Compact Track Loaders

A compact track loader is a powerful, versatile machine that combines the lifting and maneuvering capabilities of a skid-steer loader with the added traction and low ground pressure of rubber tracks. This design makes it ideal for working on soft, uneven, or sensitive surfaces. 

The rubber tracks help distribute the machine’s weight over a larger area, versus tires, reducing ground disturbance on various surfaces like mud, sand, or turf. This makes compact track loaders especially valuable in climates with seasonal challenges, helping extend the working season and minimize damage to lawns or finished landscapes, compared to other similarly sized machines. 

While compact track loaders are best known for lifting and carrying materials with buckets, popular attachments like augers, angle brooms, graders and more, expand their capabilities. With the right attachments, compact track loaders can take on digging, grading, lifting, sweeping, and more. 

Thanks to their adaptability and performance, compact track loaders are widely used across industries such as construction, landscaping, agriculture and more. With a variety of frame sizes, rated operating capacities, and engine options available, you can easily find a model that fits your specific needs.

Bobcat compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders look a lot alike from the undercarriage up. The most obvious difference is that compact track loaders have tracks and skid-steer loaders have wheels. Each undercarriage style offers unique benefits.

Compact Track Loaders 

Compact track loaders are typically heavier than skid-steer loaders. Because the tracks are long and wide – the footprint they leave is comparable to that of a human being. This reduces ground disturbance and increases flotation – or the ability to drive over soft ground conditions. 

• The extra ground-to-surface contact of tracks – and the additional machine weight – enhances digging and pushing power 
• Enables operators who work in established residential areas to avoid causing turf damage 
• Tracks can more easily work in wet, muddy conditions, enabling you to get on the jobsite sooner after a rain 
• Low ground pressure helps you produce a smooth and finished grade 

Skid-Steer Loaders 

A skid-steer loader offers extremely tight turning or “skidding.” During a turn, wheels on one side can move forward while wheels on the other side can move backward. This enables you to pivot the machine 360 degrees. 

• Easily maneuvers in close quarters 
• The weight distribution of a Bobcat skid-steer loader is balanced for easy turning and skidding

Choosing the best compact track loader for you comes down to the work you need to get done. Think about the applications you’ll tackle most often and the jobsite conditions you face. Key specs to consider include operating weight, rated operating capacity, hydraulic power, and size class—each of which impacts the types of attachments you can run, the material you can move, and the environments where you can work most efficiently. 

For a closer look at what to evaluate and how to match a machine to your needs, watch our compact loader buying tips video and explore our Compact Track Loader and Skid-Steer Loader Buyer’s Guide. 

Start your search for the right compact track loader by looking at the size of your workload. Once you know how much or how high you need to lift, you can start to match machine capabilities to your job requirements.

If you’d like to dig in further, Bobcat offers plenty of tips for choosing a compact track loader.

Although Bobcat® compact track loaders are designed to be easy to use, receiving proper training is essential. With Bobcat operator training courses, you can quickly learn what you need to know: 

• Safe and efficient operation 
• Understanding of key components and safety features 
• Detailed explanations of controls and functions 
• Maneuvering, traveling and working safely 

Courses are available online so you can learn at your own pace. They feature interactive videos, graphics, quizzes and more to make learning easy. For detailed training questions, reach out to your local dealer. 

You can only find Bobcat compact track loaders at your authorized Bobcat dealer. Use our Bobcat dealer locator to find Bobcat-authorized sales, service and support near you.