How To Choose Between A Wheeled And Tracked Mini Skid Steer Loader

Skid steer loaders are versatile equipment widely used in construction, agriculture, landscaping and other industries. When choosing a wheeled or tracked mini skid steer loader, you need to consider factors such as the working environment, operational needs, cost, and operator comfort. These machines usually have two configurations: wheeled and crawler. Each type is designed for different work sites, so when choosing, you must be clear about your needs, and also consider factors such as terrain suitability, cost, and performance.

Understanding Mini Skid Steers

Mini skid steers are compact, but flexible and can operate in small spaces. They also support a variety of attachments, such as bucket, forks, auger and stump crusher, which can be used for different application scenarios. The main difference between wheeled and crawler models is their mobile systems. For different terrain operations

Wheeled Mini Skid Steer Loaders

• Design: Equipped with four wheels, wheeled skid steers use differential steering, where wheels on one side move faster to create a skidding turn, enabling zero-radius turning.
• Best For: Hard, flat surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or compacted soil, where speed and maneuverability are critical.

Tracked Mini Skid Steer Loaders

• Design: Feature rubber or steel tracks, providing a larger ground contact area for better traction and stability. Often called compact track loaders (CTLs), they distribute weight more evenly.
• Best For: Soft, uneven, or muddy terrain, including grass, sand, or slopes, where stability and minimal ground disturbance are priorities.
  

Key Factors to Consider

1. Terrain and Site Conditions

The job site’s terrain is the most critical factor in choosing between wheeled and tracked mini skid steers.

Wheeled Skid Steers:

• Advantages: Excel on hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or compacted dirt. Their wheels provide faster travel speeds (up to 7-10 mph) and are less likely to damage paved surfaces. Ideal for indoor tasks, warehousing, or roadwork.
• Limitations: Struggle on soft, muddy, or uneven terrain, where wheels may sink or lose traction. Not recommended for steep slopes due to higher ground pressure (30-45 psi).

Use Case: Moving materials in a warehouse or grading a paved driveway.

Tracked Skid Steers:

• Advantages: Superior traction and stability on soft, wet, or uneven terrain due to lower ground pressure (4-6 psi). Tracks distribute weight, reducing the risk of sinking in mud or sand and minimizing damage to grass or delicate surfaces. Ideal for landscaping or wet climates.
• Limitations: Tracks can wear quickly on hard surfaces, increasing maintenance costs. Slower travel speeds (4-6 mph) and less maneuverability in tight spaces.
• Use Case: Clearing brush on a wooded property or grading a muddy construction site.

Tip: If your projects involve mixed terrains, consider over-the-tire (OTT) tracks for wheeled skid steers, which combine wheel maneuverability with track stability. Ensure at least 3 inches of clearance around tires for OTT compatibility.

2. Maneuverability and Stability

• Wheeled: Offer exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces due to zero-radius turning. However, their higher center of gravity and four-point weight distribution can reduce stability on slopes or uneven ground, increasing tipping risks.
• Tracked: Provide better stability on slopes and uneven terrain due to a larger footprint and lower center of gravity. Tracks offer smoother rides but require three-point turns, reducing maneuverability in tight spaces.
• Use Case Example: For a cramped urban construction site, a wheeled skid steer’s tight turning radius is ideal. For a hilly landscaping project, a tracked model’s stability is safer.

3. Cost Considerations

Initial Cost:

Wheeled skid steers are generally less expensive, with used models starting at $15,000-$20,000.

Tracked models have higher upfront costs, starting at $20,000-$25,000 for used units. New tracked models can cost 20-30% more than wheeled equivalents.

Our brand new mini skid steer start at just $4,860, such as:

• Mini Track Skid Steer Loader
• Mini Skid Steer Loader
• 800KG Loader

Maintenance Costs:

• Wheeled: Tires are cheaper to replace ($100-$300 each) and easier to maintain. However, tires may wear faster on rough terrain or puncture on rocky sites.
• Tracked: Rubber tracks cost $1,000-$3,000 to replace and wear faster on hard surfaces. Regular undercarriage cleaning is required to prevent debris buildup.
• Fuel Efficiency: Wheeled models are typically more fuel-efficient due to lighter weight (e.g., 2,000-5,000 lbs vs. 3,000-6,000 lbs for tracked).
• Rental vs. Purchase: Renting is cost-effective for short-term projects, with daily rates of $150-$300 for wheeled and $200-$400 for tracked models. Purchasing is better for frequent use, offering long-term savings despite higher upfront costs.
• ROI Example: A landscaper in a wet climate may justify a tracked loader’s higher cost due to increased uptime after rain, while a contractor on paved sites may save with a wheeled model’s lower maintenance.
  

4. Attachment Compatibility

Both wheeled and tracked mini skid steers support similar attachments, including buckets, forks, augers, trenchers, and stump grinders. However:

• Tracked: Higher lift capacities allow for heavier attachments, improving efficiency for tasks like forestry mulching.
• Wheeled: Slightly lower lift capacities may limit use with heavy attachments but are sufficient for most landscaping or material handling tasks.
• Consideration: Ensure your loader’s hydraulic flow matches attachment requirements. 

5. Operator Comfort and Features

• Wheeled: Can be bumpier on uneven terrain, increasing operator fatigue. Modern models (e.g., Bobcat S70) offer ergonomic cabs, but noise and vibration may be higher.
• Tracked: Smoother rides due to tracks’ suspension, especially on models like ASV Posi-Track with advanced undercarriage systems. Features like backup cameras and Bluetooth are increasingly common.
• Emerging Tech: Electric models reduce emissions and noise, ideal for indoor or eco-sensitive sites, but are less common and more expensive.
• Tip: For long work hours, prioritize models with air-conditioned cabs, adjustable seats, and low noise levels to reduce fatigue.

6. Environmental and Site Impact

• Wheeled: Higher ground pressure can damage grass or soft soil, making them less suitable for landscaping on delicate surfaces.
• Tracked: Lower ground pressure minimizes damage to lawns or crops, ideal for agricultural or residential projects. However, tracks may leave marks on pavement.

Decision-Making Checklist

Use this checklist to choose the right mini skid steer loader:

• Terrain: Will you work on hard surfaces (wheeled) or soft/uneven terrain (tracked)?
• Project Type: Do you need speed and maneuverability (wheeled) or stability and traction (tracked)?
• Budget: Can you afford the higher upfront and maintenance costs of tracks, or do you prefer the lower costs of wheels?
• Attachments: Do your tasks require high lift capacity or specialized attachments?
• Site Impact: Is minimizing ground disturbance (tracked) or pavement damage (wheeled) a priority?
• Operator Comfort: Will long hours or specific conditions (e.g., heat, noise) require advanced cab features?
• Frequency of Use: Is renting sufficient, or does frequent use justify purchasing?
  

Conclusion

Choosing between a wheeled and tracked mini skid steer loader depends on your project’s terrain, budget, and operational needs. Wheeled models excel in speed, maneuverability, and cost-effectiveness on hard surfaces, while tracked models offer superior traction, stability, and minimal ground disturbance on soft or uneven terrain. By assessing your job site, tasks, and long-term costs, and using the provided checklist, you can select the ideal machine to maximize efficiency and productivity.