Affordable Skid Steer Attachments: Navigating the Ritchie Brothers Auction Bargains

[MikePhua]

Finding Value in the Skid Steer Attachment Market
Ritchie Brothers auctions are well-known for offering a vast selection of construction equipment, including skid steer attachments that range from brand new to well-used, and often at prices significantly lower than retail. For contractors, farmers, and hobbyists looking to expand their skid steer’s capabilities without breaking the bank, these auctions represent a treasure trove of opportunity.
However, the phrase “cheap” can be a double-edged sword. While the price tags at Ritchie Brothers might be tempting, buyers need to carefully evaluate condition, compatibility, and suitability. Many attachments have seen years of hard service, while others might lack critical parts or require costly repairs.
Popular Attachments That Often Appear
Among the most frequently auctioned skid steer attachments are:

• Buckets: From general-purpose to heavy-duty rock buckets, these remain the bread and butter of skid steer work. Used buckets often show signs of wear, such as bent cutting edges or worn teeth, but they can often be refurbished with minimal effort.
  
• Pallet Forks: Essential for farm and warehouse operations, pallet forks at auction may vary greatly in condition and load rating. It’s crucial to verify their capacity matches your skid steer model.
  
• Augers: Soil augers, including heavy-duty and tree-planting versions, appear regularly. Buyers should inspect auger teeth and drive systems to avoid unexpected expenses.
  
• Brush Cutters and Mowers: These attachments can greatly increase the utility of a skid steer but require inspection of blade condition and hydraulic connections.
  
• Grapples: Root grapples, demolition grapples, and scrap grapples can often be found at bargain prices, but wear to pivot pins and cylinders is common.
  

Assessing Condition and Compatibility
One common theme among auction buyers is the need for a hands-on inspection or a detailed condition report before bidding. Some attachments come with missing parts like hoses, pins, or hydraulic couplers, which may not be immediately obvious from photos.
Compatibility is another critical point. Not all attachments fit every skid steer model. Universal quick couplers can help, but verifying hydraulic flow rates, pressure ratings, and electrical hookups (for powered attachments) is essential. The risk of buying a cheap attachment that sits unused due to incompatibility is a real concern.
Stories from the Field
A rural contractor from Nebraska once recounted his experience buying a brush cutter at a Ritchie Brothers auction. Priced 30% below retail, the cutter looked solid but arrived with worn blades and a hydraulic leak. After repairs, it became his go-to tool for clearing fence lines and right-of-ways, saving him thousands over renting.
Conversely, a small landscaping business owner in Florida purchased a grapple attachment that was missing key mounting pins. The cost and delay to source replacements, compounded by downtime, made the “deal” more expensive than anticipated. These stories highlight the fine line between bargain hunting and costly surprises.
Tips for Successful Auction Buying

• Research Market Prices: Understand the going rate for the attachment you want, new and used, so you can spot true bargains.
  
• Inspect Thoroughly: If possible, attend the preview day in person. Check for structural cracks, cylinder leaks, wear points, and missing components.
  
• Know Your Machine: Confirm the attachment’s compatibility with your skid steer’s make, model, and hydraulic capabilities.
  
• Budget for Repairs: Set aside funds for necessary repairs or refurbishments; rarely is a cheap auction attachment ready to go right out of the gate.
  
• Use Online Resources: Many auction platforms provide condition reports and videos. Study these closely if you can’t inspect physically.
  

The Growing Market for Used Attachments
With skid steers becoming ubiquitous on farms, construction sites, and even municipal fleets, the market for used attachments is growing rapidly. Auctions like Ritchie Brothers are responding with online bidding, wider catalogs, and more international buyers. This democratization of access is helping smaller operators get their hands on tools that were once out of reach.
In a recent auction report, sales of skid steer attachments increased by nearly 15% year-over-year, underscoring growing demand. This trend mirrors the rise of versatile equipment use and a focus on cost efficiency.
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Value
Buying cheap skid steer attachments at auctions like Ritchie Brothers can be an excellent way to expand your equipment’s versatility. However, it requires careful due diligence, realistic expectations, and a willingness to invest in repairs or modifications.
As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” but savvy buyers who balance price with condition and compatibility can turn auction finds into valuable workhorse tools that serve reliably for years.
In the end, patience, research, and a sharp eye can unlock remarkable value in the auction world—turning “cheap” into “smart.”