Tracks vs. Wheels: Choosing the Right Compact Loader for Your Needs

Tracks versus wheels. It's a common compact loader debate. Several factors come into play when choosing the right loader for your applications -- the terrain, ground speed, traction, load-handling capabilities and more.

A track machine is almost always the preferred choice in construction or landscaping applications. Compact track loaders provide more traction, less ground disturbance, better material retention and enhanced lifting capacities. The exceptions would be if you are primarily working on concrete or asphalt, where tracks can cause wear, or if you need higher ground speed for highway construction or multiple projects within a subdivision.

While track machines can introduce higher maintenance and operating costs, they allow you to work a longer season and complete more jobs. Because track loaders have lower ground pressure, they can operate in places a skid steer loader couldn't due to wet ground conditions.

When comparing equivalent skid steer and compact track loader models, the track machine will typically provide about 30 percent more tipping load capacity. The industry is experiencing a shift from wheeled machines to compact track loaders, but it's still important to consider several factors when selecting the loader that fits your needs.