Let’s be real—skid steers are not cheap as we think. But here’s the awesome news about them, that they’re not just a cost, they’re an life time opportunity. If you’re wondering how to make money with a skid steer, you’re about to unlock a great opportunity based on the crazy ideas.
Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned partner looking to boost income, your skid steer has the potential to generate multiple grands of dollars per month. In this guide, we’ll try to explore real, profitable ways to make money with a skid steer and turn your equipment into a cash-flowing asset.
💡 Learn How to Make Money with a Skid Steer?
Owning a skid steer opens the door to many income opportunities. These compact machines are one of its type, easy to maneuver, and incredibly efficient. Whether you’re working weekends or planning to go full-time, knowing how to make money with a skid steer gives you flexibility, freedom, and financial potential.
Here’s why it’s worth exploring:
- High demand for skid steer services in metro and rural areas
- Low overhead if you already owning a machine
- Ability to scale up with more attachments or crew. Network is your networth.
👉 Want to know what attachments make you the most money? Check out this Skid Steer Attachment Guide by Bobcat for top options.
💰 9 Real Ways to Make Money with a Skid Steer
If you’re serious about exploring how to make money with a skid steer, these 9 services are where you start:
1. 🪵 Land Clearing & Brush Removal
This is one of the most demanding services in real estate. Property owners and developers may constantly need brush, trees, and debris cleared from lots and driveways.
💡 Tip: Invest in a brush cutter or grapple bucket to increase job speed—and your profits.
2. 🪨 Gravel Driveway Repair
Gravel driveway maintenance is a recurring need for the residential communities and metro cities. After heavy rain or winter damage, people want potholes fixed and surfaces leveled.
✅ Pro Tip: Bundle grading and gravel spreading for a $500–$1,000 job that takes less than a day.
3. ❄️ Snow Removal
If you’re in a snowy region, snow removal is one of the best ways to make money with a skid steer during the off-season. Developed cities which are full of snow need this service on regular basis during winter season.
You can charge per push or offer seasonal contracts to local businesses, HOAs, or private road owners.
4. 🏗️ Construction Site Cleanup
Builders and contractors need help clearing debris, moving dirt, and prepping job sites for construction. Skid steers are perfect for small-to-mid-sized construction zones and very helpful through out the project.
Reach out to local builders and offer day-rate services.
5. 🌿 Landscaping & Lawn Prep
Landscapers often rent skid steers or hire operators for specific jobs like grading, leveling, or spreading soil. This is most common services which one can provide at mountain ranges.
Position yourself as a local helper for landscapers and small garden projects. This is a steady source of income and great networking opportunity.
6. 🧱 Light Demolition
Demolition of sheds, barns, small homes, and mobile units is another niche. With the right attachment, your skid steer becomes a demo powerhouse.
People will pay well to get an old structure off their property.
7. 🚧 Material Handling
Need an easier job? Work with local contractors, nurseries, or farms to move soil, feed, hay bales, or materials around their property.
This is one of the simplest ways to make money with a skid steer and doesn’t require heavy attachments.
8. 🔩 Fence & Post Hole Digging
With a post-hole auger attachment, you can offer professional fencing services for residential and rural areas.
You can easily charge per hole or per project—especially valuable for new builds and farmland.
9. 💼 Rent Out Your Skid Steer
Want a more passive way to make money with a skid steer? Rent it out to homeowners or contractors in need of short-term help.
✔️ You can charge $150 to $300/day, or even more with certain attachments.
👉 Bonus: Offer yourself as the operator too—many people are willing to pay more for “equipment + skilled labor.”
🔧 What Attachments Do You Really Need?
If you’re just starting, you don’t need to own everything. Focus on these essentials:
- Standard Bucket
- Grapple Bucket
- Post Hole Auger
- Snow Plow or Snow Blower
- Grading Blade or Land Leveler
You can expand your toolkit as you grow and earn.
📣 How to Find Clients When You’re Just Starting
It’s not just about knowing how to make money with a skid steer—you also need to find your first few customers.
Here are some free, fast ways to market your services:
- 📱 Post before/after pics on Facebook Marketplace
- 💬 Join local Facebook groups and post services weekly
- 🛠️ List your business on Google Maps (Google My Business)
- 🤝 Partner with real estate agents, small builders, and landscapers
- 🧾 Offer referral discounts to happy customers
💵 How Much Money Can You Make with a Skid Steer?
Let’s break down the average earnings potential based on real-world services:
| Service | Avg Rate |
|---|---|
| Land Clearing | $80–$125/hr |
| Snow Removal | $150–$250/hr |
| Grading/Driveway | $300–$800/job |
| Post Hole Digging | $20–$50/hole |
| Equipment Rental | $150–$300/day |
If you work part-time, you could bring in $2,500–$5,000/month. Full-time operators can earn $7,000–$12,000+ per month, depending on area and services.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Your Skid Steer Is a Business in Disguise
Learning how to make money with a skid steer is the first step toward turning a piece of equipment into a real business.
You don’t need employees, a fancy logo, or a huge shop. You just need your skid steer, a few reliable attachments, and the drive to help people solve problems.
So, are you ready to put that machine to work? Because your next paycheck might just be one project away.
📌 Bonus Tip:
Want to grow your business even faster? Start documenting your work on social media. A few photos, videos, and testimonials go a long way. Please check our article IUL vs 401k .
Nandu is a passionate finance enthusiast who loves exploring the world of finance. With a keen eye for trends and insights, Nandu shares expert advice and financial content to help others understand the complexities of money management, investing, and economic growth.