Maybe you have decided to invest in a Skid Steer Loader, however, are torn between wheeled or tracked. This article contains buying tricks to help you make the final decision. Investing in a loader will bring long-term returns to your business, and when not in use, you can also generate income by renting it out. Without further ado, let’s dive into these valuable insights to guide your final choice.
Wheeled skid steer loader
Wheeled skid steer loaders offer faster travel speed, smoother operation on hard surfaces, and high efficiency and comfort, making them the preferred choice for applications such as demolition, snow removal, and cleaning.
Tracked skid steer loader
Tracked skid steer loaders provide excellent traction and lower ground pressure, significantly improving maneuverability on soft, muddy, and unpaved surfaces. They also offer greater pushing and digging power, making them more suitable for operations in landscaping, farming, and soft ground conditions.
Wheeled or tracked skid steer loader?
When investing in a skid steer loader, considering the following factors will help you choose the right equipment:
Work environment
Choose a skid steer loader that suits the terrain conditions. For uneven or muddy surfaces, a tracked skid steer loader may be more suitable.
Additionally, ensure that you select a size that fits your work environment. Smaller models may not be suitable for uneven terrain, while larger models may not be suitable for narrow workspaces.
Access restrictions
Consider any access restrictions, such as narrow doorways or low ceilings. In such cases, choosing a smaller, more maneuverable skid steer loader will better adapt to limited space.
Cost
Skid steer loaders with wheels use durable tires, while tracked ones utilize rubber track designs. Tire costs are generally lower than track costs, making it an important factor to consider. Using a tracked loader can incur significant additional costs in environments where the ground is easily damaged.
The tracked skid steer loader has strong off-road capabilities, excellent climbing ability, and is less prone to sinking or slipping on wet, muddy, or soft soil. It is less affected by terrain conditions and offers good maneuverability, making it suitable for more complex work conditions.
On the other hand, wheeled loaders have strong maneuverability and flexible steering. However, compared to tracked loaders, they exert greater ground pressure and are more prone to getting stuck or slipping on wet, muddy, or soft soil. They are better suited for operation on hard surfaces. You can choose standard pneumatic tires for normal road operations and opt for solid tires in high-temperature environments.
Conclusion
When making a new investment in a loader, the above tips can help you make the final decision. In short, it depends on factors such as the work environment, user preferences, and budget. My final suggestion, once you have determined whether to choose a wheeled or tracked loader, please review the features offered by the specific model and ensure they align with your project requirements. Hope you get a loader that suits your needs. Good luck!
By the way, if you plan to upgrade your old equipment, you may consider aftermarket loader parts. There are various equipment types and models available for you to choose from. They offer OEM quality and perfect compatibility, which is one of the reasons why many people opt for them instead of expensive original parts.
