If you use a skid steer for work, land management, or your own projects, Section 179 can make attachment upgrades much more affordable. It’s a tax rule many people overlook, but it can cut the cost of tools you use every day. Here’s a clear look at how it works and how you can use it before the year ends.
What Section 179 Really Is
Section 179 lets you deduct the entire purchase price of qualifying equipment in the same year you buy it.
Instead of writing off a grapple or brush cutter slowly over several years, you deduct the full cost at once.
This gives you:
- A lower tax bill
- Better cash flow
- Faster return on equipment you need anyway
It applies to businesses of all sizes and often covers side-income work, small operations, and farms as well.
In short, it rewards people who invest in the tools they use to earn money.
Yes – Skid Steer Attachments Usually Qualify
Section 179 isn’t just for big machines. Attachments count too, as long as they’re used for business or income-producing work.
That includes popular options like:
- Grapples
- Brush cutters
- Augers
- Trenchers
- Buckets
- Pallet forks
- Forestry attachments
- Snow blowers and pushers
- Sweepers and brooms
If you use your skid steer attachments for paid work – full-time or part-time – it likely applies.
A Simple Example of How the Savings Work
Let’s say you buy a $4,200 grapple.
If you’re in a 22% tax bracket, your Section 179 deduction can save you around $924 in taxes.
You get the same attachment, but the real out-of-pocket cost becomes much lower.
This helps contractors, farmers, landowners, and small businesses make upgrades sooner instead of waiting until next season.
Why the Skid Steer Community Pays Attention to Section 179
People who use skid steers – contractors, property managers, farmers, and weekend landowners tend to focus on three things:
1. Saving money on needed equipment
Attachments are an investment. Section 179 reduces the cost.
2. Getting more out of the same machine
Instead of buying a second machine, most people expand what their current one can do by adding attachments.
3. Upgrading without delaying the work
The deduction often makes it easier to replace worn-out tools, add new services, or stop renting equipment.
The result is better productivity at a lower long-term cost.
Who Can Use Section 179?
More people qualify than many expect. You can usually use Section 179 if:
- You use your skid steer or attachments for work that earns income
- You purchase and place the equipment into service within the same tax year
- You file IRS Form 4562
This applies to full-time contractors, side businesses, farms, sole proprietors, and small LLCs.
If you’re not sure, your accountant can check quickly.
Why Many Buyers Wait Until Q4
Interest in Section 179 spikes every fall because of one rule:
You must buy and place the equipment in service before December 31 to deduct it for that tax year.
Many people time their upgrades around:
- Fall equipment deals
- Before-winter needs (snow attachments)
- Budget planning
- End-of-year tax strategy
If you miss the cutoff, your deduction moves to the next tax year.
How to Pick the Right Attachment to Maximize the Benefit
Tax savings help, but your first priority should be choosing the tool that gives you the most return.
Look for attachments that:
- Cut manual labor
- Replace frequent rentals
- Help you take better-paying or more frequent jobs
- Solve a problem that slows you down every week
Examples:
- Someone clearing land will often get the most value from a brush cutter or grapple.
- A contractor digging utilities may want a trencher instead of renting one.
- A snow business may prioritize a pusher or blower before winter.
Tax savings are the bonus, not the reason to choose the wrong tool.
How to Claim Section 179
Most businesses only need:
- A qualifying attachment
- Purchased between Jan 1 and Dec 31
- Put into service the same year
- IRS Form 4562
For most people, their accountant handles it in a few minutes.
Ready to Upgrade? Here’s a Simple Next Step
If you’re planning to buy an attachment before year-end, take a look at the options that fit your work best.
Our collection at skidppro.com includes grapples, brush cutters, augers, forks, and other tools built for daily use and ready to put into service fast.
Browse the attachments that qualify and find the upgrade that saves you money now and time later. If you have questions or want help choosing the right attachment, you can contact us for more details and we’ll point you in the right direction.