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When it comes to heavy equipment, tracked skid steers are among the most versatile machines on the market. Used across various industries, including construction, agriculture, and landscaping, tracked skid steers are designed to provide high mobility, excellent traction, and stability on rough terrain. However, buying a tracked skid steer requires careful consideration to ensure you're getting the right machine for your needs. This article explores the key factors to consider when purchasing a tracked skid steer and highlights the advantages of owning one.
Why Choose a Tracked Skid Steer?
Tracked skid steers are known for their superior traction and stability compared to wheeled skid steers. The tracks provide greater ground contact, making them ideal for operations on soft, muddy, or uneven terrain. They are particularly useful in environments where the ground conditions are not suitable for wheeled equipment, such as construction sites with loose soil, wetlands, or snow-covered ground.
Some key reasons why operators opt for tracked skid steers include:
Purchasing a tracked skid steer involves more than just choosing a machine with tracks. Here are some critical factors to consider:
1. Machine Size and Weight
Tracked skid steers come in a range of sizes, from compact models to larger machines designed for more heavy-duty tasks. It’s essential to choose a machine that matches the scale of your work. For example, a compact tracked skid steer may be ideal for tight spaces and smaller jobs, while a larger unit would be better suited for construction or heavy excavation tasks.
Tip: Always match the machine size to your specific requirements. If you're working on landscaping or tight job sites, a smaller, more maneuverable model will save you time and money. However, if you need to lift or transport heavy loads, a larger model will be necessary.
2. Hydraulic Power and Auxiliary Flow
One of the biggest advantages of skid steers is their ability to use various attachments, including augers, grapples, and trenchers. To fully utilize these attachments, you’ll need a machine with sufficient hydraulic power and auxiliary flow.
Tip: Check the machine’s hydraulic capacity and flow rate to ensure it can handle the attachments you plan to use. If you're planning to use high-flow attachments like mulchers or hydraulic breakers, you'll need a high-flow model with the necessary power.
3. Track Width and Type
The width and type of tracks on a skid steer significantly affect its performance. Wider tracks provide better stability and floatation on soft ground, while narrower tracks are more maneuverable in tight spaces. Tracks can also vary in material, with rubber tracks being the most common and offering good durability, while steel tracks might be more appropriate for rougher terrains but tend to wear down faster.
Tip: If your work involves mainly wet or muddy conditions, opt for wider tracks to reduce the likelihood of getting stuck. If you’re working in more confined areas, narrower tracks may be a better choice.
4. Maneuverability and Lift Capacity
Maneuverability is a key factor in determining how easily your skid steer will operate in various environments. Tracked skid steers offer excellent turning capabilities, but there are differences between models in terms of turning radius and overall handling.
Additionally, the lift capacity is a critical factor for tasks like moving heavy materials. Ensure the model you choose can handle the weight of the loads you plan to lift.
Tip: If you frequently operate in tight spaces or need precise maneuvering, look for a skid steer with a tight turning radius and responsive controls. If your work requires heavy lifting, prioritize models with higher lift capacities.
5. Machine Maintenance and Durability
Skid steers endure a lot of wear and tear, especially when working in tough environments. A tracked skid steer is no exception. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the machine running smoothly. Look for a model known for its durability and ease of maintenance, including easy access to the engine, hydraulic components, and tracks.
Tip: Choose a machine with a strong track record for durability and long-lasting performance. Brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, and CASE are known for producing reliable and easy-to-maintain skid steers. Additionally, ensure that the machine’s parts are readily available in your area, as this will make repairs and maintenance easier.
6. Brand and Dealer Support
When purchasing any piece of heavy equipment, brand reputation and dealer support are crucial factors. A trusted brand often translates to better quality, more reliable performance, and a longer service life. Moreover, a local dealer with good service support is vital for keeping your machine in top condition.
Tip: Research customer reviews and ratings for the specific model you're interested in. Make sure the brand has a strong presence in your region and that there’s a reputable dealer nearby for maintenance and repairs.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a tracked skid steer can vary significantly depending on the size, brand, and features of the machine. As with any major equipment purchase, it’s essential to set a budget and factor in both the upfront cost and long-term maintenance costs.
Tip: Look for used or refurbished machines if you're on a tight budget. Many dealers offer certified pre-owned models that are thoroughly inspected and come with a warranty, giving you a balance of cost savings and reliability.
Real-World Example: Choosing the Right Tracked Skid Steer
A construction company based in the Pacific Northwest was struggling with their wheeled skid steers in wet, muddy conditions. The wheeled models were often bogging down, and they had to frequently stop to clean the wheels and tracks. After consulting with their dealer, they opted to purchase a set of tracked skid steers with wider tracks for better stability in soft terrain. The investment paid off quickly, as the tracked skid steers provided superior traction, allowing them to complete projects more efficiently, even during rainy seasons.
Conclusion: Making the Right Decision
Buying a tracked skid steer is a significant investment, but one that can pay off in increased productivity and versatility on the job site. By considering factors such as machine size, hydraulic capacity, track width, and overall maintenance requirements, you can make an informed decision that will suit your needs for years to come. Additionally, always consider the support of the brand and dealer network, as ongoing maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your machine.
Whether you’re purchasing a new or used unit, understanding your requirements and matching them to the right tracked skid steer model will help you get the most value out of your purchase.
Why Choose a Tracked Skid Steer?
Tracked skid steers are known for their superior traction and stability compared to wheeled skid steers. The tracks provide greater ground contact, making them ideal for operations on soft, muddy, or uneven terrain. They are particularly useful in environments where the ground conditions are not suitable for wheeled equipment, such as construction sites with loose soil, wetlands, or snow-covered ground.
Some key reasons why operators opt for tracked skid steers include:
- Improved Traction: The tracks allow the machine to move across soft or slippery surfaces with ease. This makes tracked skid steers ideal for working on loose gravel, muddy conditions, or snow.
- Reduced Ground Pressure: The tracks distribute the weight of the machine more evenly, reducing ground pressure and minimizing the likelihood of the machine getting stuck in soft terrain.
- Increased Stability: With a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution, tracked skid steers provide better stability during lifting or when working on uneven ground.
- Longer Machine Life: Because tracked skid steers exert less pressure on the ground, they are less likely to cause soil compaction, which can be an issue with wheeled skid steers on sensitive surfaces.
Purchasing a tracked skid steer involves more than just choosing a machine with tracks. Here are some critical factors to consider:
1. Machine Size and Weight
Tracked skid steers come in a range of sizes, from compact models to larger machines designed for more heavy-duty tasks. It’s essential to choose a machine that matches the scale of your work. For example, a compact tracked skid steer may be ideal for tight spaces and smaller jobs, while a larger unit would be better suited for construction or heavy excavation tasks.
Tip: Always match the machine size to your specific requirements. If you're working on landscaping or tight job sites, a smaller, more maneuverable model will save you time and money. However, if you need to lift or transport heavy loads, a larger model will be necessary.
2. Hydraulic Power and Auxiliary Flow
One of the biggest advantages of skid steers is their ability to use various attachments, including augers, grapples, and trenchers. To fully utilize these attachments, you’ll need a machine with sufficient hydraulic power and auxiliary flow.
Tip: Check the machine’s hydraulic capacity and flow rate to ensure it can handle the attachments you plan to use. If you're planning to use high-flow attachments like mulchers or hydraulic breakers, you'll need a high-flow model with the necessary power.
3. Track Width and Type
The width and type of tracks on a skid steer significantly affect its performance. Wider tracks provide better stability and floatation on soft ground, while narrower tracks are more maneuverable in tight spaces. Tracks can also vary in material, with rubber tracks being the most common and offering good durability, while steel tracks might be more appropriate for rougher terrains but tend to wear down faster.
Tip: If your work involves mainly wet or muddy conditions, opt for wider tracks to reduce the likelihood of getting stuck. If you’re working in more confined areas, narrower tracks may be a better choice.
4. Maneuverability and Lift Capacity
Maneuverability is a key factor in determining how easily your skid steer will operate in various environments. Tracked skid steers offer excellent turning capabilities, but there are differences between models in terms of turning radius and overall handling.
Additionally, the lift capacity is a critical factor for tasks like moving heavy materials. Ensure the model you choose can handle the weight of the loads you plan to lift.
Tip: If you frequently operate in tight spaces or need precise maneuvering, look for a skid steer with a tight turning radius and responsive controls. If your work requires heavy lifting, prioritize models with higher lift capacities.
5. Machine Maintenance and Durability
Skid steers endure a lot of wear and tear, especially when working in tough environments. A tracked skid steer is no exception. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the machine running smoothly. Look for a model known for its durability and ease of maintenance, including easy access to the engine, hydraulic components, and tracks.
Tip: Choose a machine with a strong track record for durability and long-lasting performance. Brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, and CASE are known for producing reliable and easy-to-maintain skid steers. Additionally, ensure that the machine’s parts are readily available in your area, as this will make repairs and maintenance easier.
6. Brand and Dealer Support
When purchasing any piece of heavy equipment, brand reputation and dealer support are crucial factors. A trusted brand often translates to better quality, more reliable performance, and a longer service life. Moreover, a local dealer with good service support is vital for keeping your machine in top condition.
Tip: Research customer reviews and ratings for the specific model you're interested in. Make sure the brand has a strong presence in your region and that there’s a reputable dealer nearby for maintenance and repairs.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a tracked skid steer can vary significantly depending on the size, brand, and features of the machine. As with any major equipment purchase, it’s essential to set a budget and factor in both the upfront cost and long-term maintenance costs.
Tip: Look for used or refurbished machines if you're on a tight budget. Many dealers offer certified pre-owned models that are thoroughly inspected and come with a warranty, giving you a balance of cost savings and reliability.
Real-World Example: Choosing the Right Tracked Skid Steer
A construction company based in the Pacific Northwest was struggling with their wheeled skid steers in wet, muddy conditions. The wheeled models were often bogging down, and they had to frequently stop to clean the wheels and tracks. After consulting with their dealer, they opted to purchase a set of tracked skid steers with wider tracks for better stability in soft terrain. The investment paid off quickly, as the tracked skid steers provided superior traction, allowing them to complete projects more efficiently, even during rainy seasons.
Conclusion: Making the Right Decision
Buying a tracked skid steer is a significant investment, but one that can pay off in increased productivity and versatility on the job site. By considering factors such as machine size, hydraulic capacity, track width, and overall maintenance requirements, you can make an informed decision that will suit your needs for years to come. Additionally, always consider the support of the brand and dealer network, as ongoing maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your machine.
Whether you’re purchasing a new or used unit, understanding your requirements and matching them to the right tracked skid steer model will help you get the most value out of your purchase.
