Skid Steer Hydraulic Pump Replacement Cost: What to Expect in 2026
Real cost ranges for replacing a hydraulic pump on a skid steer or compact track loader. Covers Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Kubota, with labor hours, parts options, and when to repair vs. replace.
When a skid steer or compact track loader hydraulic pump fails, every function on the machine stops working. The loader won't lift, the auxiliary hydraulics go dead, and on some machines the drive system becomes sluggish or unresponsive. It's one of the most common major repair jobs on high-hour skid steers. Here's what the repair involves and what you should expect to pay.
What the Job Involves
A skid steer hydraulic pump is gear-driven off the engine and provides flow for the loader, drive circuits, auxiliary hydraulics, and on some machines the cooling fan. Replacing it means draining the hydraulic tank, removing the pump (typically accessible from the engine bay after removing the rear door or tilting the cab on cab-equipped models), installing the replacement, and bleeding and testing all circuits before putting the machine back to work.
Cab tilt on models like the Bobcat T750/T770 adds 30 to 60 minutes of setup and teardown time versus machines with rear-access pumps. If the pump failed catastrophically and pushed metal into the system, a full hydraulic flush and filter replacement is required before the new pump goes in.
Typical Cost Ranges by Machine
Shop rates for skid steer work run $95 to $145 per hour in the Southeast. Parts cost depends heavily on whether you use OEM, quality aftermarket, or a remanufactured unit.
| Machine | Labor Hours | Parts Cost | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat S570 / S590 / S650 | 3-6 hrs | $600-$1,800 | $900-$2,700 |
| Bobcat S770 / S76 / T770 / T76 | 4-7 hrs | $900-$2,500 | $1,300-$3,500 |
| Cat 272D3 / 289D3 / 299D3 | 4-7 hrs | $1,000-$2,800 | $1,400-$3,800 |
| John Deere 332G / 333G | 4-6 hrs | $850-$2,300 | $1,200-$3,200 |
| Kubota SVL75-2 / SVL97-2 | 3-6 hrs | $700-$2,000 | $1,000-$2,900 |
| Case SR270B / SV340B | 4-7 hrs | $800-$2,200 | $1,150-$3,200 |
Ranges assume quality aftermarket or reman pump. OEM new parts push the upper end by 30-60%. A system flush for metal contamination adds $400-$900. Shop rates of $95-$145/hr, Southeast market.
OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Reman: Which to Choose
- OEM new pump: Highest cost, manufacturer warranty. Best choice for machines under warranty or high-value machines where reliability is the priority. Bobcat and Cat OEM pumps typically run $1,500-$3,500 for large-frame machines.
- Quality aftermarket (Parker, Bosch Rexroth, Eaton): 30-50% below OEM. Major hydraulic manufacturers supply quality alternatives. Correct choice for most out-of-warranty machines. Make sure the pump specs (displacement, pressure rating, port configuration) match exactly.
- Remanufactured pump: 40-60% below OEM new. Rebuilt to original specs with new wear components. Good option on older machines or budget-constrained repairs where a new OEM isn't economically justified. Most carry a 6-12 month warranty.
Tandem Pump vs. Gear Pump: Why It Matters
Larger frame skid steers and CTLs (Bobcat S770, Cat 299D3, JD 333G) often run a tandem pump that drives both the drive circuits and the auxiliary/loader circuits from one assembly. This is a more expensive unit to replace but the same labor scope as a single gear pump. Smaller frame machines typically run simpler gear pumps.
Ask the shop to confirm whether you need the complete tandem assembly or just the auxiliary/loader pump section. On some tandem designs, the sections can be replaced independently if only one section has failed.
High Flow Hydraulics: Add-On Cost
If your machine has a high flow hydraulic kit (required for mulchers, cold planers, and many demanding attachments), it adds a separate pump section or a separate auxiliary pump. If the high flow pump fails separately, that repair runs $600-$1,500 in parts on most machines, with 2-4 hours of labor.
Signs a Skid Steer Hydraulic Pump Is Failing
- Loader lifts slowly or struggles under load when hydraulic fluid is hot
- Auxiliary flow feels weak through quick-coupler attachments
- Drive performance feels sluggish, especially on one side, when other drive components are fine
- Hydraulic fluid overheating faster than normal (pump efficiency dropping)
- Whining or growling from the pump area at operating temperature
- Metal particles in the hydraulic filter at oil change
A pump that shows early symptoms but hasn't failed completely is the cheapest version of this repair. Once internal wear becomes catastrophic, metal contamination forces a full system flush and potentially replacement of downstream valves and drive motors. That can triple the repair cost.
Does the Repair Make Sense for This Machine?
A $1,500-$2,500 hydraulic pump job on a 2019 Bobcat S770 that runs 500 hours a year is straightforward math. The machine is worth $28,000-$36,000 and the repair is a small percentage of its value.
The calculation is harder on a high-hour machine worth $12,000 that's showing multiple issues. Before approving a major repair, know what the machine is actually worth.
Run a free valuation on your skid steer at EquipBook. Trade-in, private party, and dealer retail values in under 60 seconds. Compare the number to your repair estimate and make the call with real data.
Get a Repair Cost Estimate First
Before you hand the machine over, get a ballpark. EquipBook's free repair cost estimator covers hydraulic pump jobs across skid steers, CTLs, and other equipment. Enter your machine and describe the issue to get a labor and parts range you can compare against any shop quote.
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