Cost of Ownership Calculator

Know the true cost before you buy

The purchase price is just the beginning. Real cost includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. Wheeled skid steers cost ~$15-25/hour to operate. CTLs cost ~$25-45/hour.

Cost Breakdown: Wheeled Skid Steer

Mid-Size Skid Steer (500 hrs/year)

Depreciation $6.00-$10.00/hr
Fuel (~2.5 gal/hr) $4.00-$5.50/hr
Maintenance/Repairs $3.00-$5.00/hr
Insurance $1.50-$3.00/hr
Tire Replacement $1.00-$1.50/hr
Total Operating Cost $15.50-$25.00/hr

Cost Breakdown: CTL

Mid-Size CTL (500 hrs/year)

Depreciation $8.00-$14.00/hr
Fuel (~3.0 gal/hr) $5.00-$7.00/hr
Maintenance/Repairs $4.00-$7.00/hr
Insurance $2.00-$4.00/hr
Track Replacement $4.00-$6.00/hr
Undercarriage Service $2.00-$4.00/hr
Total Operating Cost $25.00-$42.00/hr

Annual Cost Example

Bobcat S650 (500 hours/year)

Fixed Costs

  • Insurance: $1,800/yr
  • Storage: $600/yr
  • Registration: $100/yr
  • Subtotal: $2,500/yr

Variable Costs (500 hrs)

  • Fuel: $2,500/yr
  • Maintenance: $2,000/yr
  • Tires: $500/yr
  • Subtotal: $5,000/yr
Total Annual Cost (excl. depreciation) $7,500/year
+ Depreciation (~$5,000/yr) $12,500/year total

Buy vs Rent Analysis

Break-even point for ownership vs rental:

Rental Costs

  • Daily: $350-$450
  • Weekly: $1,500-$2,500
  • Monthly: $4,000-$6,000

Break-Even Point

If you need equipment more than 60-80 days per year, ownership typically makes financial sense.

Ways to Reduce Costs

Maximize Value

  • • Buy 2-3 year old used (past steepest depreciation)
  • • Perform basic maintenance yourself
  • • Buy attachments used
  • • Shop fuel prices

Avoid Costly Mistakes

  • • Get pre-purchase inspection
  • • Verify hour meter accuracy
  • • Don't skip preventive maintenance
  • • Buy from reputable sources

Calculate Your Costs

Use our tool to estimate your specific ownership costs.

Use Cost Calculator