Cost to Rent a Bobcat
Renting a Bobcat skid steer loader or compact track loader is the go-to solution for landscaping, residential grading, post-hole digging, and concrete demolition projects. Renting heavy machinery provides professional earthmoving power without the massive capital investment, depreciation, and ongoing maintenance of ownership. Rental pricing depends on machine horsepower, operating weight, wheel versus track drive, specialized hydraulic attachments, and delivery logistics.
Average Bobcat Rental Rates: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly
The nationwide average cost to rent a standard wheeled Bobcat skid steer loader ranges from two hundred to three hundred fifty dollars per day, seven hundred to one thousand two hundred dollars per week, and one thousand eight hundred to three thousand dollars per month. Compact wheel loaders (like the Bobcat S70 or S450) are ideal for tight backyard gates and residential driveways.
Tracked skid steers (compact track loaders such as the Bobcat T590 or T770) command a twenty to thirty percent price premium over wheeled models. Renting a tracked Bobcat typically costs two hundred seventy-five to four hundred fifty dollars per day or one thousand to one thousand six hundred dollars per week. Tracked machines distribute weight across wide rubber treads, preventing them from sinking into soft mud, wet clay, or delicate lawn turf.
Compare estimated rental rates across popular Bobcat skid steer and track loader models:
| Machine Model / Class | Operating Capacity | Daily Rental Rate | Weekly Rental Rate | Monthly Rental Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Skid Steer (Bobcat S70 / MT100) | 700 to 1,000 lbs | $180 to $275 | $600 to $950 | $1,500 to $2,400 |
| Standard Wheeled Loader (Bobcat S570) | 1,800 to 2,200 lbs | $220 to $350 | $750 to $1,200 | $1,900 to $2,900 |
| Compact Track Loader (Bobcat T595) | 2,200 to 2,800 lbs | $280 to $450 | $950 to $1,550 | $2,400 to $3,800 |
| Heavy Heavy Track Loader (Bobcat T770) | 3,400 to 4,000 lbs | $380 to $575 | $1,300 to $1,950 | $3,200 to $4,900 |
Review standard rental price ranges based on Bobcat machine size and chassis type:
Attachment Rental Rates, Fuel surcharges, and Delivery Logistics
While a standard earthmoving tooth or smooth bucket is almost always included in the baseline machine rental rate, specialized hydraulic attachments require additional fees. Popular attachments such as hydraulic post hole augers, trenchers, hydraulic demolition breakers, and pallet forks expand machine versatility for specific jobsite tasks. Auxiliary attachment rentals typically add fifty to two hundred fifty dollars per day.
Transportation logistics represent another critical line-item expense. Because a standard Bobcat weighs between six thousand and ten thousand pounds, transporting it requires a three-quarter-ton or one-ton pickup truck equipped with an electric trailer brake controller and a heavy equipment trailer. If you lack commercial towing equipment, rental companies offer flatbed delivery and pickup, typically charging one hundred to two hundred fifty dollars round-trip within a twenty-mile radius.
Analyze line-item costs for hydraulic attachments, delivery fees, and rental insurance:
| Attachment / Service Fee | Daily Rate Range | Weekly Rate Range | Project Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Post Hole Auger | $80 to $140 | $250 to $450 | Drilling fence post footings and tree planting holes |
| Hydraulic Concrete Breaker | $150 to $250 | $500 to $850 | Demolishing driveways, patios, and foundation footings |
| Pallet Forks Attachment | $35 to $65 | $100 to $180 | Offloading sod pallets, pavers, and construction lumber |
| Round-Trip Flatbed Delivery | $100 to $250 | Lump Sum | Professional transport to and from residential or jobsite address |
Review typical rental rates for common Bobcat hydraulic attachments and auxiliary fees:
Rental Insurance, Fuel Policies, and Safe Operation
Rental yards enforce strict insurance and equipment protection mandates. Commercial contractors can provide a formal Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing the equipment rental yard as a loss payee. Homeowners without commercial liability coverage must purchase a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) directly through the rental company, which adds fourteen to twenty percent to the base rental fee, protecting against accidental equipment rollover or hydraulic line ruptures.
Understanding equipment return policies prevents unexpected surcharge penalties. Bobcat loaders are delivered with a full tank of off-road diesel fuel; returning the machine empty incurs premium refueling charges of six to nine dollars per gallon. Additionally, machines returned heavily caked in wet concrete or compacted mud may incur a pressure-washing detailing charge of seventy-five to one hundred fifty dollars.
Reviewing operating controls, rental contracts, and insurance terms guarantees a productive, hassle-free rental experience.
How to Rent a Bobcat Skid Steer in 5 Steps
Follow these practical steps to choose, rent, transport, and operate a Bobcat loader safely.
Determine Machine Size and Track Requirements
Assess gate access widths, ground softness, and load capacity to select between a mini walk-behind, wheeled, or tracked Bobcat.
Reserve Machine and Needed Attachments
Contact regional rental yards (United Rentals, Sunbelt, or local dealers) to reserve the loader, specific bucket, auger, or breaker.
Coordinate Delivery or Trailer Transport
Schedule round-trip flatbed delivery or ensure your vehicle is rated to safely tow a 7,000 to 10,000 pound machine and trailer combo.
Conduct Walkaround Inspection and Demo
Inspect hydraulic hoses, tire or track tread, fluid levels, and have the yard technician demonstrate the hand and foot control patterns.
Clean and Refuel Machine Before Return
Wash off heavy soil, top off the diesel fuel tank, and confirm return inspection sign-off to ensure your security deposit is refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does it cost to rent a Bobcat for a day?
Renting a standard Bobcat loader for a day typically costs between two hundred and three hundred fifty dollars for wheeled models, and two hundred seventy-five to four hundred fifty dollars for tracked models.
Q2: Do you need a special license to rent a Bobcat?
No commercial license is required for residential use; you only need a valid driver license, a major credit card for deposit, and approved equipment damage insurance.
Q3: Is a tracked Bobcat better than a wheeled Bobcat?
Tracked loaders provide superior traction on wet dirt, mud, and sloped terrain without tearing up sod, whereas wheeled loaders are faster on hard asphalt and concrete.
Q4: How much does delivery cost for a rented Bobcat?
Flatbed delivery and pickup service typically costs one hundred to two hundred fifty dollars round-trip, depending on distance from the rental yard.
Q5: What is a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) on equipment rentals?
An LDW is optional protection that covers physical damage or rollover accidents to the machine during your rental, typically costing 14 to 20 percent of the base rate.
Q6: What fuel do Bobcat skid steers use?
Bobcat skid steer loaders run on ultra-low sulfur diesel or off-road dyed diesel fuel; they must never be filled with standard gasoline.
Q7: How small is the smallest Bobcat loader?
The Bobcat S70 mini skid steer is only thirty-six inches wide with the bucket, allowing it to easily drive through standard backyard pedestrian gates.
Q8: How much does a hydraulic breaker attachment cost to rent?
A hydraulic concrete demolition hammer attachment typically costs one hundred fifty to two hundred fifty dollars per day to rent alongside the machine.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding cost to rent a bobcat provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.