Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loaders have become the newest must-have tool in the landscaping industry. They can operate in virtually any conditions, leave fewer noticeable signs of their presence, and seem to do a better job in general than an old-style skid steer.

Your phone can share Photos!!

Track Loaders History
The first skid steer was placed on the market in 1958. It was essentially a three-wheeled, self-propelled, independent drive train, compact front loader. Major improvements over front loaders of the day included compact size, a virtually nonexistent turning radius, and an amazingly large workload for its size and price. It was an important step forward.

Today, skid steers are commonly used in many places for various reasons. They are versatile machines thanks to their small size, great power, and many specialized attachments. One industry that began to rely heavily on ski steers was the landscaping industry. In landscaping, it is often necessary to perform heavy work in a small, somewhat enclosed, sensitive area. There are often flowerbeds, small trees, and many man-made objects placed in close proximity that the landscaper must be able to function around. A skid steer, thanks to its independent drive trains for left and right sides, is able to turn around in its own tracks and therefore operate in these tight spaces. In comparison to its size, a skid steer is usually very strong, thanks to hydraulics and a well-designed chassis. The combination of compact size, maneuverability, and power make it an excellent tool for the landscaper. However, there remained a few problems with skid steers that track loaders sought to answer.

Why Track Loaders?
Skid steers have a few problems. One of these problems is the inability to operate in wet, muddy, slippery conditions. With four tires, a large amount of weight is placed in four specific points on the surface the skid steer is working on. On asphalt or other firm surface, this is often not a problem. But if faced with muddy or soft conditions, a skid steer is often unable to manage, leaving large ruts or even getting stuck. In the landscaping business, both of these are often unacceptable due to the ugly look of ruts. With only four wheels, skid steers also assume that those four small areas will provide enough traction not only to move the machine, but also whatever it is pushing, pulling, or carrying.

Track loaders are essentially a skid steer on tracks instead of wheels. This changes a number of things. By increasing the surface area of the contacting surface, the weight of the machine is spread out over a larger area, allowing it to ‘float’ more readily on soft surface conditions. The increased surface area also increases traction in slippery conditions. This means that a track loader, when compared to a skid steer, is able to function in more conditions, while leaving less visible tracks. The track loader, of course, retains all the necessary functions of a skid steer.

When a Track Loader Works Best
If you are considering purchasing a track loader, you should consider the specific conditions in which you plan to use the unit. While compact track loaders work well in a wide range of conditions, there are some conditions in which they are not designed for, and you may consider another tool, perhaps a skid steer. A track loader is designed specifically to function on certain surfaces and in areas where many skid steers will simply not work, be hazardous, or deteriorate the area. Track loaders are specifically designed to float better on wet or soft surfaces by increasing the contacting surface area and exerting less pressure per square inch on the ground. This also increases traction allowing for work in slippery conditions and the ability to push heavier objects where a skid steer might simply spin its tires. Some track loaders can operate on grades up to 3:1 ratio. However, most track loaders are not designed to be operated on certain types of surfaces. Highly abrasive surfaces such as asphalt or surfaces with high penetration potential such as sharp rock or around much rebar are not generally recommended operating conditions for track loaders. The reason for this is that the tracks are more easily damaged, as well as much more expensive to replace, than the tires of a skid steer.

What Are Your Needs?
When considering purchasing a compact track loader, the very first step is to determine what your needs are. What specific kind of work do you do, and what are you hoping to accomplish with your compact track loader? Do you plan to push dirt, or haul and lift supplies? Perhaps you have something very specific in mind that you will need to purchase a special attachment for. What are the conditions that you often work in? Do you have a lot of room when you work or are you typically in very tight quarters? Are there lots of people and other equipment operating in close proximity at the job site? Will you often find yourself working on highly abrasive surfaces or areas with sharp objects? Do you work in very hot or very cold environments? When you shop for a compact track loader, all of these things will come into play. Compact track loaders come in all different shapes and sizes, all designed toward specific styles and types of work and work environments. It is important that you choose a compact track loader that will fit your needs best by matching your needs with its strengths and assuring that its weaknesses will not hamper your productivity.

Which Compact Track Loader is Best For You?
When you start shopping for your compact track loader, you will find that while they are all designed with the same basic concepts, there are vast differences. This is why it is so important to determine your specific needs before shopping for a compact track loader. As you look at the specs of different compact track loaders you may be considering, you will immediately notice large differences in several areas.

Base width is important to consider especially if you work in small spaces because you will want to give yourself all the room you can. Track width is another important consideration. The wider the tracks, the greater area contacting the ground, and thus more traction and greater floatation on wet surfaces. Also, wider tracks break up the spread of the weight of the machine, causing fewer ruts.

You may also need to compare lift heights on compact track loaders you are considering. If you plan to lift items with the bucket, you will want to make sure that the bucket will rise high enough for your applications. If you plan on working with very heavy loads, you will need to make sure that your compact track loader has enough horsepower to handle the workload. Some compact track loaders have fully enclosed cabs, and these may offer extra features such as heat or air conditioning, which would be welcome commodities in hot or cold climates.

Are They Worth the Cost?
Purchasing a compact track loader is considerably expensive, especially when compared to a skid steer with similar specifications. Most companies have fixed the prices of compact track loaders at approximately 30-45% higher than similar skid steers, and replacement tracks typically cost about five times as much as replacement tires for a skid steer. So is it really worth the extra cost? This, again, depends on your individual circumstances.

Many contractors have determined that it is worth the cost. The additional work days and increased productivity are enough, some say, that a compact track loader pays for the extra cost within the first year. Tracks are incredibly expensive to replace, but when cared for properly are incredibly durable. Tires on a skid steer must be replaced about every season when used hard, but when a compact track loader’s tracks are cared for properly, they can last up to three seasons of hard use. Tires often go flat if punctured or worn, causing extra down time to replace or repair a tire. A compact track loader will never have flat tires, and this eliminates such down time. In the end, this question can only be answered by you based on your individual situation and your needs.

How to Buy
Once you have decided to purchase a compact track loader, and have determined which loader you’re interested in, now you have to find the best way to buy your machine. Many contractors like to purchase directly from the manufacturer. They will often preorder their compact track loader and even have special add-ons included in the build. Purchasing from the manufacturer is sometimes the cheapest way to buy new. Other contractors like to purchase from a certified dealer. While this usually costs more than purchasing from the manufacturer, it is often easier to get your compact track loader serviced at the dealership that you bought it from than by the manufacturer.

One other option is to buy a used compact track loader. This, of course, will cut down drastically on the price. There are many ways to buy a used compact track loader, and if you plan to purchase a used machine, internet forums may be the easiest way to find what you’re looking for at the right price for you.

Finally, some manufacturers offer leases. The major benefit of this is that it cuts down the initial purchase price, and allows you to upgrade in a few years relatively cheaply. The overall cost will eventually be greater, of course, as with any lease.

Warranty and Repairs
Inevitably, as you use your compact track loader, something is bound to break or need to be replaced. Whether it’s simply a worn track, a damaged lift or hydraulic system, or the engine itself, there’s bound to be something. When you purchase your compact track loader, you will want to be sure you understand the warranty options and select the best one for you. Some warranties only cover malfunctions of the unit, and typically only for the first 30 or 90 days. More common warranties cover any malfunctions of the unit not caused by operator error or improper maintenance, as well as returns, and even some operator caused malfunctions or damages for the first 90 days. It is usually possible to find a limited warranty that lasts at least a year or a number of machine-hours that would be expected in a year’s use. However, if you work hard and pay extra, you may be able to get up to a three to five year limited warranty on certain parts and damages. Even if you buy a used compact track loader, some of them still have warranties from the manufacturer, but you should consider calling the manufacturer prior to purchasing a used compact track loader to make sure the warranty will transfer.

In Closing
The purchase of a compact track loader, whether new or used, is a large expense that should be taken seriously and with a lot of thought, research, and consideration. Remember that it is most important to assess your need and determine what piece of machinery will best perform the work you need to be accomplished. Understand that while compact track loaders have many abilities that a skid steer does not have, there are some jobs where a skid steer will far out-function a compact track loader. There are many purchase options including from the manufacturer, from a dealer, or even buying a used compact track loader. Financing options are usually available, and leasing is often an option.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that every compact track loader is like the others. While they are all designed on the same principle, there are many differences that will matter to your operation. Once you buy a compact track loader, be sure to read all instructions and manuals, and if possible ask a dealer to assist you in learning to operate your machine. Always start out slow. Not only are you inexperienced in the operation of that particular machine, but the compact track loader will need time to be broken in, even if you are an experienced operator.


Local Articles
Construction
Home