Warning to Northern Buyers: Second-Hand Refurbished Loaders Are Flooding In—Choosing a Brand-New RIPPA RS20 Is the Only Safe Bet

In recent months, a hidden trend has quietly shaken the northern snow-removal market. As winter demand surges, a large number of used and refurbished skid steer loaders from southern regions are entering northern states and provinces. While low prices may look tempting, industry experts warn that these machines come with serious hidden risks—especially for snow-removal contractors who need reliable equipment in harsh winter conditions.

If you are considering a skid steer loader this season, here is what you must know before making a decision.

1. The Hidden Truth Behind “South-to-North” Used Machines

The influx of second-hand equipment from the south is driven by one reason—profit.

Dealers acquire machines that have been working for years in humid, rainy southern climates, then refurbish them superficially and ship them north. And while these units may look clean and repainted, the real risks are hidden inside:

Common Risks of Southern Used Equipment

Invisible corrosion from long-term humidity
Electrical system aging due to moisture exposure
Hydraulic leakage risks after rushed refurbishing
Unknown past workloads, especially high-hour rental units
Cosmetic-only repairs that mask internal wear

When temperatures drop below freezing, these latent issues become real failures—starting difficulty, hydraulic lockup, circuit faults, or sudden downtime in the middle of a snowstorm.

A “cheap” machine can end up costing far more in repairs, lost clients, and project delays.

2. New vs. Used: Which Truly Saves Money?

Before you buy, ask yourself one simple question:

Do you want to pay more for a used machine with an uncertain history—or invest in a new RS20 for the same or even lower cost?

Here’s a direct comparison: RIPPA RS20 New Machine vs. Bobcat Used Refurbished (Cab Version)

Feature	Used Bobcat (Cab Model)	Brand-New RIPPA RS20
Machine Hours	1,500–4,000 hours (unknown real usage)	0 hours, brand-new
Condition	Repainted, refurbished, hidden wear	Factory-new, certified inspection
Reliability in snow	Lower (aging hydraulics & electronics)	High—designed for winter operations
Warranty	None or very limited	Full manufacturer warranty
Price	Often high (brand premium)	Lower cost, factory-direct pricing
Operating Cost	High (frequent repairs)	Low—new components, stable performance
After-sales support	Uncertain	RIPPA global service support

Conclusion:
A “cheaper” used Bobcat is usually not cheaper. By the time repairs start, the cost easily surpasses the price of a new RS20.

3. Why the RIPPA RS20 Is the Smart Choice for Northern Contractors

The RIPPA RS20 is a compact, high-performance skid steer loader designed specifically for snow removal, landscaping, small construction tasks, and urban operation scenarios. Based on the uploaded brochure details, the RS20 offers key advantages that matter in northern winter work.

Key Strengths of the RS20

Strong hydraulic system designed for heavy-load winter tasks
Powerful engine with high torque output for snow pushing
Compact turning radius for tight spaces like parking lots & sidewalks
Multiple attachment compatibility (snow blower, snow blade, bucket, pallet forks, etc.)
Reinforced structure & durable chassis suitable for cold climates
Optional enclosed cab & heating system for winter comfort
Factory testing before shipment ensures zero hidden faults