There are other name brands to skid steer trencher consider as well including: Gehl skid loader, John Deere skid machine or a Bobcat skid loader (the original is always the best to some people, no matter what kind, the same thinking applies. Start your search for your used skid steer by going directly to the source- the dealers that sell these name brands. Many of them will have some used models to offer after local trade-ins. In addition, they might know how to get hold of the used model that you want through the dealer network.
Rental sites may have a number of used skid machines that they are willing to sell as they move new models into their rental rotation. However, keep in mind that just like rental cars, these may have been abused by the people who have rented them in the past. Thoroughly check the machine over before you purchase so that you are not buying something that is just inches away from gasping its very last breath.
Auctions will typically allow each of the potential bidders to walk around and check out the offerings, however this is not always the case. If you are buying a piece of heavy machinery at an auction, make sure that you know what you are getting before you do so. In addition, be very wary of buying anything at an auction if you have not had a chance to look it over. Repossessed machinery has sometimes been purposely sabotaged by the owners out of spite, so be careful. These are likely to be the auctions that are hands off, so proceed with caution.
You can bid on heavy machinery on sites like eBay; however, you should understand that you are putting a lot of money into something that you have never even seen. Will you have it delivered or will you go and pick it up? If you do decide to try this route, make sure that you are considering the actual cost of getting the machine to your lot as well as the purchase price to see if it is really worth it or not.
A used skid machine can fulfill many needs and can last a long time especially if it has been well maintained during its lifetime. Whether you have a new or used machine, always do a walk around before you start work for the day and when you are ready to put it away for the night so that you can catch potential problems before they become too serious