Short answer: new mini skid steers range from roughly $8,500 to over $50,000. Where you land depends far more on brand than on capability.
That's a wider spread than most equipment categories, and it's the reason this question gets asked so often. Two machines with similar specs can differ by $15,000 or more.
What Drives the Price
Brand and distribution model. This is the biggest single factor. Premium brands sell through dealer networks, which adds margin at every step — dealer, distributor, and manufacturer. Factory-direct brands cut that out. The machine's capability doesn't change; the path to you does.
Engine size and type. Gas engines cost less than diesel. A 23 hp gas machine is meaningfully cheaper than a 50 hp diesel, and that gap is real capability, not just price.
Lift capacity. More capacity generally means more machine — heavier frame, bigger hydraulics, more cost.
Track configuration. Wide-track versions cost more than narrow.
Attachments. Frequently forgotten in the budget, and often the larger number over the machine's life. A bucket usually comes with it; everything else is extra.
Yellow Jacket Pricing
Factory-direct, published, no dealer markup:
| Model | Engine | Price |
|---|---|---|
| YJ1000 | 25 HP Kubota D1105 diesel | Request pricing |
| YJ1100 | 25 HP Kubota D1105 diesel | Request pricing |
| YJ1200 | 25 HP Kubota D1703-M diesel, wide track | Request pricing |
| YJ2000 | 50 HP Yanmar 4TNV86CT diesel | Request pricing |
| YJ3000 | 75 HP Kubota V2607 diesel | Request pricing |
What Other Brands Cost
Premium manufacturers generally don't publish MSRP, so real pricing comes from dealer listings.
Boxer publishes list pricing, which makes it the easiest comparison. Recent list prices have run roughly $21,700 for the 322D (464 lb capacity), $27,400 for the 600HD, and $33,600 for the 700HDX.
Bobcat MT100 units have listed on MachineryTrader across a broad range depending on condition and configuration, with new units well above the low end of that range.
Toro Dingo, Ditch Witch, and Vermeer are in similar territory to Bobcat — dealer-quoted, and varying meaningfully by region.
Competitor pricing sourced from published list prices and dealer listings; verify current figures before relying on them.
Don't Forget These Costs
Attachments. Budget for them from the start. Forks, an auger, a grapple, or a breaker each add meaningfully, and most owners spend more on attachments over the machine's life than on the machine.
Trailer and tow vehicle. If you don't have them, that's a real cost. Check the machine's operating weight plus attachments against your vehicle's tow rating.
Financing. Interest over the term.
Fuel, filters, and tracks. Tracks are the dominant recurring cost on any tracked machine.
Insurance. Both equipment coverage and, for businesses, liability implications of operating it.
Used vs. New
Used mini skid steers exist but the market is thinner than for full-size equipment. What you'll find:
- Well-maintained used premium-brand machines often price close to new value-brand machines
- Hours matter, but maintenance history matters more
- Undercarriage condition is the expensive thing to check — tracks, rollers, and sprockets
- No warranty, and repair costs on a proprietary-parts machine can be significant
At the bottom of the market, a new machine with a warranty frequently competes directly with a used name-brand machine at the same price. That's a real decision worth running honestly.
Is Buying Worth It vs. Renting?
Rentals carry a day rate plus attachment charges, and the rate varies by market.
The rough math: divide the purchase price by your local daily rental rate to find your break-even day count. Factor in that you also stop paying for trailer rental, fuel to go pick it up, and Saturdays spent working against a return deadline.
FAQ
What's the cheapest new mini skid steer?
Entry-level gas models start around $8,500. Below that you're generally looking at used equipment or machines too small for real work.
Why are Bobcat and Toro more expensive?
Dealer networks, brand premium, and stronger resale value. Those are real things some buyers want. Whether they're worth the difference depends on how you operate.
Do prices include attachments?
Usually a bucket. Everything else is separate — budget accordingly.
Is financing available?
Yes, from most manufacturers and through equipment lenders. See financing options →
How much do attachments cost?
Widely variable — a bucket or forks are modest, while a mulching head or breaker can approach the cost of a small machine.
Does price predict quality?
Not reliably. It predicts brand position and dealer network. Look at engine platform, hydraulic specs, and parts availability rather than price alone.