To decide between a skid steer and compact track loader, consider ground conditions, lift requirements, site dimensions and budget. Skid-steers are ideal for hard surfaces, tight spaces and a lower initial cost, while track loaders excel in challenging terrains, less ground disturbance, and increased versatility despite higher initial costs.
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Whether you’re moving dirt, digging holes, handling materials or cleaning up debris, deciding which loader type best fits your business requires careful consideration.
Before tackling a new project or getting to a job site, operators should consider several factors to select the right equipment for the job.
Whether you're moving dirt, digging holes, handling materials or cleaning up debris, deciding which loader type best fits your business requires careful consideration.
Answer the following questions as you begin to research the compact equipment that is best suited for your job site:
1. What are the ground conditions of your typical site?
Understanding spatial constraints, ground conditions and climate factors are important considerations. Will you be working on soft, wet terrain? Do you plan to be on sandy, rough surfaces or on paved areas like streets, sidewalks and parking lots? Knowing the conditions where you plan to operate will help you determine if you need tires or tracks.
Skid-steer loaders' tires are preferred when working on hard or flat surfaces like concrete, roads and other developed surfaces. They also are ideal for working in tight conditions where skidding is necessary — handling tight corners with ease and mastering smaller workspaces.
Compact track loaders are ideal for challenging terrains or where minimized ground disturbance is required. The machine's low ground pressure, rubber tracks and superior traction make it invaluable in soft, wet or muddy conditions. This versatility allows contractors to resume work sooner after rain, extending working sessions and increasing productivity.
2. What kind of lifting will you do most?
Different models of skid steer and compact track loaders have different lift paths. After you've identified your size requirements and your preferred wheel or track option, selecting a lift path is important. A vertical lift path can offer more rated operating capacity because it keeps the load closer to the machine throughout the lift cycle. It provides more reach and higher lift capacity at full lift height.
Though a radius lift path results in a lower overall rated operating capacity, it positions your load further away from the machine earlier in the lift cycle for maximum reach at eye level. Lift path selection is something to keep in mind if clearing tall truck sides and obstacles is a frequent task for you.
3. What are the dimensions or constraints of your job site?
Certain jobs come with height, width and weight limitations. Small job sites oftentimes require agility to move within confined spaces and significant horsepower to tackle demanding tasks. Bobcat's S86 skid-steer loader and T86 compact track loader offer the same horsepower but at different machine weights. Understanding these key specifications and potential weight constraints on your job site can help you decide which equipment is ideal for your project.
In addition, machine weight and the towing capability of your vehicle impacts your ability to easily move between job sites. The lighter the machine, the fewer requirements there are for transportation, such as commercial drivers' licenses or trailer upgrades.
4. What is my budget?
Weighing ownership costs is always an important factor to consider. While skid-steer loaders generally have a lower price due to their simpler tire and wheel setup, compact track loaders' rubber tracks and undercarriage components can justify their higher cost through increased versatility.
Under proper operation, rubber tracks tend to last about twice as long as tires but are more expensive. Long-term ownership costs should be evaluated holistically, considering productivity, machine use and maintenance expenses. This approach ensures you select a loader that aligns with both your operational needs and budget.
After you've answered these basic questions, it's also a good idea to connect with your local dealership for additional information. Your local equipment dealership is a great resource and can help you better understand the opportunities and benefits of each type of machine.
(This article is courtesy of Bobcat.)
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