Choosing the right equipment for your business is essential to continue smooth operations: everything from the biggest machines to the smallest detail in your operation can have major impacts. This is especially true when choosing the type of loader that your team will be using. When choosing a loader for your business, you may have to choose between skid steer loaders and track loaders. In this blog, we will detail the differences and similarities between the two loaders.
Need Help Finding Parts For Your Loader? Contact Us Today!
Tires vs Tracks
Most skid steers use wheels for movement whereas others may use tracks. Knowing the difference between the two options is essential when choosing a loader.
Skid Steer Loaders
The easy answer to these questions would of course be, if you’re working on solid flat surfaces, wheels would be the best choice. Wheels do not wear down as much as tracks when on even ground. Also, skid steers are highly maneuverable, can do more work quickly, and as long as the surface doesn’t give the wheels much of a challenge, are more economical since you won’t need to replace the tires as much. Time is money as they say. If you can get the work done quicker and more efficiently, the better. On solid flat ground, tracks wear out more and can actually cause damage to those surfaces. Now say, as a renovation site, for example, wheels would work best due to the site probably already having flat concrete structures already. Most likely pre-flattened ground or even areas around the site. A wheeled loader would outperform a tracked one.
Track Loaders
On the flip side of this, track loaders would be the better choice if the surface is uneven or ground has not been leveled yet and is soft. The construction site could potentially have steep grades around the surface area or even debris. In these cases, a compact track loader would accept the challenge and long for more. Tracks on a skid loader distribute the weight of the machine more effectively and can handle rough, soft, or cluttered surfaces like a champ. Moreover, track loaders usually can handle heavier loads due to the slower movement and do not slip as wheels can. Dozing, digging, and drilling are handled masterfully in a tracked vehicle with relative ease as tracks give the machine way more traction than wheels can.
Cost of Ownership
On average, a track loader will cost about 30% more than a similar-sized skid steer loader. Along with this, maintenance costs for a track loader are typically much higher than maintenance costs for a skid steer loader. Many of these costs come from the price difference between tracks and tires: a new set of tires for a skid steer loader is between $1,200 and $2,000, while a new set of tracks for a track loader can cost up to $3,500. Tracks are also prone to wear and tear more quickly than tires, so they need to be replaced more frequently.
Performance
One thing business owners know is that performance can make or break a business. The faster and more efficient a business can operate the better. When it comes to skid steer and track loaders, there are several key differences in performance: skid steer loaders can reach speeds of up to 12 mph. Skid steers can also counter-rotate which allows for more maneuverability in tight and crowded spaces. Along with this, skid steer loaders have a higher ground clearance, making them easier to load onto trailers and transport between work sites. The tires of skid steer loaders also make them better at removing snow from sites.
Most track loaders can reach a maximum speed of 9 mph. Track loaders also can navigate tougher terrain and inclement weather. This can cut costs caused by delays that would normally be caused by unfavorable weather conditions. The tracks also allow the loader to climb difficult slopes.
LPS has the Parts and Knowledge
Whatever the situation, you will want to ensure your loader is prepared for the task at hand. Depending on your brand or loader type, you will want to research your options carefully as it could save you time and money. There are a number of resources out there that can help you with your decision and LPS has over two decades of experience with skid loaders. Whether it be for parts or knowledge, LPS is a leader in the skid steer and compact loader market.
Visit our website today to see the full list of parts and supplies that we offer.
