Compact track loaders are essential for a variety of operations in a variety of industries, including agricultural, construction, and even home improvement projects. Their flexibility and unlimited attachment choices, as well as the opportunity to rent or buy, are all advantages.
Compact Track Loaders vs. Skid Steers
Attachments for skid steers and small track loaders are unlimited, allowing you to tailor your machine for any work. The universal skid steer mount is compatible with all brands of skid steers. Compact track loaders have gradually gained their market share due to their lifting capabilities and the fact that they can “go” more places than skid steer loaders. Skid steers can do the same thing, but their steel tracks can cause environmental damage in environmentally sensitive locations. Skid steers are still used for curbs and driveways by concrete and construction workers because the tires last longer on asphalt.
The tracks on compact track loaders are expensive to replace, so driving them on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt, which would burn straight through them, is not a good idea. Compact track loaders have a smaller footprint in wet and/or environmentally sensitive places. For heavy loads, compact track loaders are more advantageous. A tiny track loader, for example, is excellent for removing a tree from a nursery. They can lift twice the weight of a skid steer while causing no damage to the ground. A compact track loader would be more suited to industries that do not work on hard surfaces such as landscape, nurseries, and agricultural.
Size: The compact track loader size you’ll require is determined on the application. 70 horsepower is the industry norm for residential and construction projects. This power level is still manageable. The more powerful the engine, the larger the machine and the more difficult it is to maneuver. When you begin your search, you’ll discover that every project has an acceptable size.
Height: When it comes to lifting ability, height is a factor to consider. At full lift height, a vertical lift gives longer reach and maintains the load closer to the machine. This lift pattern allows a loader to lift more safely than a loader with a radial lift path. With ample of power, lift, and reach, the vertical-lift path loader is ideal for cleaning high-sided truck boxes and hoppers. Pallets, especially those carrying heavy items like brick, block, or sod, can also be placed here. Radial lifts have a longer forward reach and are preferable for jobs that require dumping over a wall, unloading flatbed trucks, or backfilling.
Capacity: Overall compact track loaders can manage more weight, such as a large 2000-pound round bale. Remember that the rating only represents half of the tip load. A machine rated for 2500 lbs., for example, may lift much more than that, but you must stay inside the rating for safety reasons.
Uses: The number of activities a small track loader can complete is endless, as are the attachment options. The tiny track loader’s attachments are what make it so useful. Remember to think about which attachment(s) you want to buy before you buy them. Some are more generalized, while others are more specialized. A backhoe attachment, for example, is good for excavating ditches, but it isn’t as quick or effective as a small excavator attachment. The mini excavator, on the other hand, is more expensive than a backhoe. Always try out a sample of your potential attachment to see how it performs. For its versatility, a set of forks is a preferred addition. Front hydraulics are standard on all compact track loaders for attachments including sweepers, augers, and post-hole diggers. Before you buy an attachment, try to estimate how much you will use it. If you only need to use it a few times, renting one may be a better option. Always keep in mind the expected return on investment.
