For landscaping jobs, leasing a skid steer can feel like unlocking a secret tool. Few machines match its power when it comes to handling tough tasks. Still, many people skip this option simply because they don’t know how much it costs to lease one.
In this article...
- What Is a Skid Steer?
- Common Uses
- Leasing vs. Buying: A Simple Comparison
- Things That Influence the Cost of Leasing a Skid Steer
- Typical Lease Costs in 2025
- What Does a Lease Usually Include?
- Benefits of Leasing a Skid Steer
- How to Choose the Right Lease Agreement
- Beacon Funding’s Lease-to-Own Program
- Get a Skid Steer Into Your Operations Fast
Knowing the cost can help you plan your budget and make smarter choices. Here’s the catch: Buying a new skid steer can be expensive, ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. For young landscaping businesses with tight budgets, this hefty price tag can be a major obstacle to growth. Adding one to your business is an affordable lease-to-own option.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors and typical prices of skid steers in 2025. This will help you decide if leasing is the right move for your business.
What Is a Skid Steer?
A skid steer is a small but powerful machine used in construction, landscaping, and farming. It has a strong frame and lift arms that hold buckets or other tools.
Unlike other machines, a skid steer turns by stopping the wheels on one side while the other side moves. This helps it spin around fast and fit into small spaces.
Common Uses
- Landscaping Project -- Carrying dirt, mulch, and debris.
- Snow Removal -- Clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks.
Skid steers are important because they are small, flexible, and strong. They can use many tools and fit into tight spaces, making them great for lots of tough jobs.
Leasing vs. Buying: A Simple Comparison
Leasing, buying, and renting a skid steer each have different benefits.
● Leasing means you make monthly payments to use the skid steer for a set time, but you don’t own it.
● Buying means you pay upfront or with financing to own the machine fully.
Why Leasing Can Be a Smart Choice
Leasing is a good choice between renting and buying. It needs less money upfront than buying and often comes with maintenance. This means fewer surprise bills later. Leasing works well for businesses that only need a skid steer for a few months or years. It lets them avoid ownership while still using the equipment. It also helps save money and gives access to newer tools and machines.
For many business owners, leasing is a simple and smart way to get work done. It helps them avoid big costs and long-term commitments.
Things That Influence the Cost of Leasing a Skid Steer
Machine Model and Size
The size and model of the skid steer affect its price the most. Bigger machines with more horsepower usually cost more each month. Smaller machines with less power tend to cost less. Wheeled skid steers often have lower costs than tracked ones. Tracked models also burn more fuel and need extra care. Picking the right type and size for your job helps keep your costs lower.
Lease Time Period
Most skid steer leases last between 12 and 48 months. Shorter leases mean higher monthly payments. Longer leases help lower the monthly cost. For example, a 12-month lease may cost between $2,000 and $2,500 per month, depending on where you are. A 36-month lease can lower the price by $700 to $1,000 each month.
Attachments and Extra Equipment
Extra tools like buckets, augers, or pallet forks can raise your lease cost. These attachments help your machine do more tasks and make it more useful.
Typical Lease Costs in 2025
Leasing a skid steer in 2025 lets you choose a payment plan based on how long you need the machine.
How lease length affects cost
Leasing typically result in low affordable monthly payments. By spreading the cost over an extended period, managing your budget becomes more feasible.
Buying a new skid steer can cost $80,000 to $100,000, based on the size and features. Leasing helps you avoid this big upfront cost while still using newer machines. Many leases also include maintenance, which saves even more money over time.
Benefits of Leasing a Skid Steer
- Lower Upfront Costs — Leasing a skid steer costs much less at the start than buying one. This lets your business avoid big spending right away. You can save that money for other things, like labor, fuel, or materials.
- Access to Newer Equipment — Leasing gives you a chance to use the newest machines and attachments. As technology improves, you can switch to newer models. This keeps your work fast and your equipment up to date.
- Easier Cash Flow Management — Lease payments are the same each month, so they’re easy to plan for. Spreading out the cost helps your budget. This makes it easier to cover other business needs without money worries.
- No Depreciation Concerns — You don’t own the machine, so you don’t lose money as it ages. You also don’t have to worry about selling it later.
- Leasing gives you a smart and flexible way to get the tools you need. It avoids the high costs and risks of owning a skid steer. It helps your business stay competitive and in control.
In a nutshell, leasing provides a cost-effective entry into skid steer ownership, offering financial flexibility, predictable expenses, and the ability to keep your equipment up to date.
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How to Choose the Right Lease Agreement
Understand Your Project and Timeframe
First, think about the kind of work your skid steer will do and how long you’ll use it. Match the lease length to your project. This way, you avoid paying for unused time or returning the machine too soon.
Beacon Funding’s Lease-to-Own Program
In the equipment financing industry, Beacon Funding shines as a beacon of opportunity for landscaping businesses. Our Lease-to-Own program is designed to get a skid steer into your operations swiftly, all while offering the advantages of eventual ownership at the end of the term.
Get a Skid Steer Into Your Operations Fast
Fast-track your landscaping operations with Beacon Funding’s skid steer solution. We prioritize swift access to equipment, enabling you to boost capabilities and tackle new projects without upfront cost delays. Benefit from low monthly payments, ensuring financial health, and own the skid steer at the end our Lease-to-Own program.
Curious about how Beacon Funding’s Lease-to-Own program can work for your landscaping business? Take the first step toward skid steer ownership by exploring if you qualify.
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