Skid steer loaders with the right size skid steer and the right attachment, you can perform just about any materials handling, loading, grading or digging job in just about any environmenWhen renting or purchasing a mini skid steer, aside from choosing a size and any attachments, you'll need to decide whether you're better off with tracks vs. wheels. A tracked skid steer is also called a compact track loader or track steer.
Understanding Key Specifications
Before diving into the wheeled vs. tracked comparison, it's crucial to understand some basic specifications that apply to both types of mini skid steers.
Rated Operating Capacity, or ROC, is arguably the most important specification. It tells you exactly how much weight the machine can safely lift and carry. This number comes from the machine's tipping load—the point where rear tracks or wheels lift off the ground. For safety, ROC is typically set at 35% of tipping load for tracked machines and 50% for wheeled ones. Mini skid steers typically offer ROC ranging from 500 lbs to over 1,200 lbs. Always match ROC to the heaviest materials you handle regularly.
Operating Weight is the total weight of the machine with standard bucket and fuel — important for trailer selection and ground impact. Mini skid steers generally range from 1,800 to 3,800 lbs, with lighter models better for turf protection and heavier models providing more stability.
Machine width is another critical factor. One of the main reasons the mini skid steer product category was created was that people were looking for ways to replace manual labor in areas where larger skid steer loaders and compact track loaders were too big to fit in. Manufacturers have placed a lot of attention on designing machines that can fit through 42-inch openings — a standard backyard gate size. Buyers need to know the width of their working area and how much access space they have when transferring the machine to the jobsite.
Hydraulic System Considerations
After the machine's physical dimensions are determined, it's time to turn your attention to its performance. Hydraulic specifications listed by mini skid steer manufacturers usually include high-flow and low-flow auxiliary hydraulic capabilities, as well as tank capacities. If you're running attachments that require high flow, you want to choose a mini skid steer with increased high-flow specifications and tank capacities.
It is important to choose a mini skid steer with optimized hydraulic systems designed to deliver the right flow to the attachment without sacrificing other machine functionality. Every mini skid steer has specific hydraulic flow requirements. Attachments such as augers, stump grinders, and snow blades require a certain amount of hydraulic power to operate efficiently. Always verify machine's hydraulic capabilities and match them with tool's requirements. Insufficient flow results in poor performance and potential equipment damage.
Understanding these fundamental specifications helps you make an informed decision, whether you're evaluating a wheeled mini skid steer or a tracked model.
Understanding the Basic Differences
Mini skid steers are equipped with four wheels or tires, similar to traditional skid steer loaders, allowing them to maneuver on hard surfaces, such as concrete or pavement. In contrast, mini track loaders have tracks instead of wheels, similar to larger construction excavators or bulldozers. The tracks provide enhanced traction, stability, and maneuverability on uneven or soft terrain, like mud, snow, or rough landscapes. Although a minor tweak, it completely changes the terrains they work best in, how they turn and operate, upkeep costs, and environmental impact.
Popular models include the Bobcat MT100 with 1,000 lb ROC and 24.8 HP, the Toro Dingo TX 1000 with 1,075 lb ROC and impressive 81-inch lift height, and the Kubota SCL1000 which has become one of the top-selling models with its 1,000 lb ROC and vertical lift path design.
How Each Machine Operates
A skid steer loader gets its name from the way it operates. The operator uses a joystick on either side of the unit to move the drive wheel forward or in reverse. The right-side wheels drive forward and in reverse by a joystick in the operator's right hand. On the left side is a joystick that controls the left-side wheels forward and reverse. With this control arrangement, the operator pushes both joysticks forward to engage both the left- and right-side tires forward and moves the joysticks backward to send all wheels in reverse. If the operator wants to turn left, they pull back on the left joystick while pushing forward on the right stick. These simple controls lead to a skidding movement when the machine turns, hence the name "skid steer."
While the skid steer runs on wheels, the compact track loader uses a set of tracks to move. The tracks spread the track loader's weight across a broader area, letting it move across softer ground without getting stuck.
Terrain and Surface Considerations
The decision will come down to the surface and terrain you'll be working on. This is perhaps the most critical factor in choosing between the two types of machines.
When to Choose Wheeled Mini Skid Steers
Wheeled skid steers work well on level surfaces, such as hard-packed dirt, asphalt or concrete. If your job site is on concrete, asphalt or another developed surface, a skid steer is likely the better choice. Wheels are less likely to damage these types of surfaces and allow the machine to move quickly over even ground.
Operators working often on roads, paved areas and concrete may benefit from a wheeled skid steer. Track loaders can deteriorate quickly on abrasive surfaces like asphalt and leave unsightly rubber marks behind.
That said, wheels don't work as well on snow or wet surfaces, so you may have to use snow tires or wait for the site to dry if the ground is slippery.
When to Choose Tracked Mini Skid Steers
Compact track loaders are a better choice for undeveloped ground, uneven terrain and job sites that are wet or slippery. Where a skid steer might sink into sand or mud, a track loader can remain stable without an issue. This is because the tracks evenly distribute the machine's weight and come with added traction to prevent slipping.
When working on muddy soil, soft ground, or loose material, a compact track loader is far less likely to sink compared to a wheeled skid steer. The average ground pressure for skid steers is 30 to 35 psi while for track loaders it's 4 to 6 psi. This weight distribution allows the track loader to maintain stability and continue working effectively on uneven terrain where wheeled machines might struggle or become stuck.
A compact track loader is more agile on uneven or undeveloped terrain than a skid steer. They also perform better in snow and on slopes, with less risk of tipping or getting stuck.
Weight Distribution and Stability
Understanding how weight is distributed makes a significant difference in machine performance across different terrains.
A skid steer's weight is distributed among four main points—its tires. This can throw out its balance and sturdiness in wet and muddy terrain. It runs the risk of sinking into fresh mud and getting stuck, and removing it from deep mud is quite difficult.
Compact track loaders have broader weight distribution due to their two tracks. The machine's weight is spread across the entire track diameter and length, as opposed to being centred upon the small ground contact area of the 4 tyres on a skid steer.
From a stability standpoint, because of the way the weight is distributed on tracked skid steers, they're better equipped to handle slopes and grades than wheeled skid steers. Mini track loaders generally offer superior stability, especially on sloping or uneven terrain, thanks to their lower center of gravity and wider footprint provided by the tracks.
Speed and Maneuverability
When your operation demands quick action, exceptional maneuverability, and the ability to navigate tight spaces efficiently, a wheeled skid steer loader will outperform track alternatives.
Because a skid steer's wheels roll faster and don't rely on slow moving tracks, they're often better for jobs that need more speed or cover longer distances. Wheels allow the machine to move quickly over even ground. These machines typically operate at higher ground speeds and can pivot more quickly, making them ideal for applications where time is money. The compact design combined with responsive steering makes them perfect for warehouse work, construction sites with limited space, and jobs requiring frequent repositioning.
Both track loaders and skid steers offer excellent manoeuvrability and tight-access operation, thanks to their ability to turn in place with a tight radius. Both skid steers and track loaders are highly manoeuvrable machines in tight access spaces, however also crucial to site accessibility is the machine's performance in difficult terrain.
A compact track loader is less efficient at turning. The best way to turn this machine is by doing a three-point turn, which decreases the wear and tear of the tracks.
Operator Comfort and Experience
The differences in comfort levels between the two machine types can affect operator productivity, especially during extended work hours.
Track loaders offer exceptional comfort in comparison to skid steers. The tracks of a compact track loader make it a smoother and more comfortable drive than wheeled vehicles. The traction provided by the tracks improves their lifting force on soft surfaces.
Wheeled skid steers tend to traverse bumps and uneven surfaces with less smoothness, meaning less comfort for the operator. Next operator productivity—I have run wheel skid steers and let me tell you I get tired of the bouncing around. If you ran a wheeled skid 8 hours a day your back and body would be crippled in no time.
Tracked models also run quietly, which is nice if you work near homes or schools. The cab gives you good protection from dirt and weather.
Ground Impact and Surface Protection
The reduced ground pressure of track loaders also means less damage to delicate surfaces—a crucial consideration when working on lawns, landscaped areas, or any aesthetically sensitive job sites.
For ground protection, always choose rubber tracks over steel tracks unless specific conditions require otherwise. Because tracks are flat and evenly distribute a machine's weight, track loaders don't tear up the earth or leave deep ruts behind like a wheeled skid steer would. If you need to protect lawns or finished surfaces, tracked models leave less damage.
Tracks are unique because they appear to float above the ground. Tires tend to sink into the ground, creating unsightly ruts that cost a lot of time and money to repair.
On the other hand, tires are typically gentler on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, while tracks can damage them. If your project requires you to work on these surfaces, opting for a skid steer can save you from repairing surface damage later.
It's important to be cautious of using skid steers on grassy terrain because they can tear up and ruin the soil whereas compact track loaders can leave track marks on harder surfaces.
Ground Clearance
Mini skid steers typically have higher ground clearance than mini track loaders. The wheel-based design allows for more clearance beneath the chassis, enabling them to navigate over small obstacles like rocks or debris more easily.
The lower ground clearance of mini track loaders may limit their ability to clear larger obstacles but can provide better stability on challenging terrain. Track loaders tend to win the ground clearance category as well, depending on model size and manufacturer. The higher ground clearance also ensures better performance in wet and muddy conditions, reducing the chance of bogging.
Cost Considerations
Cost is a major factor in the tracked skid steer vs. wheeled decision. While both machines require upkeep, wheeled models tend to be cheaper in the long run.
Purchase and Rental Costs
Less expensive to buy—wheeled skid steers are generally 15-20% cheaper than a tracked skid steer. The cost to rent or purchase a skid steer can vary by location and manufacturer, but those with wheels typically cost less upfront and are cheaper to maintain than track loaders.
Compact track loaders generally cost more upfront to buy or rent. Compact track loaders run $10-15k more than a comparable skid steer and have significantly higher maintenance with the undercarriage.
If you want to buy a loader, you have many ways to pay. Some companies offer 0% financing for up to 60 months, cash back deals, or no payments for 90 days. These choices help you get the loader with the most advantages for your budget.
Operating Costs
Due to their lightweight design and smaller engines, skid steers can also save on fuel and transportation costs. Skid steers are lighter because of their wheels. Since they're lighter than track loaders, they are easier to transport and store. Better fuel efficiency, since wheels create less friction than tracks.
Tire Costs and Replacement
Tires are generally cheaper than tracks. Basic, air-filled tires cost around $100 each, while heavy-duty versions range from $150-$200 each. Solid rubber tires can cost $800 and up.
A set of tires will last anywhere from 600 hours to 1,000 hours, depending on jobsite conditions.
Preventive maintenance for tires includes proper inflation, regular inspection for cracks or loose debris and removal of excess counterweights from the skid steer when not needed to reduce stress on the tires. Replacing worn tires is not hard, but a good equipment company will do that for you.
Track Costs and Lifespan
New tracks generally cost about 30% more than tires, but you won't need to replace them as often. Tracks often cost $3,000+ per set, including installation.
How long do rubber tracks last on a skid steer? In the neighborhood of 1,200 to 1,600 hours, depending on worksite conditions. Steel tracks, known for their durability, last even longer.
The reality is added maintenance cost of a compact track loader is really only a couple bucks an hour over a tire machine with all things considered. That added cost can be made up easily in ability to work in adverse conditions.
Maintenance Requirements
If you're looking for an easy-to-maintain machine, a skid steer is your best option.
Wheeled Skid Steer Maintenance
In any comparison between skid steers with tracks and those with tires, those with tires always require less maintenance. Skid steers with tires do not get as dirty and messy. The results are less wear and tear on the undercarriage and other parts.
Skid steers typically require less frequent maintenance than track loaders, and parts are much easier to replace if something does go wrong. Wheels also make cleaning and inspecting the undercarriage easier, which is advantageous for teams operating on a tight schedule.
Tracked Skid Steer Maintenance
Tracked skid steers require more maintenance and cleaning than wheeled skid steers, a consideration if you're buying instead of renting. They also cost more. Tracks are more complicated to replace than tires.
A compact track loader requires a lot of maintenance. Replacing the tracks of a compact loader is expensive and takes more time than replacing a tire. This is why more maintenance and upkeep are needed to ensure the tracks last as long as possible.
Because a track loader's tracks can almost completely cover the undercarriage, you can expect to spend extra time with cleaning and maintenance. This can be a daunting task for one-off projects or those with smaller budgets, so many project owners choose to rent a skid steer rather than buying to avoid spending extra time and money on maintenance.
To maintain tracks, clean out and inspect the tracks every 10 worksite hours, making sure the track tension falls within recommended guidelines. Reduce wear and tear on hard surfaces by spreading small amounts of sand or dirt for the skid steer to "slide" over.
Rubber vs Steel Tracks
Most tracked skid steers come with either rubber or steel tracks, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. When choosing track types, understanding their specific benefits helps match the machine to your work environment.
Rubber Tracks
Worksites with noise restrictions: Excellent sound-dampening makes rubber tracks for skid steers a perfect fit for work in residential areas. Soft surfaces: Rubber tracks are less likely to tear up grass, dirt and soft ground. Flat surfaces: They provide excellent traction on flat, abrasive surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. Smoother handling: Rubber tracks allow for smoother handling and faster operation.
Steel Tracks
Rugged surfaces: Excellent durability and thread life make steel tracks ideal for use on off-road terrains or demolition sites. They are designed to release dirt and mud easily. Traction: Steel tracks provide superior grip in wet or slippery conditions.
Attachment Compatibility and Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of mini skid steers is their ability to use multiple attachments, transforming a single machine into a multi-purpose tool. You can quickly switch between different tools, such as buckets, augers, and grapples, in minutes. These attachments allow a single loader to easily handle multiple tasks.
Most modern mini skid steers come with a universal mounting plate compatible with various brands' attachments, including Toro Dingo, Ditch Witch, Vermeer, and other mini loader brands. This standardization means you're not locked into a single manufacturer's attachment ecosystem.
When evaluating machines, consider the range of compatible attachments and ensure they align with your tasks. Both wheeled and tracked models can run the same attachments, but their performance with specific tools may vary. For instance, ground-engaging attachments like trenchers and augers may perform better with tracked models due to enhanced stability, while material handling attachments may benefit from the speed of wheeled units.
Popular attachments include buckets of various sizes, pallet forks for material handling, augers for post holes, trenchers for utility work, brush cutters for vegetation management, snow blades and blowers for winter work, and grapples for handling irregular materials. If you're planning to use high-flow attachments regularly, ensure your chosen machine has adequate hydraulic capacity.
Rental vs. Purchase Considerations
Another critical decision you'll face is whether to rent or purchase your mini skid steer. This choice can significantly impact your project costs and long-term equipment strategy.
The primary benefit of rental is that the contractor is not responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the machine, and many equipment rental companies have a field tech that can come to the job site and solve the problem. Renting makes sense for one-off projects, seasonal work, or when you need to test different machine types before committing to a purchase. It also eliminates storage concerns and keeps your capital free for other business needs.
However, if you're using the equipment regularly—typically more than 60-70% of work days—purchasing often becomes more cost-effective. When you own the machine, you have complete control over its availability, can customize it with specific attachments, and build equity in a depreciating asset that can be sold later.
If you want to buy a loader, you have many ways to pay. Some companies offer 0% financing for up to 60 months, cash back deals, or no payments for 90 days. These choices help you get the loader with the most advantages for your budget.
Consider the machine's potential resale value if you plan to upgrade or sell it in the future. Machines from reputable brands with a strong track record tend to retain their value better over time. Popular models like the Bobcat MT100, Kubota SCL1000, and Toro Dingo series maintain strong resale values due to their reputation and widespread dealer networks.
If you're struggling with the tracks vs wheels question, consider another option: You can add over-the-tire skid steer tracks to each wheel of the skid steer, making the machine useful on both smooth and rugged surfaces.
Over-The-Tire Tracks as an Alternative
If you're struggling with the tracks vs wheels question, consider another option: You can add over-the-tire skid steer tracks to each wheel of the skid steer, making the machine useful on both smooth and rugged surfaces.
Over-the-tire tracks are add-on tracks that slip over existing tires when extra grip is needed. They take 20 minutes to install, and their maintenance costs are lower than those of a dedicated track system. This solution works well for contractors whose work changes with the seasons or who occasionally need enhanced traction without committing to a full tracked system.
However, it's important to note that the over the tire tracks do not give the same performance as the compact track loader machines. The over the tire tracks on a wheeled skid help a little but they tear up the ground too much. For mixed environments, a wheeled skid steer with over-the-tire tracks can provide temporary extra grip without committing to a full tracked system.
Many successful operators start with wheeled skid steers for their versatility and lower operating costs, then add over-the-tire tracks as their business grows or seasonal demands change. If your work changes with the seasons, talk to equipment dealers about a model that can handle both wheels and tracks.
Important Selection Factors
When comparing different models and deciding between wheeled and tracked options, several additional factors deserve consideration beyond terrain and cost.
Operator experience matters more than many buyers realize. Wheeled machines are often easier for new operators to master, while track loaders require more skill to maximize their performance advantages. If you have multiple operators or frequently hire new team members, the learning curve of wheeled models can reduce training time and improve safety.
Build quality and manufacturer support should factor heavily into your decision. Inspect build quality, control layout and service accessibility. Consider the manufacturer's reputation for durability and the availability of parts. Look for features like heavy-duty frames, reinforced lift arms, and easy-access service points. A machine from a well-established brand with a strong dealer network will be easier to service and will likely have better parts availability.
Consider factors like your typical load weights, the percentage of time spent on different surface types, and whether you need the machine for multiple job sites or dedicated applications. Don't forget to factor in transportation requirements—lighter wheeled models are easier to trailer and may not require as heavy-duty a truck for transport.
Common Applications
Understanding specific applications helps you determine which type of machine will serve you best in your primary work environment.
Wheeled Skid Steer Applications
Wheeled skid steers can do many jobs. They help you move heavy things. You can clear land or break up concrete. Wheeled skid steers are fast and flexible. They work well on busy construction sites or landscaping jobs.
Construction: The versatility and usability of a skid steer makes them ideal for various construction tasks. Indoor Construction projects where maneuverability is necessary particularly benefit from wheeled models. Excavation: Attachments like trenchers, rippers, wheel saws and tillers make skid steers ideal for excavation. Because of their maneuverability and strength, they are the best way of clearing debris and obstacles from a work site.
Material Handling: Wheeled skid steers excel at loading trucks, moving pallets, and transporting materials across paved yards and warehouses. Their speed advantage makes them ideal for applications where time is money.
Clearing snow: A skid steer uses a specialized bucket to clear snow off roads and areas quickly. Operators can use the snow blower or snow blade attachments in more severe icy and snowy conditions. The wheeled skid steer is the best option for clearing paved roads, driveways, and parking lots—especially with snow tires or chains for extra traction. While wheeled skid steers with standard tires get better snow traction than tracked skid steers with bar lug style track, you'll never fully optimize your wheeled machine in the snow until you switch to snow tires.
Landscaping: Skid steers are also efficient landscaping tools. They can clear areas and maintain grounds. Attachments like the tree spade, trench-digger, stump grinder and wood chipper make it an ideal tool for landscaping work.
Tracked Skid Steer Applications
Tracked skid steers help you finish many jobs in different industries. You can use compact track loaders for site prep, digging, and grading in construction. In landscaping, tracked machines move soil, dig trenches, and level ground.
Golf Course and Turf Management: The lower ground pressure of tracked models makes them perfect for working on golf courses, sports fields, and other turf areas where minimizing damage is critical. They can perform maintenance tasks without leaving deep ruts or compacting the soil excessively.
Utility Work: Track loaders excel at applications like trenching for utilities, where the machine needs to work on soft, recently disturbed soil. Their stability on uneven terrain makes them safer for these applications.
Farmers use tracked skid steers to move hay, feed, or fertilizer. You can clean barns or work in muddy fields. You can also use tracked skid steers for snow removal or keeping parks neat. Tracked skid steer performs better in deep, heavy snow on unpaved surfaces but struggles on ice-covered pavement due to lower grip.
Residential Landscaping: For landscapers working in residential areas with established lawns and gardens, tracked models provide the necessary traction while minimizing turf damage compared to wheeled units.
You get more work done in places where wheels cannot go. Tracked skid steers give you the power and control you need for tough jobs. Whether you need a mini skid steer loader for construction or landscaping, matching the machine type to your primary applications ensures maximum productivity.
Making Your Decision
When deciding between a tracked vs wheeled skid steer, remember that neither machine is better than the other. It's a question of matching the machine to the job.
The type of skid steer loader you should choose depends on several critical factors: surface type, job requirements, maneuverability needs, operating speed, load capacity, and performance expectations.
Flat, dry, hard surfaces? Go skid steer. Soft, wet, uneven terrain? Go track loader. Need speed? Wheels. Need traction? Tracks.
If your job doesn't specifically require the enhanced traction of a track loader, such as working on wet, uneven terrain, a wheeled skid steer will be the more budget-friendly option.
Choose a wheeled skid steer if you primarily work on hard, stable surfaces, need faster travel speeds, and want to keep maintenance costs low. Choose a tracked skid steer if you frequently work in mud, sand, snow, or on steep slopes, need superior traction, and don't mind higher upkeep costs.
Always match your loader to your main job. Pro Tip: When comparing track vs. wheeled skid steer options, think beyond just price—consider efficiency, longevity, and job site demands. A well-matched skid steer won't just get the job done; it'll save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
When weighing skid steer tracks vs. tires, let the job conditions guide your decision. When you're done comparing the specs, it's always a good idea to talk with your equipment dealer about the mini skid steer you're considering. You should also demo a few units to dial in the right machine for your needs. During this stage of the process, pay attention to the machine build quality and the manufacturer's attention to detail.
A good rental equipment provider can guide you in choosing the right skid steer or compact track loader for your needs. If you're ready to explore your options, browse our selection of mini skid steer loaders to find the perfect machine for your applications.