How to choose between compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders for your worksite?

Skid-steer loaders, whether on tracks or wheels, are a staple piece of machinery in construction sites of all sizes. They can perform a variety of tasks, including digging, lifting and carrying various loads, landscaping, snow removal and grading. There are two types of compact skid-steer loaders that you can choose from, namely: skid-steer loaders on wheels and compact track loaders.

The two categories of equipment generally perform the same functions and may be interchangeable in certain applications. However, there are a number of important differences between the two categories of skid-steers. The type of compact loader you choose can have a significant impact on the success of your project, hence it is important to understand how each of them works.

To help you decide whether you should choose a skid-steer loader or a compact track loader for your worksite, we'll explain how each of them will help you and we will also cover the differences between the two.

The main differences between a skid steer loader or a skid steer loader

1. What is a skid-steer loader?

Skid-steer loaders are compact machines designed primarily for digging and landscaping. They operate on four wheels and can work with several attachments installed on the front loader boom. Such attachments include buckets, snowblowers or pallet forks. Because the wheels are attached to the locked axles, a skid-steer loader operator must increase the speed of the wheels on one side in order to manoeuvre the machine.

Applications: Digging and landscaping

Advantages of skid-steer loaders

Any skid-steer loader will work with great efficiency on flat surfaces such as hard terrain, asphalt or concrete. These machines move much faster on these surfaces than compact track loaders. This way, they can cover more ground in less time.

Skid-steer loaders are typically used on hard surfaces where compact track loaders would not perform very well.

These machines have a much lower purchase cost and reduced maintenance costs compared to compact track loaders.

Disadvantages of skid-steer loaders

The weight of a skid-steer loader is distributed between only four contact points, namely in the tire area. This means that the machine can easily sink or get stuck when used on muddy terrain. And, if the terrain is too rough or uneven, the tires risk exploding. Also, tires wear out faster than tracks.

Skid-steer loader maintenance

To properly maintain the tires of a skid-steer loader, there are a few steps you can take. Preventive tire maintenance includes proper inflation and regular inspection for cracks or debris.

Wheeled skid-steer loaders available at Utilben:

Utilben offers you 3 models of skid-steer loaders, which are both powerful and compact and can be easily used in narrow spaces:

Sunward SWL 2830 skid-steer loader:

• Weight: 2.83 tons

• Load capacity: 750 kg

• Power: 65 HP

• Unloading height: 2.32 meters

Sunward SWL 3230 skid-steer loader:

• Weight: 3.45 tons

• Loading capacity: 1.1 tons

• Power: 74 HP

• Unloading height: 2.4 meters

Sunward SWL 4038 skid-steer loader:

• Weight: 3.65 tons

• Loading capacity: 1.3 tons

• Power: 74 HP

• Lifting height with bucket parallel to the ground: 3.05 meters

2. What is a compact track loader?

A compact track loader is very similar in size to a skid-steer loader and they share many of the same functions, however the compact track loaders’ weight and added traction make them more capable of moving over slippery or uneven terrain. Compact track loaders come in many sizes and they can perform a variety of tasks, including grading, excavating and demolition.

Applications: Earthworks that require increased traction and stability.

Advantages of compact track loaders

Optimised weight distribution and less weight transfer to the ground make them ideal for uneven, wet or snowy terrain, but also for gravel or sand. Instead of getting bogged down on soft surfaces, compact track loaders can work smoothly on these types of terrain. Also, these compact machines are much more stable even when working on slopes, compared to skid-steer loaders or other types of equipment.

A compact track loader provides smoother operation than its wheeled counterpart. They offer more breaking power and lifting capacity on soft surfaces, without compacting the soil.

Disadvantages of compact track loaders

A compact track loader is not the best choice if you will need to work with them on concrete or asphalt. Although Sunward compact track loaders can be used on these surfaces due to their rubber tracks, we recommend that you choose wheeled skid-steer loaders when working on asphalt or concrete surfaces.

Compact track loaders will move much more slowly, hence bear this in mind if you require speed for the type of work you will be performing.

Compact track loader maintenance

Compact track loaders require extensive maintenance compared to wheel skid-steer loaders. Regular check-ups are required and these will take longer, as these machines need a thorough inspection. Also, compact track loaders are more difficult to clean than skid-steer loaders.

Another downside is the fact that tracks are more difficult to replace than tires.

Advice before buying or renting a skid-steer loader or a compact track loader

Before you buy or rent a Sunward skid-steer loader or a compact track loader, make sure you know exactly what kind of work you will be using these machines for and what kind of terrain you will be working on. Skid-steer loaders are the more affordable choice for smaller to medium-sized jobs, while they are ideal for flat surfaces. On the other hand, if your jobsite resides on muddy or uneven terrain, or if you need a more powerful machinery, compact track loaders will be your best bet.

If you require a skid-steer loader or a compact track loader, we invite you to go on either one of our websites www.sunward.ro or www.utilben.ro where you will find a wide range of equipment. You can also contact us on +40733 040 000 or via email at [email protected].