Skidsteer loaders are a staple on construction sites of all sizes, as they can perform a variety of earthmoving tasks, from digging and landscaping to debris removal. There are two main types to choose from: compact track loaders and wheeled skidsteers.
Compact track loaders and skidsteers generally perform the same functions and can be interchangeable. What's the biggest difference? Track loaders run on tracks, while skidsteers have wheels. The type you choose can significantly impact the success of your project, so it’s important to understand which tasks each one is best suited for.
What Is A Compact Track Loader?
A compact track loader is a type of skidsteer that runs on two parallel tracks instead of wheels. These machines are very similar in size to a skidsteer and perform many of the same functions, but their weight and added traction make them better able to move over slippery or uneven terrain. Track loaders come in multiple sizes and can perform a variety of tasks, including earthmoving, excavating and demolition.
Used for:Â Earthmoving jobs requiring increased traction and stability
What Is A Wheeled Skidsteer?
A wheeled skidsteer is a compact machine designed primarily for digging and landscaping jobs. It runs on four wheels and contains two arms that can connect to multiple attachments, including buckets, snowblowers and pallet forks. Because the wheels are affixed to locked axles, a skidsteer operator must increase the speed of the wheels on one side to steer the machine.
Used for: Small digging and landscaping jobs
Key Differences in Tracked and Wheeled Skidsteers
Compact track loaders and skidsteers share many similarities, but they each have distinct features and capabilities that set them apart. To ensure that you choose the right loader for your project, carefully consider the following factors.
Terrain
Track Loader
Compact track loaders are a better choice for undeveloped ground, uneven terrain and job sites that are wet or slippery. Where a skidsteer might sink into sand or mud, a track loader can remain stable without an issue. This is because the tracks evenly distribute the machine’s weight and come with added traction to prevent slipping.
Skidsteer
Skidsteers with wheels excel on hard, flat surfaces. If your job site is on concrete, asphalt or another developed surface, a skidsteer is likely the better choice. Wheels are less likely to damage these types of surfaces and allow the machine to move quickly over even ground. That said, wheels don’t work as well on snow or wet surfaces, so you may have to use snow tires or wait for the site to dry if the ground is slippery.
Speed
Track Loader
Track loaders can’t move as quickly as skidsteers, so tasks that require driving back and forth over long distances can take longer to complete. This typically isn’t a problem for longer projects or localized tasks but should be considered for projects running on a tight schedule. However, a project on unstable terrain will face fewer project delays if you opt for a track loader.
Skidsteer
If you’re looking for a fast-moving machine, a skidsteer is likely the best choice. Skidsteers are lightweight and lack slow-moving tracks, allowing them to move much faster than track loaders on flat surfaces. They are also better designed to perform sharp turns and maneuver through crowded worksites in less time.
Maneuverability
Track Loader
Because track loaders also operate on fixed axles, they generally have the same turning capabilities as a wheeled skidsteer. However, they are typically larger and move slower than skidsteers, so they may not perform quite as well in tight spaces. Three-point turns are also recommended for these machines to avoid extra wear on the tracks.
Skidsteer
Skidsteers can make incredibly sharp turns and rotate almost in place, making them easy to maneuver in tight spaces. If you have a crowded job site or limited space to work, a small skidsteer is a good option.
Power
Track Loader
Tracks create a more even weight distribution and increase contact with the ground. This allows track loaders to have a higher lifting capacity and push more weight without slipping. Some compact track loaders also offer higher horsepower than skidsteers with wheels, making them better suited for high-power jobs.
Skidsteer
Skidsteers are lightweight machines with a higher center of gravity than track loaders. While larger models can still perform heavy-lifting tasks, they may have a lower weight capacity than their tracked counterparts. Their reduced traction can also make pushing high-resistance materials more difficult.
Cost
Track Loader
Compact track loaders generally cost more upfront to buy or rent, and tracks are more expensive to replace than tires when damaged. If you choose to purchase a track loader for your project, you may want to make extra room in your budget to cover potential maintenance and damage costs.
Skidsteer
The cost to rent or purchase a skidsteer can vary by location and manufacturer, but those with wheels typically cost less upfront and are cheaper to maintain than track loaders. Due to their lightweight design and smaller engines, skidsteers can also save on fuel and transportation costs.
Maintenance
Track Loader
Because a track loader’s tracks can almost completely cover the undercarriage, you can expect to spend extra time with cleaning and maintenance. This can be a daunting task for one-off projects or those with smaller budgets, so many project owners choose to rent a skidsteer rather than buying to avoid spending extra time and money on maintenance.
Skidsteer
If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain machine, a skidsteer is your best option. Skidsteers typically require less frequent maintenance than track loaders, and parts are much easier to replace if something does go wrong. Wheels also make cleaning and inspecting the undercarriage easier, which is advantageous for teams operating on a tight schedule.
Site Cleanup
Track Loader
Minimizing damage on grass and other soft surfaces is easier if you use a track loader. Because tracks are flat and evenly distribute a machine’s weight, track loaders don’t tear up the earth or leave deep ruts behind like a wheeled skid steer would. While they can damage hard surfaces, track loaders will save you time during site cleanup for landscaping jobs.
Skidsteer
While a machine’s capabilities are important, you’ll also need to consider how it affects the site after the job is finished. Tires are typically gentler on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, while tracks can damage them. If your project requires you to work on these surfaces, opting for a skidsteer can save you from repairing surface damage later.
What Do Forestry & Land Management Specialists Use?
Due to the type of work we do, our one and only choice is a TRACK LOADER! Heavily treed areas, rocks, debris, logs, mulch, not to mention a wide variety of terrain, would render a wheeled skidsteer useless. We need the heavy duty skills of a CAT299D3 track loader, and the no-nonsense forestry attachments that go with it!
ROCKandLAND is your trusted choice for all land clearing and reclamation needs! Our forestry mulching attachments can offer a variety of options, such as a rough mulch in forested areas that won't be accessed regularly, to a finer mulch for walking paths and yard areas. We operate disc mulchers, drum mulchers, and brushcats / bushhogs to ensure optimal results.
Give ROCKandLAND a call to discuss your spring and summer projects, we'd love to come and take a look!