10-16-2025, 11:49 PM
In the world of compact loaders, a recurring debate is whether to use over-the-tire (OTT) tracks (i.e. track systems mounted over a wheeled skid steer) or to choose a dedicated tracked skid steer / compact track loader (CTL). Each approach has trade-offs in cost, performance, maintenance, and versatility. Below is a detailed, original exploration of their pros, cons, technical aspects, use cases, and recommendations—augmented by field stories, user experience, and parametric reasoning.
Definitions and Technical Distinctions
The right choice often depends on how often and in which terrain the machine will operate:
While specific performance depends heavily on machine model, track material, and terrain, some rough estimates and observed metrics are useful:
To get the most out of either system, consider these tips:
One landscaping company in the U.S. had a pair of wheeled skid steers and a CTL. In a wet spring season, they retrofitted OTT steel tracks to one wheeled unit. The operator reported that on mud and sod, the OTT loader pulled through where the wheeled unit failed. But when they moved to a parking lot or concrete fill work, the OTT tracks were noisy and vibrated badly; they removed them for that work. Meanwhile, the CTL unit ran consistently across both terrains, though its travel on pavement was slower and caused some asphalt scuffing.
In another case in agricultural land, a farmer using OTT tracks on a compact loader during planting season found they prevented rutting in soft fields. However, the increased load caused one front axle bearing to fail earlier than expected, converting a terrain benefit into a maintenance cost.
Conclusion and Recommendation
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: OTT tracks and dedicated track skid steers each have their domain of advantage. OTT offers flexibility and lower upfront cost, making it a good compromise if track use is intermittent. But a CTL delivers more consistent performance, less drivetrain stress, and better integration for long-term track operations.
If you operate heavily in soft ground, mud, snow, or turf, a CTL is often the better investment. If you mostly work on solid surfaces but occasionally need extra traction, OTT might be sufficient—and cost-effective—if managed properly. The key is to analyze your terrain mix, hours in tracked mode, and willingness to sustain additional maintenance.
Definitions and Technical Distinctions
- Over-the-Tire Tracks (OTT): These are aftermarket track assemblies that fit over the existing tires of a wheeled skid steer. The machine retains its wheel hubs and drive configuration; the tracks wrap externally, converting a wheeled loader temporarily into a track configuration.
- Dedicated Track Skid Steer / CTL: These machines are built from the ground up with track undercarriages. They have integrated track drive sprockets, idlers, rollers, and a suspension system (in some designs) designed specifically for track loads.
- In OTT systems, the wheel drive components (hub, axles, gearboxes) still carry the transmission of forces; tracks act as external traction devices.
- In a dedicated CTL, drives are directly tied into track components; torque and suspension are designed for continuous track loads.
- Weight distribution, ground contact area, and balance vary. CTLs usually have better-balanced track contact surfaces, while OTT adds mass and width to the wheeled base.
- Lower initial cost / flexibility: If you already own a wheeled skid steer, adding OTT tracks can give many of the benefits of tracks without buying a new machine.
- Versatility: You can remove OTT tracks and revert to tires for operations on hard surfaces, roads, or where track use would cause damage.
- Improved traction in soft terrain: Many users report that OTT tracks allow their wheeled skid steer to perform “90 % of the same jobs as a CTL” in mud, wet clay, or loose ground.
- Reduced tire flats / better flotation when needed: In muddy or swampy ground, the tracks can help “float” the machine and avoid punctures.
- Less invasive investment: Instead of replacing a machine, OTT tracks can upgrade existing fleets incrementally.
- Increased stress on drive train and tires: Because traction passes through the wheeled drive system, OTT tracks impose extra load on hubs, bearings, axles, and transmissions. Some operators report that OTT use accelerates wear or leads to component fatigue.
- Hard surface limitations: On concrete, asphalt, or rock, OTT tracks (especially steel types) can be harsh, noisy, and wear quickly—or damage the surface.
- Added weight and inertia: The tracks themselves can weigh heavily (hundreds of pounds), raising the center of gravity and affecting maneuverability.
- Installation and removal time: Swapping OTT tracks on and off is nontrivial; one user said it takes ~20 minutes to put them on and ~5 minutes to take them off once adjusted.
- Decreased ride quality and steering feel: Some operators find OTT tracks deliver a rougher ride on hard surfaces or are less smooth when turning.
- Tire “inside track” issues: The tires under the tracks may still carry some forces or slip inside the tracks (especially if the track is not perfectly tensioned).
- Surface damage: Steel OTT systems can gouge softer surfaces like lawns or paving unless protected.
- Shorter life / maintenance burden: OTT tracks may wear faster in mixed-use environments, and their use may accelerate component degradation.
- Optimized for tracks: From frame strength, torque routing, suspension (if used), and ground pressure, CTLs are built to fully exploit track advantages.
- Better balance and flotation: With even track contact, CTLs often “float” over soft terrain more effectively than OTT-equipped wheeled machines. One experienced user disputed the claim that OTT handles mud better than a CTL.
- Lower wear on drive hubs: Because drive forces feed directly to the track drives, less stress is transferred through wheel hubs or external tires.
- More consistent performance: No need to swap track systems, reduce risk of misalignment, or dependency on tire-based support.
- Cleaner operation in long track duty: For users who spend most of their time operating on soft, rough, or muddy terrain, a CTL can offer simpler, more robust service life.
- Higher purchase cost: CTLs generally cost more upfront than wheeled skid steers or retrofit OTT systems.
- Surface wear / damage: Tracks on pavement or hard surfaces can cause scuffing.
- Less maneuverability on roads: Tracks typically have slower on-road travel speeds and may need transport trailers for long hauls.
- Specialized maintenance: Track components, undercarriage wear items, and track drive systems require maintenance and replacement over time.
The right choice often depends on how often and in which terrain the machine will operate:
- If you use your loader mostly on hard surfaces (pavement, concrete, rock) and only occasionally in mud or loose soil, OTT may give sufficient versatility without the cost of a CTL.
- If at least 50 % or more of your operating time is in soft, uneven, muddy ground, a dedicated CTL becomes more justified—avoiding repeated track swaps.
- In snow, turf, or landscaped areas, tracks distribute weight better, cause less ground damage, and provide better grip—but OTT tracks may suffice if CTL is too expensive.
- In mixed work environments (some hard, some soft), OTT offers a balance—wheeled when needed, tracked when needed—though with compromises.
While specific performance depends heavily on machine model, track material, and terrain, some rough estimates and observed metrics are useful:
- Many users report OTT-equipped machines lose some drive efficiency compared to CTLs, due to additional friction, tire-inside slip, or drivetrain drag.
- The weight of steel OTT tracks is often in the range of 800–1,000 lb (≈ 360–450 kg) per side, depending on design and width.
- Life expectancy of OTT tracks may range from a few hundred to a thousand hours, depending on usage, ground conditions, and care.
- Some reports compare effective work rates: in a muddy grading job, two CTLs were able to outwork “over-the-tire” loaders nearly 2:1 in productivity on dry dirt.
To get the most out of either system, consider these tips:
- Tension and alignment: Accurate tension and alignment prevent inside tire spin, track wander, or drive component stress.
- Surface protection: Use rubber pads or protective elements on steel OTT tracks when operating on pavement or ground you want to preserve.
- Selective use: Remove OTT tracks when working exclusively on hard ground to reduce wear and save drivetrain stress.
- Reinforce drive components: If converting to OTT, inspect wheel hubs, bearings, and drives for robustness; upgrade parts if necessary.
- Choose quality tracks: Premium designs with good materials, precise pitch, and good wear resistance reduce secondary damage.
- Use matching track width: Avoid overly wide tracks that put lateral stress or binding on drivetrain.
- Pre-lower tire pressure when installing: Some mechanics recommend lowering tire inflation before fitting tracks, then reinflating to proper specifications.
- Regular inspection: Check for cracks, wear in links, tension loss, or surprise debris trapped under the track.
One landscaping company in the U.S. had a pair of wheeled skid steers and a CTL. In a wet spring season, they retrofitted OTT steel tracks to one wheeled unit. The operator reported that on mud and sod, the OTT loader pulled through where the wheeled unit failed. But when they moved to a parking lot or concrete fill work, the OTT tracks were noisy and vibrated badly; they removed them for that work. Meanwhile, the CTL unit ran consistently across both terrains, though its travel on pavement was slower and caused some asphalt scuffing.
In another case in agricultural land, a farmer using OTT tracks on a compact loader during planting season found they prevented rutting in soft fields. However, the increased load caused one front axle bearing to fail earlier than expected, converting a terrain benefit into a maintenance cost.
Conclusion and Recommendation
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: OTT tracks and dedicated track skid steers each have their domain of advantage. OTT offers flexibility and lower upfront cost, making it a good compromise if track use is intermittent. But a CTL delivers more consistent performance, less drivetrain stress, and better integration for long-term track operations.
If you operate heavily in soft ground, mud, snow, or turf, a CTL is often the better investment. If you mostly work on solid surfaces but occasionally need extra traction, OTT might be sufficient—and cost-effective—if managed properly. The key is to analyze your terrain mix, hours in tracked mode, and willingness to sustain additional maintenance.
