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Build & QuoteCompact 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.
Table of Contents:
- The Making of a Machine: The History of Compact Loaders
- When Was the First Compact Track Loader Made
- What is a Compact Loader
- What is a Compact Track Loader (CTL)
- What is a Skid-Steer Loader (SSL)
- What is the Difference Between a Compact Track Loader vs. a Skid-Steer Loader
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compact Track Loader or Skid-Steer Loader
- Versatile Uses of Compact Loaders Across Various Industries
- Construction
- Road Work
- Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Applications & Uses
- Other Applications
- Summary
- Continue the Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
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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Find A DealerVersatile 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.
Construction Applications & Uses
Excavating and Earthmoving
Compact track loaders are dependable workhorses on the construction site, ideal for completing demanding tasks like digging and removing large volumes of soil and other materials.
Grading
Due to lower ground pressure, compact track loaders are excellent for grading. Use this machine to ensure minimal ground disturbance as you add or remove materials or level surfaces.
Material Handling and Loading
Skid-steers can transport palletized items and other construction materials around jobsites and help unload supplies into buildings under construction. The tires make jobs that require faster travel a breeze. For outdoor and rough jobsite work, however, consider using a track loader for lower ground pressure and traction.
Demolition
Skid-steers can be used to break up concrete and asphalt with hydraulic or nitrogen breakers during demolition projects. When working on paved surfaces, a skid-steer may be the best choice due to their agility, zero-turn radius and travel speed.
Digging
Skid-steers and compact track loaders can help excavate areas for building projects, concrete pad preparation, swimming pools, and more.
Site Cleanup
Compact loaders are incredibly versatile and can be used for site cleanup in a variety of ways. With attachments like grapples and sweepers, both skid-steers and track loaders can remove debris, rocks and waste to help clean jobsites after construction is completed.
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
Asphalt and Concrete
Skid-steers make light work of asphalt and concrete jobs. Tires work best on paved surfaces, so a skid-steer is your go-to for road work. They are incredibly agile due to their zero-turn radius and can reach higher travel speeds. This helps speed up material movement and transport tasks around the jobsite.
Roadbed Grading and Compacting
Due to lower ground pressure, compact track loaders are ideal for grading to ensure minimal ground disturbance. Graders and box blade attachments can be equipped with laser receivers to provide precise leveling capabilities. Vibratory roller attachments can be used to compact soil and gravel layers, creating a stable roadbed and smooth asphalt.
Snow and Debris Removal
There’s no need for a shovel when you have a compact loader with a plow, bucket or snow blower attachment. Skid-steers can help you clear roads, parking lots and access routes in urban areas. Compact loaders can also load snow into trucks for off-site disposal.
Trenching for Roadside Utilities
When it comes to roadside utility work, compact track loaders are great for digging and backfilling trenches. Compact track loaders have robust engines and hydraulic systems that power movement and many different attachments, including buckets, trenchers, vibratory plows, augers, and pallet forks.
Sign and Barrier Installation
Skid-steer loaders equipped with an auger attachment are suitable for drilling holes for signposts and barriers, helping reduce installation time.
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
Grading and Preparing Soil for Planting
Compact track loaders offer minimal ground disturbance, making them great for leveling large areas, breaking up compacted soil and incorporating ground contours.
Moving and Spreading Soil, Mulch and Gravel
Compact track loaders are ideal for transporting and spreading materials like soil, mulch and gravel. Features like self-leveling buckets and automatic ride control can make these jobs even easier by helping to limit spilled material.
Tree and Shrub Planting
Both compact track loaders and skid-steers can help dig holes using auger attachments and transport trees and shrubs to their planting spots, saving operators hours of manual labor.
Irrigation System Installation and Repair
Compact track loaders can help dig trenches for irrigation pipes, transport materials around the jobsite and backfill trenches after installation.
Pond Digging and Maintenance
Compact track loaders can be used to excavate soil for ponds and water features and help with maintenance tasks such as sediment removal and bank reshaping.
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
Loading and Unloading Bales and Other Materials
Skid-steers are ideal for stacking hay bales, handling feed bags and managing other farm supplies. Their compact size allows a skid-steer to move easily within barns and confined areas where larger farm equipment might not fit.
Cleaning Out Barns and Sheds
Skid-steers small size, agility and zero-turn radius allow them to quickly remove manure and old bedding from livestock areas.
Digging and Maintaining Ditches and Waterways
Compact track loaders can be used to excavate drainage ditches and help maintain existing waterways by reshaping banks and removing sediment buildup while minimizing ground disturbance due to their low ground pressure.
Clearing Land and Removing Stumps
Farmers and ranchers can use compact track loaders to prepare the land for new crops. Equipped with specialized attachments, compact track loaders are ideal for clearing brush and small trees and removing stumps from fields.
Feeding Animals and Handling Feedstock
With faster ground speeds and high maneuverability, skid-steers can help transport and distribute feed to livestock in barns and outdoor enclosures.
Transporting Bedding Materials
A skid-steer’s zero-turn radius makes it ideal for moving and spreading straw, sawdust or other bedding materials in animal pens.
Assisting with Animal Management Tasks
Compact loaders can help set up temporary corrals for livestock, move portable fencing and transport equipment for tasks like vaccination, branding or shearing.
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
Utility Work
Compact track loaders are suitable for digging trenches for water, gas and electrical lines. They can also backfill them efficiently. Both track loaders and skid-steers can help move materials on utility jobsites. Common attachments for utility work include trenchers, vibratory rollers, augers and more.
Mining and Quarrying
Compact loaders are great to use for mining and quarrying. Track loaders can move large volumes of earth and rock but still operate effectively in tight spaces. While both track loaders and skid-steers can move extracted materials, a track loader is better suited to heavier loads. Both machines can spread topsoil and perform other cleanup and land reclamation tasks. Common attachments used for mining and quarrying include buckets, industrial grapples and more.
Forestry and Logging
Compact track loaders are excellent for forestry and logging applications. Whether clearing underbrush, moving logs or grading forest roads, track loaders enable operators to tackle tough tasks efficiently due to their increased traction and low ground pressure on loose surfaces. Common attachments used for forestry and logging include brush saws or cutters, disc mulchers, chippers, grading attachments, grapples, and more.
Concrete and Asphalt
Skid-steers equipped with a concrete mixer attachment can mix, transport and pour concrete precisely in tight spaces. Both compact track loaders and skid-steers can transport materials across the worksite. They can also break up concrete and asphalt during demolition projects and perform cleanup tasks like sweeping and disposing of excess materials.
Oil and Gas
Compact loaders can be used for a variety of tasks at oil and gas jobsites. Compact track loaders are best for site preparation and access road maintenance because they have the advantage on grading and leveling tasks. Both track loaders and skid-steers can be used to dig trenches for pipelines. Skid-steers are ideal for moving smaller loads of materials and equipment in confined spaces or over distances. However, for heavier loads a track loader may be a better fit to ensure minimal ground disturbance. Common attachments for oil and gas operations include grading attachments, trenchers, buckets, and more.
Parks and Recreation
Compact loaders are incredibly useful for parks and recreation work. For landscaping, lawn care, maintaining walk paths, and tree planting, a skid-steer is your go-to. Compact track loaders are better for cutting new trails through wooded areas with rougher terrain as you need lower ground pressure and improved traction for these site conditions. Track loaders can also spread gravel and wood chips on trails. Common attachments for parks and recreation jobsites use include disc mulchers, augers and grapple attachments.
Marinas and Docks
Compact track loaders and skid-steers both have their uses on marina and dock sites. Skid-steers can easily transport and position boat stands. Both track loaders and skid-steers are versatile in their abilities to take on dock repairs, equipment transport and dock installation. Common attachments used on marina and dock jobsites include buckets, pallet forks, augers, trenchers, and sweepers.
Plumbing and Drainage Works
Compact track loaders can help dig trenches for water mains and sewer lines. They can also backfill trenches and compact the soil. When it comes to moving and positioning pipe around the jobsite, either a track loader or a skid-steer with pallet fork attachments can do the work. Both can perform cleanup tasks effectively and load away material and waste. Common attachments for this work include buckets, trenchers, pallet forks and more.
Building Maintenance Renovation
Skid-steers are often the most ideal for building maintenance renovations. They can break up flooring and walls, remove debris and transport materials. Their compact size allows them to easily navigate doorways and maneuver inside. Common attachments for this work include hydraulic breakers, buckets, grapples and more.
Golf Course Management
Golf course facilities can use compact track loaders for maintaining grounds in rough areas as well as reshaping. Both compact track loaders and skid-steers can assist in bunker renovation and water feature maintenance. Common attachments for golf course maintenance include mowers, seeders, box blades, rakes, light material buckets, augers, sweepers, and more.
Manufacturing
Skid-steers are a reliable tool in manufacturing settings for transporting palletized materials, loading and unloading goods, and maneuvering in tight spaces on factory floors. Their ability to turn efficiently makes maneuvering around loading docks easy. Common attachments in manufacturing settings include pallet forks, buckets, sweepers, and more.
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.
Continue the Compact Track Loader & Skid-Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
- What Are Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders and Their Uses
- Explore Sizes and Specifications of Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Key Factors When Choosing a Compact Track Loader or Skid-Steer Loader
- Features and Options for Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Attachments for Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders
- Service and Maintenance of Compact Track Loaders & Skid-Steer Loaders