Did you know that while your mini skid steer is just sitting in the garage eight months of the year, contractors in your area are charging $100-$150 per hour for the same work your machine could handle? It’s starting to sound like a missed opportunity, doesn’t it?
Most skid steer owners never realize their equipment could generate $20,000-$40,000 annually in part-time income.
The difference between owners who make money and those who just spend it comes down to understanding which services are actually profitable and how to make money with a skid steer without competing against established contractors who underbid every job.
Why Starting a Skid Steer Business Makes Financial Sense
The numbers don't lie - there's some serious money to be made in compact equipment services.
According to industry wage data, self-employed skid steer operators average $48,683 annually, while hourly rates for skid steer services range from $50-$150 depending on the application and location.
The key is targeting the right markets where your compact equipment provides advantages over larger machines that can't access tight spaces.
Factors that drive market demand:
- 77% of construction contractors rented heavy equipment in 2021, showing the strong demand for equipment services
- Small residential projects often can't justify hiring large contractors with full-size equipment
- DIY property owners need access to heavy equipment occasionally, without having to endure long-term ownership costs
Five Profitable Ways to Make Money with Your Skid Steer
1. Snow Removal Services ($75-$125 per hour)
How much money can you make with a skid steer doing snow removal? Some reports show that you can make $75-$125 per hour for snow removal from residential driveways and commercial parking lots, earning $15,000-$25,000 in just a few months during snowy seasons.
Small skid steers can access residential driveways that large plow trucks can't navigate, while also being a great fit for commercial properties that need precision work around parked cars and landscaping features.
Equipment required:
- Snow pusher attachment ($800-$1,500)
- Hydraulic salt spreader ($1,200-$2,500) for premium services
- Reliable skid steer with cab enclosure for comfortable operation
Profit potential: Operators report having non-stop work for a week straight during a 30-inch snowfall, showing the income potential during weather events.
2. Landscaping and Land Clearing ($50-$100 per hour)
Landscaping services come with a year-round income potential, especially if you have some skid steer attachments designed for maintaining residential and commercial properties.
How you can make money Landscaping with a Skid Steer Loader:
- Tree and stump removal using grapple attachments
- Brush cutting and vegetation management on larger properties
- Soil preparation and grading for landscaping projects
- Material distribution, including mulch, gravel, and topsoil
Equipment required:
- Brush cutter ($2,000-$4,000) for managing vegetation
- Grapple attachment ($1,500-$3,000) for material handling
- Various bucket sizes for grading and material movement
Profit potential: Residential landscaping projects typically bill $50-$75 per hour, while commercial land clearing can earn you $75-$100 per hour, depending on the difficulty and location.
3. Construction Site Services ($75-$150 per hour)
Can you make money with a skid steer on construction sites? Absolutely - small contractors need compact equipment for site preparation, material handling, and cleanup work that full-size equipment can't handle efficiently.
How you can make money:
- Foundation and utility trenching in confined residential lots
- Material handling and placement in tight construction areas
- Site cleanup and debris removal after construction phases
- Grading and backfill work around existing structures
Equipment required:
- Trenching buckets for foundation work
- Material handling attachments for construction supplies
- Demolition tools for renovation and cleanup projects
Profit potential: Construction work typically pays $75-$150 per hour, depending on the complexity, with experienced operators handling multiple small jobs daily for maximum income.
4. Renting Equipment to Other Contractors ($50 per hour passive income)
It is safe to say that this is the simplest skid steer business model, and it involves renting your skid steer to landscaping companies and small contractors who need a skid steer occasionally without the ownership costs.
Things to consider:
- Lower income per hour, but no labor costs
- The maintenance and insurance costs remain your responsibility
- Higher income potential during peak seasons, like during winter for snow removal
- The risk of equipment damage by renters should be considered, so it requires comprehensive insurance
Profit potential: At 2,000 hours annually, which is the industry average for rental equipment, passive rental income could reach $100,000 before expenses. One TractorByNet Forum member mentions that he rents his skid steer and dump trailer to a landscaping company for $50/hour while the company charges customers $100/hour, generating passive income without operating the equipment personally.
5. Specialty Services and Niche Markets ($100-$200 per hour)
Specialized applications command premium rates because few operators offer these services with proper equipment and expertise.
How you can make money:
- Pool excavation and backyard access where large excavators can't fit
- Indoor demolition work and material removal through tight doorways
- Agricultural services, including manure management and feed distribution
- Emergency services, including storm cleanup and debris removal
Profit potential: Specialty work requiring specific attachments and expertise typically runs around $100-$200 per hour due to the limited competition and the high skill requirements.
How to Start Your Skid Steer Business
1. Legal and Insurance Requirements
Form your business as an LLC or corporation for Section 179 tax benefits, allowing immediate write-offs of up to $500,000 in equipment purchases. Also, remember that Business licensing varies by state for construction work
Essential coverage to get:
- General liability insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually)
- Commercial auto insurance for equipment transportation
2. Marketing and Customer Acquisition
A professional website with local SEO costs $2,000-$5,000 but will generate consistent leads. Answer every sales call - missed opportunities kill new businesses faster than any other factor.
Effective strategies:
- Facebook business page showcasing completed projects
- Direct networking with contractors and property managers
- Vehicle signage and professional appearance
Get Affordable Skid Steers from AHM Corp
AHM SS-38 Mini Skid Steer - $7,199.99
The SS-38 Mini skid steer delivers everything needed to launch a profitable skid steer business without the markup of a premium brand.
Built for versatility and reliability, this machine handles the diverse applications that make skid steer services profitable. The compact 45.3-inch width fits through residential gates, while the 827 lb lifting capacity handles typical construction and landscaping materials efficiently.
Specifications:
- 23 HP Briggs & Stratton engine provides reliable power using parts available everywhere
- 7-hour runtime per tank keeps operating costs low during profitable work sessions
- Universal attachment system works with all standard attachments for maximum versatility
- 1,733 lb operating weight provides stability without exceeding trailer weight limits
What makes it a great tool to make money with:
- Tool-free maintenance access minimizes downtime
- Enhanced hydraulics that support high-flow attachments
- Compact design to access residential and commercial sites that larger equipment can't reach
- Local parts availability reduces service costs compared to other dealer-dependent competitors
Final Thoughts
A profitable skid steer business isn't about owning the fanciest equipment - it's about matching the machine’s capabilities to market opportunities while controlling costs that eat into profits.
Snow removal, landscaping, construction services, equipment rental, and specialty work all offer realistic income potential for operators who understand their local markets.
Ultimately, how to make money with a skid steer comes down to choosing the correct equipment, proper business setup, and delivering a consistently great service that builds customer relationships, which are essential for long-term profitability.
To ensure longevity in your business, consider these ten skid steer attachments that break most often and how to replace them.
