Track Loaders vs. Skid Steer Loaders
If you’re not sure whether a track loader or a skid steer loader is right for you, read on for a brief comparison of the two styles. Both are equally useful, but each one is best under a certain set of conditions. This article breaks down some of the differences between the two loaders so you can determine what will work best for the jobs you have to do.
Advantages of a Skid Steer
Skid steer loaders are wheeled vehicles that rotate on a zero-turn radius using one wheel as a pivot. This allows them to take up less space when turning, making them ideal for small construction sites and tight spaces. The remaining wheels are fixed in place and ‘skid’ across the surface while the loader turns, hence the name.
Skid steers are lighter and therefore faster and more agile than track loaders, which is great if you need to clear a lot of material quickly. They can get up to 14 mph and that extra burst of speed can shave hours off a job. The tires of a skid steer operate best on hard surfaces like asphalt and dry dirt, and they’re less likely to tear up a hard surface. Because of their light weight, skid steers are easier to transport from place to place, which is important to consider if you have a lot of sites you need to work on.
Advantages of a Track Loader
Track loaders are heavy and rugged machines, ideal for the absolute worst conditions you’ll encounter. If you have to work in the rain or the mud, these machines remain stable and won’t spin out or get bogged down. This makes track loaders ideal for working in winter weather, too, as ice doesn’t impact them nearly as much as it does tires. Having the flexibility to work in inclement weather means you aren’t stuck waiting to complete a job until the sun comes out -- you can finish your tasks much sooner, no matter the weather.
The surface area of the large tracks keeps the weight of a track loader from sinking into mud. Tracks are much easier on a site’s surface than tires are because they won’t repeatedly gouge the surface, but rather glide over it, which means less maintenance for you. That also saves you more time overall!
Which Loader Is Right For You?
Skid steers are the cheaper option, often 30% less than a comparable track loader. They’re more versatile when it comes to small spaces, so if you don’t have a lot of room to operate, you’ll likely want a skid steer. These machines are also more portable and lighter in weight, if transport is a consideration for you.
On the other hand, tracks are more rugged and will last much longer while also requiring less frequent replacement than the tires on a skid steer. Track loaders also have much better traction in muddy, slick, or wet conditions, so if you’re often working in the rain, you may want to go with the track option.
To compare some track and skid steer loaders in person, feel free to visit our dealership here in Shakopee, Minnesota. Our helpful staff here at Quality Forklift Sales & Service will be happy to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our expansive inventory of equipment, and help ensure you find the perfect piece of machinery for your needs.