Mini Track Loaders

The primary difference between a mini track loader and a mini skid steer is that a mini track loader uses rubber tracks, while a mini skid steer uses wheels. 

Both are compact, stand-on loaders designed for material handling, digging, grading and other work in tight-access areas, but differences in undercarriage, rated operating capacity, attachments and working surfaces can affect which machine better aligns with a particular job.

Key differences and similarities include:

Machine size and operator position:

• Both mini track loaders and mini skid steers are compact machines commonly operated from stand-on platforms. Exact width, length, height and operating weight vary by model and manufacturer, so buyers should compare machine dimensions with gates, paths, trailers and storage limitations.

Tracks versus wheels:

• Mini track loaders use rubber tracks that distribute machine weight across a larger contact area, helping reduce ground pressure on turf, soft ground, landscaped areas and other sensitive surfaces.
• Mini skid steers use wheels and are commonly selected for firm, hard-packed and paved surfaces where low ground pressure is less of a priority.

Rated operating capacity:

• Rated operating capacity varies by machine and configuration. Mini track loaders may provide higher ROC than comparable wheeled machines, but buyers should compare the published capacity of each individual model rather than assuming tracks or wheels alone determine lifting and carrying capability.

Attachments and compatibility:

• Both machine types can use compatible attachments for material handling, digging, grading, trenching, clearing and property maintenance.
• Attachment availability, mounting interface, hydraulic requirements and working width vary by manufacturer and model, so attachments may not be interchangeable between a mini track loader and a mini skid steer.

Jobsite and workload:

• Mini track loaders are commonly considered for landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree care, nursery work, residential construction and other jobs involving turf, soft ground or established properties.
• Mini skid steers are commonly considered for hardscaping, paved work areas, indoor work and other jobs performed primarily on firm or hard-packed surfaces.

When choosing between the two:

• Consider a mini track loader when the work frequently involves turf, soft ground, established landscapes or other areas where ground pressure is an important consideration.
• Consider a mini skid steer when the work primarily occurs on firm, hard-packed or paved surfaces and a compact wheeled machine aligns with the job requirements.

Equipment terminology varies by manufacturer, dealer and industry. In this comparison,“mini skid steer” refers to the compact, stand-on wheeled counterpart to a mini track loader, not a full-size skid-steer loader.

The right machine depends on the published ROC, machine dimensions, operating weight, attachment compatibility, working surfaces, transport requirements and the work performed most often. 

Learn more in our complete guide to mini track loaders, including how tracked and wheeled compact loaders compare.

The main difference between a mini track loader and a full-size skid-steer loader is that a mini track loader is a smaller, stand-on machine with rubber tracks for tight-access work, while a skid-steer loader is a larger, seated machine with wheels, higher-capacity model options and larger attachments for heavier workloads. The two loader types also differ in rated operating capacity, attachment compatibility and the working surfaces and jobsites they are designed to support.

Both loader types can perform material handling, digging, grading, hauling and property maintenance tasks, but they are designed for different access requirements, working surfaces and workload sizes.

Key differences include:

Machine size and operator position:

• A mini track loader is a narrow, stand-on machine designed for work through gates, along walkways and in other tight-access areas.
• A skid-steer loader is generally larger and has a seated operator station, with cab configurations and machine sizes varying by model.

Tracks versus wheels:

• Mini track loaders use rubber tracks that distribute machine weight across a larger contact area, helping reduce ground pressure when working on turf, soft ground and established landscapes.
• Skid-steer loaders use wheels and are commonly selected for firm, hard-packed and paved surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and indoor work areas.

Rated operating capacity:

• Current Bobcat mini track loaders offer rated operating capacities from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.
• Bobcat skid-steer loader capacities vary by model and include options for workloads requiring higher rated operating capacities.

Attachments:

• Mini track loader attachments are compact and matched to the machine’s mounting interface, hydraulic system and rated operating capacity.
• Skid-steer loaders support a separate attachment family that includes larger attachments for heavier digging, grading, loading, clearing and material-handling work. Buyers should confirm the mounting interface, hydraulic requirements, working width and model compatibility before selecting an attachment.

Jobsite and workload:

• Mini track loaders are commonly used for tight-access landscaping, grounds maintenance, property maintenance, tree care, nursery work, utility installation and light construction.
• Skid-steer loaders are commonly used for construction, agriculture, material handling, snow removal, site preparation and other jobs where firm surfaces, larger attachments or greater operating capacities align with the work.

When making a selection:

• Consider a mini track loader when the work requires narrow access, a stand-on operating position, frequent entry and exit, compact attachments or operation around residential properties and established landscapes.
• Consider a skid-steer loader when the work requires a seated operating position, wheels, larger attachments, higher-capacity model options or frequent operation on firm, hard-packed and paved surfaces.

The right loader depends on machine width, rated operating capacity, attachment compatibility, surface conditions, operator preference and the scale of work performed most often. A local Bobcat dealer can help compare available models and attachments for specific job requirements.

The main differences between a mini track loader and a compact track loader are machine size, stand-on versus seated operation, rated operating capacity, attachment compatibility and the scale of work each machine is designed to support. Both equipment types use rubber tracks and compatible attachments to perform digging, grading, loading, hauling and material-handling work, but they are sized for different workloads and working environments.

Key differences include:

Machine size and operator position:

• Mini track loaders are narrow, stand-on machines designed to work through gates, along walkways and in other tight-access areas.
• Compact track loaders are larger machines with seated operator stations and enclosed-cab options available on select models.

Rated operating capacity:

• Bobcat mini track loaders offer rated operating capacities from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.
• Compact track loaders generally provide higher rated operating capacities for lifting and carrying larger loads, with the exact capacity varying by model and configuration.

Tracks and ground pressure: 

Both machine types use rubber tracks that distribute machine weight across a larger contact area.

• A mini track loader’s smaller footprint can support work on turf, soft ground, established landscapes and residential properties where access and ground pressure are important considerations.

Actual surface effects depend on the machine configuration, attachment, operating technique and ground conditions.

Attachments and hydraulics:

• Mini track loader attachments are smaller and matched to the machine’s mounting interface, hydraulic system and rated operating capacity.
• Compact track loaders support larger attachments for heavier digging, grading, land clearing, material handling and other demanding work.

Attachment families are not automatically interchangeable, so buyers should verify the mounting interface, hydraulic requirements and model compatibility before selecting an attachment.

Jobsite and workload:

• Mini track loaders are commonly used for tight-access landscaping, grounds maintenance, property maintenance, tree care, nursery work, light construction and rental applications.
• Compact track loaders are commonly selected for larger construction, agriculture, land management, site preparation, grading and material-handling jobs that require greater capacity and larger attachments.

When making a selection:

• Consider a mini track loader when the work requires narrow access, frequent entry and exit, a stand-on operating position, compact attachments or work around residential properties and established landscapes.
• Consider a compact track loader when the work requires higher rated operating capacity, a seated operator station, larger attachments or heavier digging, grading, clearing and material-handling capabilities.

The right machine depends on the typical load, attachment, access width, surface conditions, operator preference and scale of the work. A local Bobcat dealer can help compare current models and attachment compatibility for specific job requirements.

Bobcat MT100 and MT120 mini track loaders differ from the Bobcat S70 skid-steer loader primarily in operator position, rated operating capacity, tracks versus wheels and attachment compatibility. All three models are compact machines designed for tight-access work, but each supports different operator preferences, work areas and job requirements.

Key differences include:

Operator position:

• The MT100 and MT120 use stand-on operator platforms, which may be preferred for jobs that require operators to frequently step on and off the machine.
• The S70 has a seated operator station that may be preferred when operating the machine for longer periods.

Rated operating capacity: represents the maximum recommended weight each machine should lift and carry during normal operation.

• The MT100 has a 1,000-pound ROC
• The MT120 has a 1,200-pound ROC 
• The S70 has a 760-pound ROC

Tracks versus wheels:

• The MT100 and MT120 use rubber-track undercarriages that distribute machine weight across a larger contact area, reducing ground pressure when working on turf, soft ground and established landscapes.
• The wheeled S70 may be better suited for firm, hard-packed and paved surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and indoor work areas.

Machine width:

• The S70 is 35.5 inches wide
• The MT100 and MT120 are each 35.6 inches wide with standard tracks.
• All three models can fit through many approximately 36-inch openings, making them useful for gates, doorways, narrow paths and other tight-access areas. Optional track configurations and attachments may increase the total width, so buyers should compare the complete machine-and-attachment setup with the intended access point.

Attachment compatibility:

• The MT100 and MT120 share the Bobcat mini track loader attachment family and can use compatible attachments such as buckets, pallet forks, augers, trenchers, stump grinders, soil conditioners, tillers, brooms, grapples and snow attachments.
• The S70 uses the separate Bob-Tach® skid-steer attachment family. Attachments are sized for their respective interfaces and are not interchangeable between the mini track loader and skid-steer attachment families.

Consider the MT100 or MT120 when a stand-on platform, higher published ROC, rubber tracks or the Bobcat mini track loader attachment family aligns with the work. Consider the S70 when a seated operator station, wheels or Bob-Tach skid-steer attachments better fit the primary working environment and job requirements.

Read the complete Bobcat MT100 vs. MT120 vs. S70 comparison to review detailed specifications, lift paths, controls, attachments, applications and additional selection factors.

Mini track loader width may range between 35.6 to 54 inches - however total machine width will be impacted by the track configuration, model, and most significantly, the attachment being used.

Tracks
Bobcat mini track loaders are available with standard and wide-track configurations:

• Standard tracks: Designed to maintain a narrow machine width for tight-access work. Both the MT100 and MT120 measure approximately 36 inches wide with standard tracks.
• Wide tracks: Engineered to reduce ground pressure and provide added stability. On the MT120, 11-inch wide tracks increase the base machine width to just under 44 inches.

Bobcat Mini Track Loaders
The actual machine width of the Bobcat MT100 and MT120 is 35.6 inches. When the general purpose bucket is attached, the width of the Bobcat MT100 and MT120 is 36 inches. Like other mini track loaders, operating machine width will be impacted by track type and attachment.

Examples of attachments that increase this width include: 


• 48-inch Landplane
• 52-inch Angle Broom
• 48-inch Soil Conditioner
• 54-inch Snow Blade

Machine width matters because mini track loaders are valued most in spaces where larger equipment may not be able to operate. The compact width helps operators move through most narrow gates and fence openings and work in tight areas on landscaping, nursery and construction jobsites.

Further, mini track loader width helps with efficient operation over manual labor when the job requires lifting, hauling, grading, digging, trenching and material handling. 

As a rule of thumb it is always recommended that you understand the specifications of your job site, specifically key entry points and obstacles. Measure the narrowest access point and be sure to compare it to the machine width with the necessary track and attachment configurations applied.

For help determining which machine, tracks and attachments are best suited for your jobsite, contact your local Bobcat dealer.

Lift capacity and rated operating capacity are often used interchangeably when discussing loader performance. Rated operating capacity (ROC) indicates how much weight a machine is designed to lift during normal operation. For current Bobcat mini track loaders, ROC ranges from 1,000 pounds on the MT100 to 1,200 pounds on the MT120.

A higher rated operating capacity allows operators to handle heavier loads and can reduce the number of trips needed to move the same amount of material. This can be especially valuable when loading trailers, carrying landscape materials such as root balls or clearing jobsite debris.

Rated operating capacity is one consideration when choosing a mini track loader. Lift height, lift path, machine width, ground conditions and the type of work being performed can also help determine which model best fits the job.

Bobcat Mini Track Loader Rated Operating Capacity (ROC)
The Bobcat MT100 has a rated operating capacity of 1,000 pounds with undercarriage counterweights and 1,060 pounds with rear-position counterweights. The Bobcat MT120 has a rated operating capacity of 1,200 pounds.

Your local Bobcat dealer can help you compare machine capabilities, approved attachments and jobsite requirements to determine which mini track loader best fits your work.

With industry-leading versatility, Bobcat mini track loaders are compatible with more than 50 approved attachments for landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree care, construction, property maintenance and other applications.

Common mini track loader attachments include:

• Buckets: Move soil, mulch, gravel, debris and other loose materials as well as dig and level.
• Pallet forks: Carry palletized materials, nursery stock, supplies and jobsite materials.
• Augers: Dig holes for fence posts, trees, footings and similar installation work.
• Trenchers and vibratory plows: Install irrigation, drainage, utilities, cable and pipe.
• Grapples: Handle brush, logs, debris, roots and irregular materials.
• Landplanes and soil conditioners: Grade and level surfaces, prepare seedbeds and complete lawn renovation and site preparation.
• Angle brooms: Remove dirt, dried mud, light snow and debris from paved or finished surfaces.
• Tillers: Prepare soil for landscaping and ground renovation work.
• Snow blades and snowblowers: Clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and other tight-access spaces.
• Hydraulic and nitrogen breakers: efficiently break concrete, rock, asphalt, and other tough materials; demolition.
• Stump grinders: Remove stumps in large, open areas and small, compact environments.

Yes, mini track loaders can be rented. They are commonly available for rent through equipment rental providers, including participating Bobcat dealers. Rental availability can vary by location, dealer inventory, model, attachment and rental duration, so confirm machine availability and rental terms with a local dealer or rental provider.