Consider this when buying or selling a used small articulated loader
The American market for (used) small articulated loaders has rapidly expanded in the past decade, with multiple brands making their entry since 2010. As of this writing (summer 2025), at least eight brands have made their entry into the miniloader market. However, the availability of used small articulating loaders remains limited. This contrasts Europe, the continent where the concept of small articulating loaders originated. As most EU loader brands like Avant and Intrepid have been around since the 1990’s, the used miniloader market in Europe is more developed. It is not uncommon to find frames up to 15 years old with thousands of operating hours on the clock.
That being said, it is not impossible to find a used small articulated loader for sale in the United States. What do we need to consider when purchasing or selling one?
Price
Pricing of new articulating loaders has significantly gone up since 2020, primarily due to inflation and tariffs. Pricing of a used loader is highly dependent on brand, hours, build year, previous use, how the loader was stored and maintained, current defects, wear and tear items, and other variables. Many of these variables determine overall condition and remaining lifespan under normal use and maintenance. It is advised to research pricing of a new loader by looking the model up on machinerytrader or simply asking forums and Facebook groups what people are being quoted. Then, compare pricing of loaders you have found with what you are offered or offering. At a minimum, you need to know or provide loader build year, hours and several clear pictures to come to a fair estimation. It is not uncommon to see loaders with thousands of hours on the clock being offered for 80% or more of what their original purchase price was. Why? List pricing has increased substantially over the years and used small articulated loaders are in high demand.
Hours
Above 1000 hours is considered ‘high’ for mini articulated loaders. As most brands have warranty covering 1000 hours/2 years (including Intrepid), one can safely assume that a loader is not under warranty above the 1000-hour mark. However, most (!) loader brands are built to last thousands of hours. At Intrepid loaders, we are mainly active in the tree care industry. This line of work is very hard on equipment. Yet, we see Intrepid loaders reaching the 4000-hour mark and staying operational. In other sectors that are less demanding, for example a tree nursery/landscape supply, you can see a small articulating loader reach 10.000 hours when well maintained.
Build year
As a rule of thumb, anything two years and older needs extra consideration when it comes to storage and use. If a loader sat outside for two years, rubber components like hoses will have become more brittle and rust will start to show. At Intrepid loaders, unused or new equipment with a build year that goes back over two years is old with demo discounts. Used equipment build year determines what one can expect when it comes to required maintenance and replacement of components. Typically, hydraulic pumps and engines will run for thousands of hours, but components like buttons, hoses, tires, filters, clamps, and fittings become more prone to failure as time passes.
Previous use
It is advised to take in consideration the type of jobsite which the loader was used in. Some industries are harder on equipment than others. When it comes to (small) articulating loaders, one industry that is demanding on equipment is the tree care industry. In tree care, loaders are often used to the maximum of their ability; lifting heavy loads in off-road conditions and impacts by branches are a frequent occurrence. When used by fertilizer plants, loaders are subject to highly corrosive environments which impact frames and electrical harnesses.
Previous maintenance
Maintenance records add value to used equipment. Poor equipment maintenance significantly reduces the lifespan of a small articulated loader. Proof of timely (hydraulic) oil changes, filter changes, greasing, and replacement of wear and tear items (like telescopic boom wear pads) provide confidence to both the buyer and seller. Sellers can ask more for a loader that has been serviced and maintained at the proper intervals. At Intrepid loaders, we encourage customers to maintain their loaders regularly, by for example explaining the filter change on video.
