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Snow removal has always been a demanding task for contractors, municipalities, and property owners. The choice of equipment attachments can significantly affect efficiency, safety, and long-term costs. Among the most debated options are steel over-the-tire tracks and rubber over-the-tire tracks, both designed to enhance the performance of skid steer loaders in winter conditions. Understanding their differences, advantages, and limitations provides valuable insight for operators working in snowy environments.
Development Background
Skid steer loaders became popular in the 1960s, with companies like Bobcat pioneering compact machines that could handle diverse tasks. By the 1980s, sales of skid steers had exceeded hundreds of thousands worldwide, and manufacturers began offering specialized attachments to expand their utility. Over-the-tire tracks were introduced to improve traction and flotation, especially in mud, gravel, and snow. Steel tracks were the original design, valued for durability, while rubber tracks emerged later to reduce surface damage and improve versatility.
Technical Parameters
Key specifications of over-the-tire tracks include:
Steel tracks are known for their strength and aggressive traction. They excel in icy conditions and deep snow where maximum grip is required. Contractors often prefer steel tracks for heavy-duty work, such as clearing large parking lots or industrial sites. However, steel tracks can damage asphalt and concrete surfaces, leaving scratches or gouges. They also add significant weight, which increases stability but can reduce maneuverability in tight spaces.
Rubber Tracks in Snow Removal
Rubber tracks provide a balance between traction and surface protection. They are ideal for residential areas, sidewalks, and paved driveways where minimizing damage is essential. Rubber tracks also reduce vibration and noise, improving operator comfort. While they may not offer the same aggressive grip as steel, they perform well in moderate snow conditions and are easier to install and remove. Their lighter weight makes them suitable for smaller skid steers.
Challenges and Solutions
Operators face several challenges when choosing between steel and rubber tracks:
In the Midwest, a snow removal contractor reported that steel tracks allowed his skid steer to clear frozen snowbanks that rubber tracks could not penetrate. Conversely, a Canadian municipality found that rubber tracks reduced complaints from residents about driveway damage, making them the preferred choice for urban snow removal. In New England, a contractor used a combination of both types, switching to steel for industrial lots and rubber for residential neighborhoods, optimizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Industry Impact
The debate between steel and rubber tracks reflects broader trends in equipment customization. Manufacturers continue to refine track designs, introducing hybrid systems that combine steel reinforcement with rubber surfaces. Sales of over-the-tire tracks have grown steadily since the 1990s, with thousands of units sold annually to contractors specializing in snow removal. The industry recognizes that no single solution fits all scenarios, and operators often maintain both types to adapt to varying conditions.
Recommendations for Owners
Owners of skid steers can maximize performance in snow removal by:
Steel and rubber over-the-tire tracks each offer distinct advantages for snow removal. Steel provides unmatched traction in extreme conditions but risks damaging paved surfaces, while rubber offers protection and versatility with slightly less grip. The choice ultimately depends on the environment, workload, and customer expectations. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each option, contractors and municipalities can make informed decisions that balance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in winter operations.
Development Background
Skid steer loaders became popular in the 1960s, with companies like Bobcat pioneering compact machines that could handle diverse tasks. By the 1980s, sales of skid steers had exceeded hundreds of thousands worldwide, and manufacturers began offering specialized attachments to expand their utility. Over-the-tire tracks were introduced to improve traction and flotation, especially in mud, gravel, and snow. Steel tracks were the original design, valued for durability, while rubber tracks emerged later to reduce surface damage and improve versatility.
Technical Parameters
Key specifications of over-the-tire tracks include:
- Width: typically 10–12 inches, designed to fit standard skid steer tires
- Material: hardened steel or reinforced rubber compounds
- Weight: steel tracks add 800–1,200 pounds, rubber tracks add 400–700 pounds
- Traction: steel provides aggressive grip, rubber offers smoother contact
- Installation: modular segments that can be mounted over existing tires
- Over-the-tire tracks: track systems installed over skid steer tires to improve traction and stability.
- Flotation: the ability of equipment to distribute weight and avoid sinking into soft surfaces.
- Traction: the grip between the track and the ground, critical for snow and ice conditions.
- Surface damage: wear or scarring caused by equipment on paved or delicate surfaces.
Steel tracks are known for their strength and aggressive traction. They excel in icy conditions and deep snow where maximum grip is required. Contractors often prefer steel tracks for heavy-duty work, such as clearing large parking lots or industrial sites. However, steel tracks can damage asphalt and concrete surfaces, leaving scratches or gouges. They also add significant weight, which increases stability but can reduce maneuverability in tight spaces.
Rubber Tracks in Snow Removal
Rubber tracks provide a balance between traction and surface protection. They are ideal for residential areas, sidewalks, and paved driveways where minimizing damage is essential. Rubber tracks also reduce vibration and noise, improving operator comfort. While they may not offer the same aggressive grip as steel, they perform well in moderate snow conditions and are easier to install and remove. Their lighter weight makes them suitable for smaller skid steers.
Challenges and Solutions
Operators face several challenges when choosing between steel and rubber tracks:
- Steel tracks can cause costly surface repairs.
- Rubber tracks may struggle in extreme ice or heavy snow.
- Both types require regular maintenance to prevent wear and breakage.
- Using steel tracks only in areas where surface damage is not a concern.
- Deploying rubber tracks in residential or commercial zones with delicate pavement.
- Inspecting track segments regularly and replacing worn components.
- Training operators to adjust driving techniques based on track type.
In the Midwest, a snow removal contractor reported that steel tracks allowed his skid steer to clear frozen snowbanks that rubber tracks could not penetrate. Conversely, a Canadian municipality found that rubber tracks reduced complaints from residents about driveway damage, making them the preferred choice for urban snow removal. In New England, a contractor used a combination of both types, switching to steel for industrial lots and rubber for residential neighborhoods, optimizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Industry Impact
The debate between steel and rubber tracks reflects broader trends in equipment customization. Manufacturers continue to refine track designs, introducing hybrid systems that combine steel reinforcement with rubber surfaces. Sales of over-the-tire tracks have grown steadily since the 1990s, with thousands of units sold annually to contractors specializing in snow removal. The industry recognizes that no single solution fits all scenarios, and operators often maintain both types to adapt to varying conditions.
Recommendations for Owners
Owners of skid steers can maximize performance in snow removal by:
- Assessing job site conditions before selecting track type
- Investing in both steel and rubber tracks for flexibility
- Scheduling regular maintenance to extend track life
- Training operators on safe handling in icy conditions
- Considering hybrid track systems for balanced performance
Steel and rubber over-the-tire tracks each offer distinct advantages for snow removal. Steel provides unmatched traction in extreme conditions but risks damaging paved surfaces, while rubber offers protection and versatility with slightly less grip. The choice ultimately depends on the environment, workload, and customer expectations. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each option, contractors and municipalities can make informed decisions that balance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in winter operations.
