9 hours ago
New Holland Loader Lineage and Market Position
New Holland, a brand under CNH Industrial, has been a major player in agricultural and construction equipment since its founding in Pennsylvania in 1895. The company gained global recognition through its innovations in hay tools, tractors, and compact loaders. The New Holland L325 and C332 represent two distinct approaches to loader design: wheeled and tracked. The L325 is a wheeled skid steer loader, while the C332 is a compact track loader (CTL). Both machines share similar engine platforms and hydraulic capabilities, but diverge in undercarriage design, terrain adaptability, and long-term maintenance profiles.
Terminology Note
The choice between tracks and wheels hinges on terrain and task diversity. For farms with steep slopes, gullies, and soft ground, the C332’s rubber tracks offer superior stability and traction, especially in post-flood conditions or high rainfall zones. Tracks distribute weight more evenly, reducing ground pressure and minimizing rutting. In contrast, the L325’s wheeled configuration excels on firm, dry surfaces, offering better travel speed and easier maneuverability on gravel and hard-packed soil.
Real-World Use Cases
A farmer in Victoria reported using a tracked loader to feed cattle during a wet season. The machine navigated boggy paddocks without sinking, while a neighbor’s wheeled loader became stuck repeatedly. Conversely, during dry months, the wheeled loader outperformed in hay stacking and fertilizer handling due to its faster cycle times and lower fuel consumption.
Maintenance and Repair Dynamics
Tracks require more attention. Rubber tracks can slip off, tear, or delaminate, especially when misaligned or worn. Replacement costs range from $1,500 to $2,500 per track, and installation may require specialized tools. Wheels are simpler to maintain—a flat tire can be repaired in town, and replacements are readily available. However, track systems tend to last longer under consistent load and rough terrain, provided they are properly tensioned and cleaned.
Warranty and Service Life
The L325 offers a 3-year/3,000-hour warranty, while the C332 provides 2 years/2,000 hours. This discrepancy reflects the higher wear rate and complexity of tracked systems, which may require more frequent service. However, resale value for tracked machines remains strong in regions with soft soils or construction demand, balancing the shorter warranty.
Loader Performance Metrics
Tracked loaders offer better stability on uneven surfaces, reducing rollover risk. Their wider footprint and lower vibration levels also improve operator comfort. Wheeled loaders, however, provide smoother ride quality on hard surfaces and are easier to maneuver in tight barnyards or shed areas.
Resale and Long-Term Value
In regions with clay soils or frequent rain, tracked loaders retain higher resale value, especially if undercarriage components are well-maintained. In dry, rocky areas, wheeled loaders are preferred, and their resale is bolstered by lower operating costs and simpler upkeep.
Conclusion
For farms with wet, uneven terrain and mixed duties, the C332 tracked loader is the more versatile choice, offering better traction, stability, and lifting performance. For operations on firm ground with frequent transport tasks, the L325 wheeled loader delivers speed, simplicity, and lower maintenance costs. Ultimately, the decision should reflect terrain, task frequency, and service capacity—not just upfront cost. With proper care, either machine can serve reliably for years, but the tracked loader offers a broader safety and performance envelope in challenging farm environments.
New Holland, a brand under CNH Industrial, has been a major player in agricultural and construction equipment since its founding in Pennsylvania in 1895. The company gained global recognition through its innovations in hay tools, tractors, and compact loaders. The New Holland L325 and C332 represent two distinct approaches to loader design: wheeled and tracked. The L325 is a wheeled skid steer loader, while the C332 is a compact track loader (CTL). Both machines share similar engine platforms and hydraulic capabilities, but diverge in undercarriage design, terrain adaptability, and long-term maintenance profiles.
Terminology Note
- Skid Steer Loader: A compact, maneuverable loader with fixed wheels and differential steering.
- Compact Track Loader (CTL): A similar machine mounted on rubber tracks for improved traction and flotation.
The choice between tracks and wheels hinges on terrain and task diversity. For farms with steep slopes, gullies, and soft ground, the C332’s rubber tracks offer superior stability and traction, especially in post-flood conditions or high rainfall zones. Tracks distribute weight more evenly, reducing ground pressure and minimizing rutting. In contrast, the L325’s wheeled configuration excels on firm, dry surfaces, offering better travel speed and easier maneuverability on gravel and hard-packed soil.
Real-World Use Cases
A farmer in Victoria reported using a tracked loader to feed cattle during a wet season. The machine navigated boggy paddocks without sinking, while a neighbor’s wheeled loader became stuck repeatedly. Conversely, during dry months, the wheeled loader outperformed in hay stacking and fertilizer handling due to its faster cycle times and lower fuel consumption.
Maintenance and Repair Dynamics
Tracks require more attention. Rubber tracks can slip off, tear, or delaminate, especially when misaligned or worn. Replacement costs range from $1,500 to $2,500 per track, and installation may require specialized tools. Wheels are simpler to maintain—a flat tire can be repaired in town, and replacements are readily available. However, track systems tend to last longer under consistent load and rough terrain, provided they are properly tensioned and cleaned.
Warranty and Service Life
The L325 offers a 3-year/3,000-hour warranty, while the C332 provides 2 years/2,000 hours. This discrepancy reflects the higher wear rate and complexity of tracked systems, which may require more frequent service. However, resale value for tracked machines remains strong in regions with soft soils or construction demand, balancing the shorter warranty.
Loader Performance Metrics
- Lift Capacity: Both models can handle 1-ton fertilizer bags and 700 kg hay bales, but the C332’s lower center of gravity improves stability when lifting over spreaders or into feeders.
- Ground Speed: The L325 reaches up to 12 km/h, while the C332 tops out around 9 km/h.
- Fuel Efficiency: Wheeled loaders consume 10–15% less fuel in transit-heavy tasks.
Tracked loaders offer better stability on uneven surfaces, reducing rollover risk. Their wider footprint and lower vibration levels also improve operator comfort. Wheeled loaders, however, provide smoother ride quality on hard surfaces and are easier to maneuver in tight barnyards or shed areas.
Resale and Long-Term Value
In regions with clay soils or frequent rain, tracked loaders retain higher resale value, especially if undercarriage components are well-maintained. In dry, rocky areas, wheeled loaders are preferred, and their resale is bolstered by lower operating costs and simpler upkeep.
Conclusion
For farms with wet, uneven terrain and mixed duties, the C332 tracked loader is the more versatile choice, offering better traction, stability, and lifting performance. For operations on firm ground with frequent transport tasks, the L325 wheeled loader delivers speed, simplicity, and lower maintenance costs. Ultimately, the decision should reflect terrain, task frequency, and service capacity—not just upfront cost. With proper care, either machine can serve reliably for years, but the tracked loader offers a broader safety and performance envelope in challenging farm environments.
