How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bobcat? Skid Steer Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rates
Renting a Bobcat skid steer loader costs between $200 and $450 per day for a wheeled skid steer, and $300 to $550+ per day for a compact track loader (rubber tracks). Weekly rental rates range from $700 to $1,600, while monthly commercial rentals average $1,800 to $3,800. Additional costs include equipment transport delivery ($100 to $200 round trip), fuel refilling, and specialty hydraulic attachment rentals.
Bobcat Rental Rates by Machine Size and Operating Capacity
Equipment rental companies (United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, Home Depot) categorize Bobcat machines by Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) and undercarriage traction format (wheeled vs. rubber tracks).
Comparing daily, weekly, and monthly rates across Bobcat loader classes:
| Bobcat Machine Model / Class | Rated Operating Capacity (50% Tip) | Daily Rental Rate (8 Operating Hrs) | Weekly Rate (40 Operating Hrs) | Monthly Rate (160 Operating Hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat S70 (Mini Wheeled / 36" Wide) | 700 lbs ROC (Compact garden gate access) | $185 – $260 | $600 – $850 | $1,600 – $2,200 |
| Bobcat S590 / S650 (Wheeled Skid Steer) (STANDARD) | 2,100 to 2,690 lbs ROC | $225 – $350 | $750 – $1,150 | $2,000 – $2,800 |
| Bobcat MT100 (Mini Track Loader / Walk-Behind) | 1,000 lbs ROC | $210 – $310 | $700 – $950 | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Bobcat T595 / T66 (Compact Track Loader) (BEST ON MUD) | 2,200 to 2,450 lbs ROC (Rubber Tracks) | $325 – $480 | $1,050 – $1,550 | $2,800 – $3,900 |
| Bobcat T870 (Heavy High-Flow Track Loader) | 3,650 lbs ROC (100 HP Turbo Diesel) | $450 – $650 | $1,500 – $2,200 | $4,200 – $5,800 |
Wheeled Skid Steers vs. Compact Track Loaders (CTL)
Choosing between rubber tires and rubber tracks impacts job performance and rental pricing:
| Evaluation Factor | Wheeled Skid Steer (S-Series) | Compact Track Loader (T-Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Ground Surface | Hard concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel | Soft mud, loose sand, steep hills, wet clay |
| Lawn & Turf Disturbance | High (Tires tear up grass when skid-steering) | Low ground pressure (4.0 PSI; floats over turf) |
| Rental Price Difference | $50 to $100 cheaper per day | Higher price due to track undercarriage wear |
Hydraulic Attachment Rental Fees
A standard Bobcat rental includes a general-purpose smooth or toothed dirt bucket. Specialized hydraulic quick-tach attachments rent for additional daily rates:
- Hydraulic Auger / Post Hole Digger: $85 to $140/day (Includes 9", 12", or 18" bit).
- Hydraulic Breaker / Jackhammer: $175 to $275/day (For breaking concrete patios and driveways).
- Grapple Bucket / Root Grapple: $75 to $120/day (For clearing brush and storm logs).
- Pallet Forks Attachment: $35 to $60/day (For moving sod skids and lumber).
- Landscape Power Rake / Harley Rake: $150 to $225/day (For seeding bed soil prep).
How to Rent and Operate a Bobcat in 4 Steps
Rental logistics and safety protocol.
Step 1: Check Driver License, Auto Insurance, and Credit Card
Rental yards require valid government ID and a $500 to $1,000 credit card security hold.
Step 2: Choose Delivery Drop-Off or Rent a Heavy Equipment Trailer
Hauling yourself requires a 3/4-ton truck and a 10,000-lb GVWR trailer with electric brakes.
Step 3: Fasten Seatbelt and Lower Safety Interlock Bar Inside Cab
The engine and hydraulic controls will not engage until the lap bar is locked down.
Step 4: Refuel Diesel Tank to 100% Full Before Returning
Returning empty incurs hefty $8 to $12 per gallon rental yard refueling charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: Do you need a special license to rent a Bobcat?
No; homeowners and DIYers do not need a commercial license to rent and operate a Bobcat, though you must be at least 18 or 21 years old with a valid driver's license.
Q2: How much does Bobcat delivery cost?
Equipment rental companies charge between $100 and $200 round trip ($50-$100 each way) for rollback flatbed delivery within a 20-mile radius.
Q3: What is the 8-hour rule on equipment rentals?
A 24-hour daily rental contract includes a maximum of 8 engine runtime hours on the machine's digital hour meter; additional hours are billed at $25 to $40/hour.
Q4: Is it better to rent a wheeled Bobcat or a tracked Bobcat?
Rent a wheeled skid steer for hard paved driveways or gravel; rent a tracked loader for muddy soil, slopes, or when working on grass you don't want to destroy.
Q5: What fuel does a Bobcat take?
Modern Bobcat loaders use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel; never put regular gasoline in a Bobcat diesel engine.
Q6: How heavy is a Bobcat skid steer to tow?
A medium Bobcat (S590 or T595) weighs 6,500 to 8,500 pounds; when combined with a 2,500-lb equipment trailer, you need a heavy-duty 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck rated to tow 10,000+ lbs.
Q7: What is equipment loss damage waiver (LDW)?
LDW is optional insurance ($25 to $50/day) that protects the renter against accidental machine damage, rollovers, or vandalism during the rental period.
Q8: How narrow is the smallest Bobcat?
The ultra-compact Bobcat S70 is only 35.5 inches wide, allowing it to drive through standard 36-inch residential backyard privacy fence gates.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much does it cost to rent a bobcat? skid steer daily, weekly & monthly rates 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.