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Introduction: The Value of Over-the-Tire Tracks
In the world of heavy equipment, efficiency and adaptability are key to success. For skid steer loaders, one of the most valuable modifications to improve performance and versatility is the addition of over-the-tire (OTT) tracks. These attachments, designed to fit over the tires of a skid steer, offer a range of benefits including improved flotation, traction, and protection for both the tires and the terrain.
Whether you are working on soft ground, muddy sites, or snow-covered surfaces, over-the-tire tracks can turn your standard skid steer into a powerful, all-terrain machine. But, like any piece of equipment, OTT tracks come with their pros and cons, and understanding their application is crucial for making an informed decision.
What Are Over-the-Tire Tracks?
Over-the-tire tracks are a form of track system designed to fit over the wheels of a skid steer loader, essentially transforming the loader into a tracked machine. These tracks offer better weight distribution and minimize tire damage, while also increasing the machine's ability to operate in tough, soft, or slippery conditions.
The design of OTT tracks varies depending on the manufacturer, but they typically feature steel or rubber tracks that wrap around the tires. They provide additional ground contact and surface area, allowing the skid steer to achieve enhanced performance in more challenging environments. Unlike full-track systems, OTT tracks are removable, providing flexibility for users who may only need the extra traction for certain tasks.
Key Advantages of Over-the-Tire Tracks
While OTT tracks provide numerous benefits, there are a few downsides that operators should consider before purchasing them.
Over-the-tire tracks are a great investment in specific scenarios, particularly when dealing with challenging terrain. Here are some key situations where these tracks can make a significant difference:
In conclusion, over-the-tire tracks can be a valuable tool for skid steer owners, offering enhanced traction, flotation, and protection in a variety of environments. While they come with some downsides, such as reduced maneuverability and increased weight, these drawbacks are often outweighed by the benefits, especially in demanding tasks that require extra stability.
Operators should carefully consider their needs and work conditions before investing in OTT tracks. For those who regularly work on soft ground or snow-heavy regions, these tracks can significantly improve productivity and extend the life of their equipment. However, it's crucial to balance these benefits with the potential costs and limitations of using the system, ensuring that it's the right fit for your operations.
By weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the performance and longevity of your skid steer, ensuring that it’s equipped to handle any job, no matter the terrain.
In the world of heavy equipment, efficiency and adaptability are key to success. For skid steer loaders, one of the most valuable modifications to improve performance and versatility is the addition of over-the-tire (OTT) tracks. These attachments, designed to fit over the tires of a skid steer, offer a range of benefits including improved flotation, traction, and protection for both the tires and the terrain.
Whether you are working on soft ground, muddy sites, or snow-covered surfaces, over-the-tire tracks can turn your standard skid steer into a powerful, all-terrain machine. But, like any piece of equipment, OTT tracks come with their pros and cons, and understanding their application is crucial for making an informed decision.
What Are Over-the-Tire Tracks?
Over-the-tire tracks are a form of track system designed to fit over the wheels of a skid steer loader, essentially transforming the loader into a tracked machine. These tracks offer better weight distribution and minimize tire damage, while also increasing the machine's ability to operate in tough, soft, or slippery conditions.
The design of OTT tracks varies depending on the manufacturer, but they typically feature steel or rubber tracks that wrap around the tires. They provide additional ground contact and surface area, allowing the skid steer to achieve enhanced performance in more challenging environments. Unlike full-track systems, OTT tracks are removable, providing flexibility for users who may only need the extra traction for certain tasks.
Key Advantages of Over-the-Tire Tracks
- Improved Traction and Stability
Over-the-tire tracks significantly improve the traction of a skid steer on soft or uneven surfaces. In environments such as snow, mud, sand, or gravel, the added surface area helps distribute the weight of the machine, preventing it from getting stuck or losing stability. This is especially valuable when working on construction sites with soft or unstable ground.
For example, in snow-heavy regions or areas prone to flooding, having over-the-tire tracks can prevent downtime caused by stuck machines. Whether clearing snow in winter or navigating muddy terrain after heavy rainfall, operators can count on these tracks to improve both their safety and productivity.
- Protection for Tires
One of the major benefits of OTT tracks is the protection they offer to the underlying tires. In heavy-duty work environments, especially when dealing with sharp rocks, debris, or rough surfaces, tires are prone to damage. Over-the-tire tracks provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring that the tires last longer and endure less wear and tear. This can result in lower maintenance costs and longer machine life.
- Increased Flotation
Over-the-tire tracks help spread the weight of the machine more evenly, resulting in increased flotation. This is particularly helpful on soft ground such as marshy land, beaches, or fields where machines without proper flotation can easily sink. The added track surface area ensures that the loader stays on top of the ground, preventing it from bogging down.
- Enhanced Ground Protection
In certain environments, operators are required to work on delicate or sensitive surfaces, such as lawns, driveways, or turf. Over-the-tire tracks reduce ground compaction, making them ideal for tasks like landscaping or lawn maintenance. The weight distribution allows for greater care when operating on fragile ground, thus minimizing damage and leaving the terrain in better condition after the job is completed.
While OTT tracks provide numerous benefits, there are a few downsides that operators should consider before purchasing them.
- Reduced Maneuverability
Adding tracks to a skid steer can reduce its maneuverability, particularly in tight spaces. Skid steers are known for their exceptional ability to pivot and turn sharply, and the additional tracks can interfere with this agility. As a result, operators may find that their machine is less responsive and harder to control in confined areas.
- Added Weight
Over-the-tire tracks add extra weight to the machine, which can affect its overall performance. Although the weight distribution improves stability, it may reduce the overall speed and lifting capacity of the skid steer. In situations where speed and high performance are necessary, the additional weight might become a disadvantage.
- Increased Cost
While OTT tracks can extend the lifespan of tires and reduce maintenance costs over time, they come with an upfront cost. Depending on the brand and size, these tracks can be expensive. Additionally, some users may need to replace them after extensive use, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Over-the-tire tracks are a great investment in specific scenarios, particularly when dealing with challenging terrain. Here are some key situations where these tracks can make a significant difference:
- Soft or Sandy Terrain: Whether you're working in a beach environment or navigating across fields, the added flotation and traction from OTT tracks allow you to move through soft ground more efficiently.
- Winter Conditions: In areas with heavy snow or ice, the tracks provide better grip and help prevent the skid steer from getting stuck, making snow removal and other winter tasks much easier.
- Landscaping or Turf Work: When working on lawns or sensitive areas where you want to minimize damage, OTT tracks can help protect the surface while still allowing the machine to operate effectively.
- Heavy Equipment Use on Delicate Ground: If you're working with large equipment on loose or muddy surfaces, OTT tracks can help distribute the load and reduce the chances of sinking.
In conclusion, over-the-tire tracks can be a valuable tool for skid steer owners, offering enhanced traction, flotation, and protection in a variety of environments. While they come with some downsides, such as reduced maneuverability and increased weight, these drawbacks are often outweighed by the benefits, especially in demanding tasks that require extra stability.
Operators should carefully consider their needs and work conditions before investing in OTT tracks. For those who regularly work on soft ground or snow-heavy regions, these tracks can significantly improve productivity and extend the life of their equipment. However, it's crucial to balance these benefits with the potential costs and limitations of using the system, ensuring that it's the right fit for your operations.
By weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the performance and longevity of your skid steer, ensuring that it’s equipped to handle any job, no matter the terrain.
