Compact Track Loaders vs. Skid Steer Loaders: Which One is Right for You?
Compact track loaders and skid steer loaders are both small in size and tackle a similar range of heavy-duty tasks. This guide lays out each machine’s benefits and disadvantages, making it easy to decide on adding one to your fleet.
Why Consider a Compact Track Loader or a Skid Steer Loader
Skid steers and compact track loaders are often compared to one another due to the variety of work site jobs they can accomplish, including:
Material Handling: Lifting and carrying dirt, mulch, gravel, and more.
Earthmoving: Grading and excavating.
Site Preparation: Clearing/preparing land and handling debris on worksites.
Snow Removal: Handling snow and ice with the right attachments.
What are Compact Track Loaders?
Compact loaders are mounted on tracks instead of wheels, providing optimal control on uneven or unpredictable terrain. These loaders are small, versatile and able to perform a wide range of tasks thanks to their many attachment options.
Popular Models
John Deere 317G: The smallest compact track loader from John Deere, the 317G is tiny but powerful, lifting up to 2,125 pounds.
Cat 289D: This Cat track loader is popular for its vertical lift design that provides improved lifting capabilities. For projects that require a longer reach, consider a Cat 289D.
What are Skid Steer Loaders?
Skid steer loaders are like compact track loaders in their small size, range of task capabilities, and attachment versatility, however, there are several key differences. Skid steers are mounted on wheels rather than tracks, which provides less traction on rough surfaces but more maneuverability. Operators can control the left and right wheels individually, resulting in a skidding motion that offers a tight turn radius.
Popular Models
Cat 242D and Cat 262D3: similar to the Cat 289D compact track loader, the Cat 242D and Cat 262D3 have the same vertical lift design that allows for extended reach, but instead in a skid steer.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between a skid steer and a compact track loader comes down to your preferences and worksite conditions. Now that you understand the basics of each machine, consider our pros and cons to find the best fit for your project!
Compact Track Loader Advantages
Traction and Terrain Versatility: Tracked compact loaders provide more stability than their wheeled skid steer counterparts. This means compact track loaders are great for all worksites, even those with harsh or uneven conditions.
Weight Distribution: Compact loader’s tracks mean better weight dispersion and less ground pressure than wheels. This makes compact track loaders just as great on soft or delicate surfaces as they are on unpredictable terrain.
Slope Performance: A low centre of gravity means more stability, making it easy to climb slopes with your compact track loader.
Compact Track Loader Disadvantages
Higher Maintenance: While tracks have their advantages, their more complicated mechanics usually mean more upkeep and higher maintenance costs.
Turning: Compact track loaders don’t have the same sharp turning capabilities as skid steer loaders, making them less maneuverable.
Skid Steer Loader Advantages
Maneuverability: Thanks to their unique steering controls, skid steer loaders’ narrow turn radius makes them great in tight conditions.
Speed: Wheels offer more speed than tracks, making skid steers convenient for quick transportation at worksites.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Simpler mechanics mean lower maintenance costs and upkeep.
Skid Steer Loader Disadvantages
Terrain Limitations: While convenient for speed and maneuverability, wheels are less effective on soft, muddy, and uneven terrain.
Slope Performance: A higher centre of gravity means less stability, making climbing slopes harder in a skid steer.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the speed and maneuverability of a skid steer or the traction and handling of a compact track loader, both are great options for digging, excavation, and material handling on your worksite. If you’re still unsure about your perfect fit, reach out to our team of used equipment experts who are excited to answer your questions!
Looking for a used skid steer loader for sale or a used track loader for sale? Fused has a wide selection of used compact track loaders and used skid loaders from industry-leading brands.