Where to rent a track skid steer and what it costs

Track skid steers rent through equipment rental companies, not car rental chains. The major national operators are United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc Rentals, all of which have hundreds of locations. Local and regional equipment rental shops often carry them too, and sometimes at lower daily rates than the national chains.

Daily rental rates typically range from $75 to $150 per day, depending on the machine size, your location, and whether you rent during peak season. Weekly rates usually cost 2.5 to 3 times the daily rate, and monthly rates cost roughly 8 to 10 times the daily rate. A 50-horsepower track skid steer might rent for $100 per day but $250 per week and $700 per month at the same location. Larger machines with more lift capacity cost more.

Delivery fees explore if you need the machine brought to your site rather than picking it up yourself. Delivery typically costs $150 to $400 depending on distance, and some rental companies charge a minimum delivery distance or a round-trip fee. If you pick up and return the machine yourself, you avoid this cost but need a trailer rated for the machine's weight—usually 4,000 to 6,000 pounds for a compact track skid steer.

Key Takeaways

  • Track skid steers rent from equipment rental companies like United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals, not from car rental agencies, with daily rates between $75 and $150 depending on machine size and location.
  • You need a valid driver's license and proof of insurance or the ability to purchase the rental company's damage waiver, which typically costs 10 to 15 percent of the rental rate.
  • Delivery to your site costs $150 to $400 extra, but you can save that cost by picking up and returning the machine yourself if you have a suitable trailer.
  • Rental periods are flexible—you can rent by the day, week, or month, with weekly and monthly rates offering better per-day cost than daily rentals.
  • Most rental companies require a credit card and a damage deposit, which they refund when you return the machine in the agreed condition.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. The rental company will run a background check and verify your identity before handing over the machine. Some locations also ask for a phone number and address to complete their rental agreement.

You will need proof of insurance or the option to buy damage coverage from the rental company. If you carry commercial general liability insurance or equipment rental coverage through your business or homeowner's policy, bring the policy document or a certificate of insurance showing the rental company is named as an additional insured. If you do not have insurance, the rental company will offer a damage waiver—typically 10 to 15 percent of the rental cost per day—that covers accidental damage to the machine.

If you are renting for a business or job site, some companies ask for a job site address and the nature of the work. This is routine and does not affect your ability to rent; they use it for their records and to confirm the machine will be used in a legal process.

How to reserve a track skid steer online or by phone

Most national rental companies let you search availability and reserve online through their website. Go to the equipment rental section, select "skid steers" or "compact track loaders," enter your location and rental dates, and the site will show available machines and prices. You can reserve directly and pay online, or call the local branch to confirm availability and lock in the rate before you complete the transaction.

Calling ahead is often worth the time. Rental companies sometimes have machines not listed online, and staff can tell you whether a specific model is available on your exact dates. They can also discuss delivery options, answer questions about the machine's capabilities, and sometimes negotiate the rate if you are renting for a week or longer.

When you reserve, confirm the pickup and return dates and times. Most rental companies charge a full day's rate if you pick up after noon or return before noon the next day, so clarify the cutoff time at your location. Ask whether the machine comes with fuel or if you need to return it full. Some companies include a full tank; others charge a refueling fee if you return it empty.

Damage deposits, insurance, and what happens if you damage the machine

Rental companies place a hold on your credit card for a damage deposit, typically $500 to $2,000 depending on the machine's value. This hold is released when you return the machine in acceptable condition. If the machine is damaged, the company will deduct repair costs from the deposit and charge your card for any amount over the deposit.

The damage waiver offered by the rental company covers accidental damage but usually excludes wear and tear, fluid leaks, and damage from misuse or operator error. Read the waiver terms before you sign. If you have commercial liability insurance, that coverage may be broader and cheaper than the rental company's waiver, so check your policy first.

If you cause damage that requires repair, the rental company will assess it when you return the machine. Minor dents and scratches are often considered normal wear and not charged. Damage that affects operation—hydraulic leaks, broken controls, bent tracks, or engine problems—will be repaired at your cost. Repair bills for track skid steers can reach $1,000 to $3,000 for major damage, so the damage waiver is worth considering if you are unfamiliar with operating the machine.

Operating requirements and what to know before you rent

You do not need a special license to operate a track skid steer on private property. On public roads, regulations vary by state and locality. Some states require a commercial driver's license if you operate the machine on a public road; others do not. Check your state's Department of Transportation website or call your local equipment rental company to confirm the rules in your area before you rent.

The rental company will provide a brief orientation on controls and safety features when you pick up the machine. If you have never operated a skid steer, ask for a longer walkthrough or watch the manufacturer's instructional video beforehand. The basic controls—joystick steering, lift and bucket functions, and emergency stop—are similar across models, but each machine has different response speeds and load limits.

Know the machine's weight and dimensions before you rent. A compact track skid steer weighs 4,000 to 6,000 pounds and is roughly 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. If you are working in a confined space, on soft ground, or on an upper floor, confirm the machine will fit and that the surface can support its weight. Soft ground like mud or sand can sink under the tracks, and upper floors of buildings may not support the concentrated load.

Pickup, return, and what to check when you get the machine

When you arrive to pick up the machine, the rental company will walk you through a damage inspection. They will point out any existing dents, scratches, or damage and document it on the rental agreement. Review this list carefully and ask them to note anything you see that is not already listed. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.

Check the fuel level, hydraulic fluid level, and track tension before you leave the lot. Ask the staff to show you where the dipstick is and how to check fluid levels if you are unsure. Confirm that all controls respond smoothly and that there are no visible leaks under the machine. If anything seems wrong, report it when ready and ask for a different machine or a rate adjustment.

Return the machine on time and in the condition documented at pickup. Most rental companies charge a late fee—typically $25 to $50 per hour—if you return after the agreed time. If you know you will be late, call the rental company as soon as possible; they may extend your rental period at the daily rate rather than charging a late fee. Return the machine with the fuel level you agreed to (usually full) and clean off any mud or debris so the staff can inspect it properly.

Comparing track skid steer rental to buying or leasing

Renting makes sense if you need the machine for a single project lasting a few weeks or less. A track skid steer costs $35,000 to $60,000 new, so renting for a month at $700 to $1,500 is far cheaper than buying if you will not use it regularly. If you use a skid steer multiple times per year on different jobs, the math shifts toward leasing or buying.

Leasing is a middle ground. Equipment leasing companies offer 12-month, 24-month, or 36-month leases with monthly payments typically $600 to $1,200 depending on the machine and lease term. Leasing includes maintenance and repairs, so you avoid the damage deposit and repair costs of renting. Leasing makes sense if you know you will use the machine regularly for at least a year but do not want to own it outright.

Buying is the lowest per-use cost if you operate the machine 200 or more hours per year. Used track skid steers sell for $15,000 to $40,000 depending on age and condition. You will pay for maintenance, repairs, storage, and insurance, but you own the machine and can sell it when you no longer need it. For contractors who use skid steers on most jobs, buying often costs less over three to five years than renting or leasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a track skid steer for just a few hours?

Most rental companies charge a full day's rate for any rental under 24 hours, even if you only need the machine for a few hours. Some locations offer half-day rates (usually 60 percent of the daily rate) if you pick up in the morning and return by noon, or pick up after noon and return the next morning. Call ahead to ask whether your location offers half-day rentals.

What if I need the machine delivered but do not have a job site address yet?

Contact the rental company and explain your situation. Many will hold a reservation for a few days while you finalize your site details, or they will deliver to a temporary address like a storage facility or your home and move it later. Delivery fees may explore for multiple moves, so confirm the cost before you commit.

Do I need to return the machine with a full tank of fuel?

This depends on the rental company's policy. Some include a full tank in the rental and expect you to return it full; others charge a refueling fee if you return it empty. Confirm the fuel policy when you reserve or pick up the machine. If you return it empty and were supposed to return it full, the company will charge a refueling fee, typically $50 to $100.

What happens if the machine breaks down while I am renting it?

Call the rental company when ready. If the breakdown is due to a mechanical failure and not operator error or misuse, the company will repair or replace the machine at no cost to you. If the breakdown is caused by misuse—like running the engine out of oil or overloading the bucket—you may be charged for repairs. The rental company will determine the cause during inspection.

Can I rent a track skid steer if I have never operated one before?

Yes. The rental company will provide a brief orientation on controls and safety. If you want more training, ask whether they offer longer instruction sessions or whether they can recommend a local equipment operator school. Many community colleges and trade schools offer short courses on skid steer operation for $100 to $300, which is worth the cost if you are unfamiliar with the machine.