Skid steers also weigh less than similarly equipped compact track loaders, simplifying and reducing the expense of moving them from site to site.Īnd speaking of lighter weight, skid steers, on the whole, are lighter than compact track loaders owing to the fact that wheels are lighter than tracks.
Skid steers move at higher speeds than comparable track loaders-especially on hard surfaces-making them ideal for work on large construction sites or other areas where the machine is covering large distances. And since most snow removal occurs on asphalt and concrete, tires will outlast tracks in this application. The four tires found on a skid steer exert more ground pressure than a track loader, resulting in better traction and more efficient removal of snow and ice than a track machine. Many of the same qualities that make skid steers preferable for work on hard surfaces also make them ideal for snow removal. Because of the superiority of tires on hard surfaces, skid steers have remained the go-to machine for roadwork, demolition, scrap, recycling, feedlots, and for many landscaping projects. Additionally, tires wear more slowly than tracks on these types of terrain. Skid steers on tires beat machines on tracks on hard surfaces like concrete and pavement – they move more easily and are capable of manoeuvring at higher speeds.
If you’re in the market for a compact loader but can’t decide between a skid steer or track loader, here are 10 reasons why we think rolling with wheels is the way to go. The advent of the compact track loader (CTL) has increased the available options for operators interested in these versatile machines, which can be found on farms and job sites in every corner of the world. The importance and effectiveness of skid steers on the job site have grown exponentially since their inception in the 1950s.