How Much to Rent a Bobcat for a Day?
Renting a genuine Bobcat skid steer loader or compact track loader for a single day typically costs between $200 and $450 from equipment rental yards like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, or local Bobcat dealerships, with the national average sitting around $285 per day. Smaller wheeled skid steer loaders (such as the Bobcat S70 or S450) rent for $190 to $275 per day, while larger, high-horsepower compact track loaders (such as the Bobcat T66 or T76 with rubber tracks) range from $325 to $495 per day. Renters must also budget for flatbed drop-off and pickup delivery ($100 to $200), equipment damage waivers ($25 to $50/day), fuel refills, and specialized hydraulic attachments.
Bobcat Rental Rates by Machine Type and Size Tier
Equipment rental companies categorize Bobcat machinery across two primary drive configurations: wheeled skid steer loaders and compact track loaders (CTLs). Wheeled skid steers feature four pneumatic or solid tires and excel at rapid maneuvering across hard concrete, asphalt, and compacted dirt surfaces. Compact sub-frame models with 700 to 1,300-pound rated operating capacities rent for $180 to $260 daily, making them ideal for residential gate clearances, backyard sod removal, and driveway gravel spreading.
For muddy terrain, steep grades, wet clay, or delicate residential lawns where wheel rutting must be avoided, rubber-tracked compact track loaders provide superior traction and ground flotation. Mid-frame and large-frame track loaders (2,000 to 3,500-pound operating capacities) rent for $320 to $480 per day. Commercial rental contracts include a standard 8-hour engine meter run allowance per 24-hour day; running the machine beyond 8 engine hours incurs overtime surcharges of $30 to $55 per additional meter hour.
The table below compares daily, weekend, and weekly rental rates across popular Bobcat models and operating weight classes.
| Bobcat Model & Chassis | Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) | Daily Rental Rate (8-Hr Meter) | Weekend Package Rate | Weekly Rental Rate (40-Hr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat S70 Mini Wheeled | 700 Lbs ROC (23.5 HP) | $180 to $240 / day | $270 to $360 | $650 to $850 |
| Bobcat S450 / S590 Wheeled | 1,370 - 2,100 Lbs (49-68 HP) | $210 to $310 / day | $320 to $460 | $750 to $1,050 |
| Bobcat S76 Heavy Wheeled | 2,900 Lbs ROC (74 HP) | $260 to $375 / day | $390 to $550 | $900 to $1,250 |
| Bobcat T450 Compact Track | 1,400 Lbs ROC (55 HP) | $280 to $380 / day | $420 to $570 | $950 to $1,350 |
| Bobcat T66 / T76 Heavy Track | 2,450 - 2,900 Lbs (74 HP) | $340 to $495 / day | $510 to $740 | $1,150 to $1,650 |
| Bobcat MT100 Mini Track (Walk-Behind) | 1,000 Lbs ROC (24.8 HP) | $190 to $275 / day | $285 to $410 | $700 to $950 |
Renting for a full 7-day week costs only 3 to 3.5 times the single-day rate, making weekly rentals far more economical for extended grading or landscaping projects.
Turnkey Rental Expenses: Attachments, Delivery, and Damage Waivers
Every standard Bobcat rental includes a standard general-purpose smooth or toothed dirt bucket. However, if your project requires specialized demolition or trenching, auxiliary hydraulic attachments carry separate daily rental fees. A hydraulic post-hole auger drive with drill bits costs $80 to $150 per day, a hydraulic breaker hammer for concrete demolition costs $175 to $300 daily, and pallet forks cost $35 to $60 per day.
Logistical transportation represents a notable expense. Because a standard Bobcat weighs between 6,000 and 10,500 pounds, hauling one requires a heavy-duty three-quarter-ton truck and an equipment trailer equipped with electric brakes. Most homeowners pay the rental yard's flatbed delivery service, which adds a roundtrip fee of $125 to $250. Furthermore, rental yards require proof of commercial liability insurance or charge an optional Rental Loss Damage Waiver ($25 to $50/day) covering equipment theft or accidental roll-overs with a $500 to $1,000 deductible.
The breakdown below outlines an itemized invoice for a 1-day rental of a Bobcat T450 compact track loader with delivery and insurance.
| Rental Invoice Component | Low-End Equipment Yard | National Chain Yard | Description & Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat T450 Track Loader (1 Day / 8 Hrs) | $280.00 | $365.00 | Includes 68-inch general dirt bucket |
| Equipment Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) | $28.00 | $45.00 | Limits renter liability for accidental damage |
| Roundtrip Tilt-Bed Delivery & Pickup | $120.00 | $195.00 | Transport within a 20-mile local radius |
| Environmental & Refueling Surcharge | $15.00 | $28.00 | Mandatory equipment wash and disposal fee |
| State Equipment Rental Sales Tax (7%) | $31.01 | $44.31 | Mandatory state and municipal equipment tax |
| Refundable Security Deposit (Hold) | $500.00 (Refunded) | $1,000.00 (Refunded) | Held on major credit card until return |
| Total Net Out-of-Pocket Expense | $474.01 | $677.31 | Turnkey single-day heavy earthmoving capacity |
Always return the machine with a full tank of off-road diesel; rental yards bill $7.00 to $10.00 per gallon if their staff must refuel the machine.
How to Rent and Operate a Bobcat in 4 Steps
Follow these steps to choose the right machine size, schedule delivery, and operate controls safely.
Calculate Gateway Clearances and Weight Limits
Measure backyard gate widths: compact mini-skid steers (36"-44" wide) fit through standard pedestrian gates; full-size machines require 72" clearance.
Call 811 Before Digging and Arrange Delivery
Dial 811 free national utility locator service at least 72 hours before digging to mark buried gas, electrical, and water lines before machine arrival.
Familiarize Yourself with ISO vs. H-Pattern Controls
Have the delivery driver demonstrate the joystick control pattern (ISO joystick drive vs. traditional foot-pedal boom controls) before signing delivery slips.
Wash Mud from Tracks and Top Off Diesel Before Return
Pressure-wash packed mud from undercarriage tracks and fill the fuel tank with clean diesel to avoid expensive dealer cleaning and refueling penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does it cost to rent a Bobcat for 4 hours?
A 4-hour half-day rental costs between $140 and $220; however, not all rental yards offer half-day rates, and delivery fees remain the same as full-day rentals.
Q2: Do you need a special license to rent and drive a Bobcat?
No special operator license or commercial driver license (CDL) is required for personal property use; you only need a valid driver's license and a major credit card.
Q3: What is the difference between a Bobcat skid steer and a track loader?
A skid steer runs on four rubber tires and works best on asphalt and hard ground; a track loader runs on rubber tracks, offering superior traction in wet mud and on slopes.
Q4: How many hours can you run a rented Bobcat in one day?
Standard 24-hour daily contracts include up to 8 running engine meter hours; operating beyond 8 hours incurs additional hourly fees of $30 to $50 per hour.
Q5: Can I pick up a Bobcat myself with my own truck?
Yes, if you have a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup truck and a dual-axle trailer rated for 10,000+ pounds with working electric brakes and heavy-duty transport chains.
Q6: What fuel does a Bobcat use?
Bobcat machinery runs exclusively on ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) or off-road red-dyed agricultural diesel; never put regular gasoline in a Bobcat.
Q7: Does a Bobcat damage lawn grass?
Wheeled skid steers tear up turf when making sharp skid turns; track loaders disperse weight over broad rubber tracks, minimizing lawn damage if turns are made gradually.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much to rent a bobcat for a day? 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.