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Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders and Their Uses

Compact Loader Buyer’s Guide: Part 1 of 6

Learn the basics about compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders, including their advantages and uses across various industries.  

 

The Making of a Machine: The History of Compact Loaders  

Who Made the First Compact Loader?  

Large equipment dominated jobsites for decades. But expensive and bulky equipment offered limited options for operators working in tight spaces. As construction, landscaping and agricultural needs evolved, operators sought a better solution – something more efficient than manual tools. The invention of the compact loader radically changed how people work on jobsites with space constraints today.  

In 1957, brothers Cy and Louis Keller ran a blacksmith shop in Rothsay, Minnesota, where they repaired farm implements. When a local turkey farmer asked them to create a more efficient tool to clean his barns, the concept for the first compact loader – known today as a skid-steer loader – was born. They built a three-wheeled machine with a 5-horsepower engine and a hydraulic loader arm made from repurposed steel bars. After improving their initial design with a clutch-drive transmission, the Keller brothers sought to mass-produce the machine.  

In 1958, they encountered the owner of Melroe Manufacturing Company at the Minnesota State Fair. The brothers made a deal with Les Melroe to work for the company and commercialize the machine. This partnership eventually helped the Melroe Manufacturing Company – later renamed Bobcat Company – become a leader in the compact equipment industry. 

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When Was the First Compact Track Loader Made?  

While Bobcat skid-steer loaders became extremely successful, customers were looking for better performance in varying site conditions. In 1999, Bobcat introduced its first compact track loader to address evolving customer needs. The fundamental design was like a skid-steer loader with the exception of the machine traveling on rubber tracks instead of tires.  

Bobcat has played a pivotal role throughout the development and evolution of the compact loader industry. Over the years, the company has released five types of compact loaders: mini track loaders, skid-steers, compact track loaders, small articulated loaders, and compact wheel loaders.

What is a Compact Loader?  

A compact loader is a small, yet powerful machine used for a variety of tasks, including digging, lifting, material handling, and more. It can travel on tracks or tires and is available with diesel or battery power. Highly maneuverable, a compact loader is ideal for working in tight spaces. A variety of attachments can be used on these machines to aid with specific tasks. Compact loaders are commonly used in construction, landscaping and agriculture. 

This Buyer’s Guide will introduce and compare two types of compact loaders: Bobcat® compact track loaders and Bobcat® skid-steer loaders. We’ll explore the advantages and differences between the loaders and share factors to consider before purchasing, giving you the information you need to choose your next machine. 

What is a Compact Track Loader (CTL)?  

A compact track loader is a small, agile loader with a rubber tracked undercarriage in place of tires. The tracks provide low ground pressure and strong traction so that the loader can handle loads across soft, muddy or uneven terrain. Compact track loaders can be diesel- or battery-powered. Diesel compact track loaders come equipped with a hydraulics system to help power various attachments.  

Track loaders can perform a variety of tasks, including digging, lifting, material handling, and more. Their versatility makes compact track loaders an excellent choice for operators looking for a reliable workhorse suitable for a multitude of applications. 

What is a Skid-Steer Loader (SSL)?  

A Bobcat® skid-steer loader (also referred to as a skid-steer) was the first compact loader ever developed. It has a four-wheel base and a unique steering system that allows the tires on one side to move independently from those on the other, causing the loader to ‘skid’ when turning. That’s why, compared to other machines, the skid-steer can pivot and counter-rotate more effectively in tight spaces. A skid-steer can be diesel- or battery-powered. Maneuverability and travel speed often make skid-steers the perfect choice for indoor or paved jobsites. 

What is the Difference Between a Compact Track Loader vs a Skid-Steer?  

Although a compact track loader and a skid-steer may look similar, their key difference lies in their undercarriages – compact track loaders have tracks while skid-steers have tires. This difference impacts several aspects, including ground pressure, traction, costs, maintenance, and application. 

Understanding the differences between skid-steers and compact track loaders ensures you choose the right machine for specific job requirements and site conditions. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compact Loader

 Here’s a quick breakdown of the advantages and different capabilities of track loaders and skid-steers to help you determine which loader is a fit for your needs.  

Ground Pressure    

Compact Track Loaders: Compact track loaders have rubber tracks that provide lower ground pressure and increased flotation, helping minimize ground disturbance and damage to sensitive surfaces. 

Skid-Steer Loaders: In contrast, skid-steers are equipped with tires, making them ideal for operating on paved surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.

Traction and Flotation     

Compact Track Loaders: Compact track loaders offer superior traction on uneven, soft, sandy, or muddy terrain, allowing operators to confidently navigate challenging ground conditions and get their work done on time.

Skid-Steer Loaders: Meanwhile, skid-steers have tires which navigate better on snow and make them more suited for work on concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces where high maneuverability and speed are essential. 

Maintenance   

Compact Track Loaders: Compact track loaders require regular track tension checks, undercarriage cleaning and monitoring of components like idlers and sprockets.

Skid-Steer Loaders: Skid-steers, on the other hand, need tire pressure checks and occasional puncture repairs. 

Applications  

Compact Track Loaders: With their low ground pressure and high traction, compact track loaders have an edge in rough terrain applications such as excavation, earthmoving and landscaping.

Skid-Steer Loaders: In comparison, skid-steers excel at applications involving snow removal and work on paved surfaces, such as material handling, demolition and roadwork.  

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Versatile Uses of Compact Loaders Across Various Industries

Compact track loaders and skid-steers are tough and versatile machines that can help operators get more work done efficiently.   

Whether excavating earth, clearing trees and brush on a field, grading soil, transporting feed on the farm, digging trenches or loading materials in a truck, compact loaders are designed to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in a day’s work.  

It’s important to consider what you’ll be using the compact loader for when trying to decide between a compact track loader and a skid-steer. 

Construction

Versatile, powerful, and compact, skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders are essential machines on today's construction jobsites. Their maneuverability and adaptability allow them to complete a wide variety of tasks, from material handling and grading to site cleanup and trenching. Whether working in tight spaces or across challenging terrain, these loaders deliver the performance and precision needed for construction operations.

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Construction Applications & Uses

Road Work 

Compact track loaders and skid-steers are essential machines on road work sites, offering remarkable versatility and robust lifting and grading capabilities. When equipped with the right attachments, these loaders excel in tasks such as removal of old pavement, preparing sub-base and loading and unloading materials.

Road Work Applications & Uses

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance 

Compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders are essential machines for landscaping and grounds maintenance. Their agility and power provide efficient operation when moving soil and mulch, grading surfaces, and preparing lawns or garden beds. With a wide range of available attachments, these loaders can tackle everything from spreading gravel and compost to clearing debris on varied terrain—making them invaluable for maintaining pristine outdoor spaces. 

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Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Applications & Uses

Agriculture  

Compact track loaders and skid steer loaders have become indispensable assets for agricultural operations, delivering versatility and efficiency across a broad spectrum of tasks. Whether it’s handling feed, moving bales, transporting materials, or leveling land, these machines help streamline workflows and boost productivity. 

Compact track loaders and skid steer loaders have become indispensable assets for agricultural operations, delivering versatility and efficiency across a broad spectrum of tasks. Whether it’s handling feed, moving bales, transporting materials, or leveling land, these machines help streamline workflows and boost productivity. 

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Agricultural Applications & Uses

Other Applications  

Compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders extend far beyond the confines of construction, road work, landscaping, and agriculture. Their renowned versatility allows them to seamlessly adapt to a broad range of industries and applications, making them indispensable wherever adaptability and reliable performance are required. For example, these machines are frequently used in utility work, forestry operations, mining and quarrying, parks and recreation, building maintenance and even more applications. Discover the versatility of applications with skid-steers and compact track loaders. 

Other Applications & Uses

Summary 

Skid-steers and compact track loaders have become the go-to machine across many industries and applications. Their versatility and maneuverability make light work of the toughest jobs. 

When choosing between a compact track loader and a skid-steer, take into consideration the terrain you’ll be working on and the specific tasks at hand. Compact track loaders excel on uneven and rough terrain due to their low-pressure tracked undercarriage, while skid-steers are better suited for hard, paved areas where tires can give them an edge in speed and agility.  

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