What to Look for When Buying a Skidsteer Loader for Farming

Farms are busy places that demand versatile, hardworking equipment, and that’s exactly where a skidsteer loader comes in. Compact yet powerful, these machines are built to handle a variety of tasks, from moving feed and cleaning pens to digging, lifting, and transporting materials. If you’re in the market for a skidsteer loader for farming, choosing the right one can help you save time, reduce labour, and boost productivity across your operation.

But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for your operation? This guide walks you through the most important things to consider before making a purchase. Once you’re ready to buy, easily find a skidsteer loader for sale on AgriMag, South Africa’s trusted online marketplace for farming equipment.

Important Things to Consider When Buying a Skidsteer Loader for Farming

1. Match the Machine to Your Farming Needs

Before falling in love with a brand or model, take a step back and think practically. Ask yourself:

• What kind of daily tasks will the loader handle?
• Do I need something compact for tight spaces or a high-lift machine for stacking hay bales and other items?
• What will the terrain be like?

Understanding your needs will help you avoid overspending on unnecessary features, or worse, underpowering your operation.

2. Consider Size, Manoeuvrability, and Weight Capacity

If you often work in tight spots like narrow barn entrances, storage sheds, or between livestock pens, size and manoeuvrability should be top priorities when choosing a skidsteer loader for farming. A compact model can make a big difference when navigating confined areas, especially if your farm has limited space for equipment storage or restricted access routes.

That said, don’t sacrifice too much power for size. You’ll still want a loader that can handle your typical workloads efficiently.

Key things to check:

• Lift capacity: Can it safely carry feed, bales, or soil loads?
• Lift height: Will it reach your trailers, bins, or stacking areas?
• Turning radius: Essential for working efficiently in enclosed or awkward spaces

3. Engine Power Matters

Not all skidsteers are created equal when it comes to performance. Power is especially important for farm work, where machines are expected to handle multiple heavy tasks in rough conditions.

Here’s a rough guide:

• 40–50 HP: Great for general, light farm work like cleaning or moving supplies.
• 70+ HP: Ideal for tougher tasks like digging, lifting heavy pallets, or pulling attachments like augers or trenchers.

Always choose a machine with enough horsepower for your most demanding tasks, it’s better to grow into a loader than outgrow it too soon.

4. Attachment Compatibility = Versatility

One of the greatest advantages of a skidsteer loader for farming is its ability to transform based on the task at hand. With the right attachments, your skidsteer becomes a feed pusher, a manure scraper, a bale handler, or even a fencing tool.

Look for models with:

• Universal quick-attach systems for swapping attachments easily
• Hydraulic lines if you plan on using powered implements like post hole diggers or sweepers

Investing in the right attachments is like buying multiple tools in one, and it’s a huge time-saver for any busy farmer.

5. Prioritise Operator Comfort and Safety

Let’s be honest, no one wants to spend hours bouncing around on an uncomfortable seat or straining to see behind the machine. Operator comfort reduces fatigue and accidents.

Key comfort and safety features to look out for:

• Ergonomic seating and arm controls
• 360-degree visibility
• ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure)
• Enclosed, weatherproof cab for dusty or rainy days

If you or your workers spend hours in the loader, these features are non-negotiable.

6. Maintenance and Service Support

Farm life is demanding, which means your loader should be tough but also easy to maintain. The last thing you need is downtime during harvest or livestock season.

What to look for:

• Accessible service points (oil, filters, fluids)
• Good dealer or service network in your area
• Availability of spare parts

When browsing for a skidsteer loader for sale on AgriMag, always check the service or ask for a history (if it’s used) and research after-sales support.

7. New vs Used: Which Is Better for Your Farm?

A brand new loader comes with a warranty, up-to-date features, and peace of mind. However, a well-maintained used model can save you thousands and still get the job done effectively.

Tips when buying used:

• Check the hour meter
• Inspect hydraulics, tyres/tracks, and bucket
• Ask for maintenance records
• Look for visible signs of wear or leakage

AgriMag offers a wide range of both new and pre-owned loaders, making it easy to compare and find a deal that suits your budget.

Investing in the right skidsteer loader for farming is one of the smartest decisions you can make to boost productivity, cut down labour costs, and streamline day-to-day tasks. Whether you're feeding livestock, maintaining fields, or building infrastructure, a quality loader is a reliable workhorse you’ll depend on for years. Ready to take the next step? Browse a wide selection of reliable machines today and find your ideal skidsteer loader for sale on AgriMag, where South African farmers shop with confidence.