Printable Checklist

The Canadian Contractor's Skid Steer Attachment Buying Checklist

Everything to verify before you hand over a deposit. Print this, bring it to the dealer, use it for online purchases. Seven sections covering the questions experienced operators wish they'd asked the first time.

This checklist exists because attachment purchases fail in predictable ways. Not dramatically — usually it's a compatibility issue that costs $400 to fix, or a missing warranty term that becomes a $1,200 repair you expected to be covered, or a parts lead time that sidelines your operation for three weeks in peak season. Every item below maps to a real failure pattern.

The checklist is organized by phase: machine specs first, then attachment specs, then seller/dealer evaluation, then deal terms, then delivery, then post-purchase. Work through it in order. The machine section takes the longest if you don't have the specs memorized — but you need it before everything else.

⎙ Print This Checklist

Section 1: Your Machine's Specs

Complete this section once for your machine and keep it on file. Every attachment purchase decision starts here.

Machine Specifications — Fill In Before Shopping

Quick attach system identified: ☐ SSL Universal/SSQA ☐ Bobcat Bob-Tach ☐ Other: ________________ Found in operator's manual under "attachment interface." If unknown, photograph the carrier plate and ask your dealer. This is the single most important spec.

Rated Operating Capacity (ROC): ________________ kg (or lbs: ________________) The maximum load you can carry at the standard tipping load percentage. Attachment weight counts against this.

Standard hydraulic flow: ________________ GPM (or L/min) From the spec sheet. Standard flow machines typically 15–20 GPM. Know this before buying any hydraulic attachment.

High-flow equipped? ☐ Yes — flow: ________________ GPM ☐ No ☐ Unknown High-flow machines deliver 30–40+ GPM. Some mulchers, cold planers, and brooms require high-flow to operate at rated capacity.

Hydraulic relief pressure: ________________ PSI The maximum pressure your machine's hydraulic system will produce before the relief valve opens. Attachments with higher minimum pressure requirements won't function at rated capacity.

Auxiliary hydraulic ports: ☐ One pair (standard aux) ☐ Two pairs ☐ Third function (dedicated circuit) Grapples, rotating attachments, and tilt buckets often need a second or third hydraulic circuit. If your machine doesn't have it, the attachment won't work or will need a plumbing add-on.

Hydraulic coupler type: ☐ Flat-face (standard) ☐ Poppet/ball ☐ Case Super Flat-Face ☐ Other Flat-face is standard on most modern North American machines. Older equipment may have poppet couplers. Mismatched couplers won't seal.

Operating weight of machine: ________________ kg Relevant for ground pressure calculations, especially for CTLs on sensitive terrain or indoor floors.

Section 2: Attachment Compatibility

Mechanical Compatibility

Quick attach format confirmed: Attachment is ☐ SSQA ☐ Bob-Tach ☐ Other — matches my machine's system If it doesn't match: do I have an adapter plate? Does the seller provide one? What does it cost?

Attachment weight obtained from seller: ________________ kg Subtract from your machine's ROC. Your effective working ROC = Machine ROC − Attachment Weight. Is the remainder enough for your job?

Hydraulic flow requirement: Attachment needs ________________ GPM minimum Compare to your machine's available flow. If the attachment needs more flow than your machine delivers, it will be underpowered or won't function.

Hydraulic pressure requirement: Attachment needs ________________ PSI minimum Compare to your machine's relief pressure. Hydraulic breakers and some planers have minimum pressure requirements your machine may not meet.

Number of hydraulic circuits needed: ________________ Does your machine have the matching number of available circuits? A grapple may need two circuits (open/close AND tilt). Confirm your machine has them.

Physical clearance checked: Width fits my jobsite access points ☐ Height in transport position is legal on road ☐ A 96" wide mulcher or box blade may not fit through gates, doorways, or narrow access. Measure before buying.

Section 3: Attachment Quality Assessment

Quality and Specifications

Steel grade specified: ________________ (e.g., AR400, Hardox 400, A36, SSAB Domex) Generic descriptions like "high-strength steel" aren't meaningful. Ask for the actual grade. Cutting edges and wear plates should be hardened steel (AR400 or equivalent), not mild steel.

Wear parts are replaceable: ☐ Yes — cutting edges, teeth, or wear surfaces bolt off ☐ No/unclear Any attachment with a cutting edge or wear surface should have replaceable wear parts. Welded-on cutting edges mean the whole attachment needs replacement when the edge wears out.

Replacement wear parts available in Canada: ☐ In stock at Canadian dealer ☐ Ship from US (lead time: ____) ☐ Unknown For high-use attachments, parts availability can sideline your machine. Know this before buying.

Hydraulic motor/cylinder specs obtained: ☐ Yes ☐ N/A (non-hydraulic attachment) For hydraulic attachments, the motor or cylinder specs (displacement, pressure rating, seal materials) indicate quality level. Cheap motors fail early under sustained load.

Country of manufacture known: ________________ Not automatically a quality indicator either way, but relevant for warranty service, parts availability, and what you're actually getting for the price. Ask if not stated.

Independent reviews found: Forum posts, operator videos, or community feedback on this brand/model Search [brand name] + skid steer + review on YouTube, Reddit (r/skidsteers, r/farming), and heavy equipment forums. Real operator experience is worth more than spec sheets.

Section 4: Seller / Dealer Evaluation

Who You're Buying From

Seller type identified: ☐ OEM dealer ☐ Local equipment dealer ☐ Online Canadian retailer ☐ US seller shipping cross-border ☐ Private sale Each has different warranty, return, and support implications. Know who you're dealing with.

Warranty terms in writing: ________________ months structural / ________________ months hydraulic Get the warranty document, not just a verbal claim. "One year warranty" means nothing without specifying what's covered. Wear parts are almost always excluded.

Return policy for new attachments: ________________ If the attachment doesn't fit your machine or arrives damaged, what happens? Most dealers don't accept returns on used attachments; new ones should have a defect return policy.

Canadian business registration / presence verified: ☐ Physical address in Canada ☐ GST/HST number available ☐ US seller with documented Canadian import process Relevant for customs, warranty claims, and knowing who to contact if problems arise.

After-sale technical support: Can they answer technical questions post-purchase? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Unknown Installation questions, hydraulic setup, operating parameters — you'll likely have questions. Who do you call?

Section 5: Price and Terms

The Financial Side

Total landed cost calculated: Purchase price ______ + GST/HST ______ + shipping/freight ______ + customs/duties (if US) ______ = Total: ________________ CAD The sticker price is never the full cost. US attachments crossing the border often trigger duties, brokerage fees, and currency exchange. Our cross-border guide covers this.

Input tax credit confirmed: This purchase is eligible for ITC recovery (business use) ☐ Tax registration number on invoice ☐ If you're registered for GST/HST, the tax is recoverable as an ITC. Make sure the invoice shows the seller's GST number.

Comparable prices checked: ☐ Same or similar attachment from 2 other sources ☐ Checked Ritchie Bros / IronPlanet for used comparison ☐ Checked local dealer Knowing market price gives you leverage. A 15–20% negotiation window exists on most non-OEM attachments. See our negotiation guide.

Financing terms reviewed: ☐ N/A (cash purchase) ☐ Interest rate: ____% ☐ Term: ____ months ☐ Total interest cost: $______ Equipment financing rates in Canada vary widely. See our financing guide for current market rates and lender types.

ROI breakeven calculated: At expected hours of use per year, attachment pays for itself in ________________ months See our ROI calculation guide for a framework. This is especially important for specialty attachments with high purchase prices.

Section 6: For Used Attachments

Skip this section for new attachment purchases.

Used Attachment Inspection Checklist

Quick attach plate inspected: No cracks at welds ☐ Pin holes not elongated ☐ Plate not visibly bent ☐

Frame and structural welds inspected: No visible cracks ☐ Corrosion is surface only (not structural) ☐ Pay particular attention to stress concentration points: pin mounts, bucket lip welds, cylinder attachment points.

Hydraulic hoses and fittings inspected: No cracks or soft spots in hoses ☐ Fittings tight with no seepage ☐ No improvised repairs with clamps ☐

Wear surfaces assessed: Cutting edges have remaining material ☐ Wear is even (indicates normal use, not misuse) ☐ Factor remaining edge life into your offer price if replacement is soon needed.

Hours of use known or estimated: ________________ hours Source: ________________ Most attachments don't have hourmeter. Ask about age, machine it came off, and application — this gives a reasonable estimate.

Physically test-fit on your machine (or seen operating): ☐ Yes ☐ No — buying sight unseen Sight-unseen purchases of used attachments are high risk. At minimum, request video of the attachment operating before purchase.

Section 7: Delivery and Post-Purchase

After You've Bought It

Freight method confirmed: ☐ Flatbed delivery ☐ LTL freight ☐ Customer pickup ☐ Courier (small attachments only) Large attachments over 200 kg need flatbed or LTL. Confirm who is responsible for unloading — forklifts or overhead cranes may be needed.

Delivery damage inspection planned: Will inspect shipment before driver leaves ☐ Will photograph all sides on delivery ☐ Shipping damage must be noted on the Bill of Lading before the driver leaves. Damage discovered after the driver is gone is very difficult to claim.

Operator manual obtained: ☐ Yes ☐ Requested — following up Even experienced operators should read the manual for new attachment types. Operating parameters, break-in procedures, and maintenance intervals are all in there.

Maintenance schedule recorded: Lubrication intervals: ________________ First hydraulic fluid check at: ________________ hours

Insurance notification made (if required): ☐ Informed insurer of new attachment ☐ Coverage confirmed for new asset value High-value attachments should be listed on your equipment floater or commercial property policy. See our insurance guide.

Serial number and purchase record filed: ☐ Photographed serial number plate ☐ Invoice on file ☐ Warranty registration completed (if required) For warranty claims and theft recovery. Store digitally and in paper file.

Notes on Using This Checklist

Not every item applies to every purchase. Buying a new bucket from a local dealer is different from sourcing a specialty mulcher from a US manufacturer. Use judgment about which sections are critical for your specific situation.

The sections that cause the most problems when skipped, in order: Section 2 (compatibility), Section 5 (total landed cost — especially cross-border), and Section 6 (used inspection). The rest are important but their failure modes are generally less expensive.

One more thing: After you've been running the attachment for 20–40 hours, do a fresh inspection of the quick attach plate engagement, all hydraulic connections, and structural welds. New attachments can have break-in settling, and catching a loose fitting or a manufacturing defect early beats finding it when the attachment is deep in a job.

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The Canadian Contractor's Skid Steer Attachment Buying Checklist

Section 1: Your Machine's Specs

Machine Specifications — Fill In Before Shopping

Section 2: Attachment Compatibility

Mechanical Compatibility

Section 3: Attachment Quality Assessment

Quality and Specifications

Section 4: Seller / Dealer Evaluation

Who You're Buying From

Section 5: Price and Terms

The Financial Side

Section 6: For Used Attachments

Used Attachment Inspection Checklist

Section 7: Delivery and Post-Purchase

After You've Bought It

Notes on Using This Checklist

Dig Deeper on Specific Topics