Skid-Steer or Compact Track Loader? 3 Questions to Help You Decide

Summary

Once you know the kind of work you’ll be performing, there are some important considerations that should be factored into your decision, including an evaluation of ground conditions, climate elements and your total cost of ownership. Depending on your company’s size, you may be handling different tasks under different work conditions, which may actually dictate having several compact loader types in your fleet. 

What types of surfaces is your loader working on? 

Assessing skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders starts at ground level. If you know that you will be operating on paved surfaces — streets, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways or hard-surfaced yards — it makes sense to buy a skid-steer loader. Tires work well on these improved surfaces, and a skid-steer loader offers a lower initial investment. 

Rubber tracks are ideal when working on established lawns where ground surface sensitivity is particularly important, because turf replacement is costly and time-consuming. Unlike skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders have a tracked undercarriage that provides lower ground pressure and improved flotation and traction. Tracks distribute the machine’s weight across a larger area than rubber-tire loaders, minimizing ground disturbance. Compact track loader operators should still be careful to make gradual turns rather than making sharp turns that can cause as much turf damage as when using a rubber-tire skid-steer loader and can require sod replacement when the job is done. 

More ground-to-surface contact optimizes a compact track loader’s power and performance on rough terrain and soft, sandy surfaces. It also enables operators to easily push loads in these conditions with less chance of getting stuck. Compact track loaders are also ideal for fine grading. Tracks are a definite plus when performing irrigation installation or hardscaping upgrades with their low 4- to 6- psi ground pressure. This means less concern about parting with profit or charging the customer extra for repairs after the job’s done. 

What climate will your loader work in? 

In addition to working in soft, sandy conditions, contractors often work in climates with wet and muddy ground conditions. For this reason, compact track loaders have allowed customers in many parts of North America to extend their working seasons to generate days — and even weeks — of extra income. After it rains, companies with compact track loaders are some of the first contractors back on a jobsite due to the low ground pressure and traction provided this equipment. By getting back to work sooner, you will be able to complete jobs faster, thus maximizing your profitability. You may be able to recover the additional cost of a compact track loader in less time than you think. 

What is the total cost of ownership for each type of loader? 

While it’s true that new skid-steer loaders typically have a lower initial purchase price compared to the same size track loaders, it’s mostly because the tires and wheels for a skid-steer loader cost less than rubber tracks and their associated undercarriage parts. 

In addition to tires and tracks, there is yet another option that could provide a solution. Most manufacturers offer over-the-tire steel tracks as an accessory for skid-steer loaders to help owners increase their utilization of the machine when ground conditions are less than ideal. 

Overall ownership costs for all of these types of loaders should include a calculation of productivity and machine utilization along with maintenance costs. 

Matching the right compact loader to your operation starts from the ground up. Knowing the work you will perform, having a good understanding of the surface and weather conditions each loader type will succeed in and calculating your overall machine costs will make your decision easier. Armed with the right information, you can determine which type of loader will meet all your jobsite needs — or whether you need both. 

If you’re still trying to decide which loader is right for you, contact your local dealer for more information.