplier about delivery. - Call 811 before digging, trenching or augering. Wait for underground utilities to be marked. - Get a walkthrough. Learn the controls, safety interlocks and how to change attachments before you start. - Wear your seat belt and keep the lap bar down. Never let anyone stand under raised arms or near the machine while it is turning. - Carry loads low. Keep the bucket low while moving, especially on slopes, and travel straight up and down grades rather than across them. - Check ground conditions. Soft ground, soggy lawns and steep slopes are where tracked machines earn their keep.
How to find a skid steer rental near me
Rates are set by each supplier and vary by frame size, wheeled or tracked configuration, attachments, rental length, location and delivery. Daily, weekly and monthly options are common, and longer rentals often make sense for multi-week projects.
To rent a skid loader near me, use the Browse equipment button to search by your city and rental dates. You will see live skid loader listings from local and regional rental suppliers on the Derental marketplace. Compare a few suppliers on machine size, track or wheel options, attachments, delivery and terms, then request the machine online. Have your job details ready, such as the material you are moving, the ground conditions and your access width, so you can pick the right skid steer the first time.
Skid Steer Rental FAQs
- Where can I find skid steer rental near me?
- Use the Browse equipment button on this page to search live inventory from local and regional suppliers by city and rental dates, then compare them side by side.
- How much does skid steer rental cost?
- Rates are set by each supplier and depend on the machine size, rental length (day, week or month), your location and delivery. Compare a few suppliers' quotes for your dates to see current pricing.
- Do I need a license or training for skid steer rental?
- Most compact equipment needs no special license, but you're responsible for operating it safely and following the manufacturer's instructions. Larger machines, aerial lifts and forklifts require operator training under OSHA rules on jobsites. Ask the supplier about walkthroughs.
- Can the equipment be delivered?
- Many suppliers deliver and pick up, especially for larger machines. Delivery fees and availability vary by supplier, so check them when you compare quotes.