2 hours ago
Depreciation Hits Hard in the First Year
The Bobcat T180 compact track loader, part of Bobcat’s mid-2000s lineup, was designed for contractors needing a balance of maneuverability and lifting power. With a rated operating capacity of 1,800 lbs and a turbocharged diesel engine producing around 66 horsepower, the T180 was ideal for grading, material handling, and light excavation. However, like most compact equipment, its value drops sharply after initial purchase—even with minimal hours.
In one case, a contractor purchased a T180 with the Gold Package and added a radio, using it for just 75 hours. Despite its near-new condition, trade-in offers hovered in the low $30,000s—down from a purchase price of $41,000. This reflects a 25% depreciation within months, a common reality for equipment buyers.
Terminology Clarification
Dealers often offer lower trade-in values because they must resell the machine with warranty and support. Buyers comparing a low-hour used unit with a brand-new machine—especially when financing incentives are available—may opt for new. In contrast, private sales can yield higher returns. In British Columbia, similar T180s with low hours have sold privately for $38,000 USD, especially when well-maintained and equipped.
Alternative Strategies
Rather than trading up to a larger T250, some operators recommend:
Dealer Loyalty and Negotiation Tips
Staying loyal to the original dealer can sometimes yield better trade-in offers. Dealers may place the machine in their rental fleet or sell it as a demo. Building a relationship with a responsive sales rep—like one who delivers parts personally—can also lead to better deals and service.
Depreciation Curve and Usage Patterns
If depreciation were linear, the T180 would be worth nothing after 325 hours—a clearly flawed assumption. In reality, the steepest drop occurs in the first 100 hours, then levels off. Machines used less than 35 hours per week don’t justify upgrading purely for time savings. For example, finishing a 3-day job in 2 days with a bigger machine doesn’t pay off if the loader sits idle afterward.
Conclusion
A Bobcat T180 with 75 hours and premium options may fetch $33,000–$38,000, depending on trade-in vs. private sale. While upgrading to a T250 offers more lift, the financial hit may not be justified unless the workload consistently demands it. Renting, adding a second machine, or switching to a telehandler are all viable paths for growing contractors.
The Bobcat T180 compact track loader, part of Bobcat’s mid-2000s lineup, was designed for contractors needing a balance of maneuverability and lifting power. With a rated operating capacity of 1,800 lbs and a turbocharged diesel engine producing around 66 horsepower, the T180 was ideal for grading, material handling, and light excavation. However, like most compact equipment, its value drops sharply after initial purchase—even with minimal hours.
In one case, a contractor purchased a T180 with the Gold Package and added a radio, using it for just 75 hours. Despite its near-new condition, trade-in offers hovered in the low $30,000s—down from a purchase price of $41,000. This reflects a 25% depreciation within months, a common reality for equipment buyers.
Terminology Clarification
- Gold Package: A premium Bobcat configuration including cab enclosure, heat, air conditioning, and deluxe instrumentation.
- Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): The maximum load the machine can safely lift under standard conditions.
- Compact Track Loader (CTL): A skid steer-style machine with rubber tracks for improved traction and reduced ground disturbance.
Dealers often offer lower trade-in values because they must resell the machine with warranty and support. Buyers comparing a low-hour used unit with a brand-new machine—especially when financing incentives are available—may opt for new. In contrast, private sales can yield higher returns. In British Columbia, similar T180s with low hours have sold privately for $38,000 USD, especially when well-maintained and equipped.
Alternative Strategies
Rather than trading up to a larger T250, some operators recommend:
- Renting larger machines for occasional big jobs
- Keeping the T180 for small projects and adding a second machine for heavy lifting
- Investing in a telehandler for pole setting and truss placement, which offers better reach and stability
Dealer Loyalty and Negotiation Tips
Staying loyal to the original dealer can sometimes yield better trade-in offers. Dealers may place the machine in their rental fleet or sell it as a demo. Building a relationship with a responsive sales rep—like one who delivers parts personally—can also lead to better deals and service.
Depreciation Curve and Usage Patterns
If depreciation were linear, the T180 would be worth nothing after 325 hours—a clearly flawed assumption. In reality, the steepest drop occurs in the first 100 hours, then levels off. Machines used less than 35 hours per week don’t justify upgrading purely for time savings. For example, finishing a 3-day job in 2 days with a bigger machine doesn’t pay off if the loader sits idle afterward.
Conclusion
A Bobcat T180 with 75 hours and premium options may fetch $33,000–$38,000, depending on trade-in vs. private sale. While upgrading to a T250 offers more lift, the financial hit may not be justified unless the workload consistently demands it. Renting, adding a second machine, or switching to a telehandler are all viable paths for growing contractors.
