Comparing Track Loaders and Compact Track Loaders in Modern Earthmoving

[MikePhua]

Defining the Machines by Function and Form
A track loader is traditionally a crawler-based machine built on a dozer-style undercarriage, equipped with loader arms and a front bucket. These machines, such as the Caterpillar 955 or 973, are designed for heavy-duty excavation, material handling, and site clearing. Their steel tracks offer superior traction and stability on rough terrain, making them ideal for landfills, demolition sites, and large-scale grading.
In contrast, a compact track loader (CTL) is a more recent evolution, resembling a skid steer but equipped with rubber tracks. These machines are smaller, lighter, and more agile, designed for landscaping, residential construction, and tight-access jobs. Manufacturers like Bobcat, ASV, and Caterpillar have popularized CTLs due to their versatility and ease of transport.
Terminology and Component Notes
- Track Loader: A full-size crawler loader with steel tracks and a dozer-style frame.
- Compact Track Loader (CTL): A skid steer-style machine with rubber tracks, optimized for maneuverability and surface protection.
- Multi-Terrain Loader (MTL): Caterpillar’s term for CTLs with suspended undercarriages for improved ride and flotation.
- Breakout Force: The amount of force a loader can exert to lift or dig through material.
- Tipping Load: The maximum weight a loader can carry before becoming unstable.
Performance Comparison and Use Cases
Track loaders dominate in raw power and durability. For example, a Deere 450C crawler loader delivers over 14,000 pounds of breakout force and a tipping load of 9,200 pounds, with a bucket capacity exceeding 33 cubic feet. These machines are built for pushing, lifting, and enduring harsh conditions.
Compact track loaders, while boasting higher horsepower in some cases, often fall short in torque and bucket force. A Gehl CTL with 92 horsepower may only offer 8,669 pounds of breakout force and a 20-cubic-foot bucket. However, CTLs excel in speed, maneuverability, and surface sensitivity. They can operate on turf, mud, and snow without causing damage, and are easily transported on a trailer pulled by a one-ton truck.
Use cases:

• Track loaders: land clearing, demolition, landfill work, heavy excavation
  
• CTLs: landscaping, utility trenching, residential grading, snow removal
  

Maintenance and Cost Considerations
Track loaders are often perceived as expensive to maintain due to their steel undercarriages. Replacing rails, sprockets, and idlers can cost $5,000 to $6,000, even with in-house labor. However, CTLs are not necessarily cheaper. Rubber tracks alone can cost $6,000 to $8,000, and their lifespan is shorter under abrasive conditions.
Maintenance tips:

• Track loaders: grease pivot points regularly, monitor undercarriage wear, avoid prolonged operation in wet sand
  
• CTLs: inspect rubber tracks for cuts and delamination, clean undercarriage daily, avoid sharp turns on hard surfaces
  

One operator noted that while his Bobcat CTL offered excellent service and parts availability, the cost of upkeep rivaled that of older steel-track machines.
Resurrecting Classic Track Loaders
Vintage track loaders, though considered outdated by some, remain valuable for operators who appreciate mechanical simplicity and raw torque. Machines like the CAT 955 or 977 can be revived with modest investment if parts are available. Restoration enthusiasts often find satisfaction in bringing these “dinosaurs” back to life, especially when the alternative is scrapping them for metal.
Restoration advice:

• Source parts before committing to a rebuild
  
• Inspect running gear for sand-induced wear, especially in coastal regions
  
• Prioritize machines with intact frames and serviceable engines
  
• Use restored machines for yard work, personal projects, or light-duty tasks
  

A restorer once joked that if he were a machine, he’d rather be someone’s yard loader than a pile of Chinese scrap metal. That sentiment reflects the enduring appeal of classic iron.
Industry Trends and Operator Preferences
The rise of CTLs reflects a shift toward mobility, comfort, and versatility. Contractors value machines that can be trailered easily, operate on sensitive surfaces, and require less training. However, seasoned operators often prefer the brute strength and reliability of traditional track loaders for demanding jobs.
Manufacturers have responded by offering hybrid models and improved undercarriage designs. Caterpillar’s MTLs feature suspended tracks for smoother operation, while ASV’s Posi-Track system reduces ground pressure and improves traction.
Sales data shows CTLs outpacing track loaders in volume, especially in North America and Europe. Yet in sectors like mining, forestry, and landfill management, track loaders remain indispensable.
Conclusion
Track loaders and compact track loaders serve distinct roles in earthmoving. While CTLs offer speed and finesse, track loaders deliver torque and endurance. Choosing between them depends on jobsite conditions, budget, and long-term goals. For some, the latest rubber-tracked machine is a must-have. For others, a fire-breathing steel-tracked classic is still the king of the dirt. Either way, understanding the strengths and limitations of each ensures the right tool for the task—and keeps the operator in control.