Tracks or wheels??

[jeff74]

I am in the market for a skid steer....tracks or wheels, pros and cons?? Thanks in advance.

 

[TreeLogic]

Mini skid or standard?

 

[jomoco]

Tracks do better on inclines and uneven terrain by a substantial margin.

Wheels are faster and more durable on flat ground, but suck on hillsides where tracks rule the high ground where wheels can't go.

jomoco

 

[TreeLogic]

Here's an example of the difference in PSI with tracks vs wheels.

I had overlay tracks on my CAT skid. They finally gave out recently. They were old. So we took them off and are running straight wheels now.

The moment I got the machine back on the trailer I cracked a deck board, because the tires don't spread the footprint out like the tracks do. And of course now it gets stuck way easier.

Tracks are the bomb, but hardscapes reduce the life significantly.

 

[CreTree]

Wheels for manicured lawns. Tracks are awesome, unless you are turning a lot.
If you are looking for full size, check out the Bobcat A300.

 

[jeff74]

Full size, my mini is on tracks and we will use it also. I have had several wheeled units but have not had a rubber track unit yet.

 

[CreTree]

I have run the A300 wide open across the grass and made an instant turn with nary a mark. Seriously.

 

[TreeLogic]

Gonna have to demo an A300. Heard good things.

 

[Lumberjack]

If you're talking full size, for doing tree work, consider the Gehl AL540. IMO, it can be the best option of any for doing typical tree work (in the full size class). I can say that without being biased as I sell articulating loaders, skids, and compact track loaders and the articulateds have the lowest margins.

I sold my 540 last week and bought a 100hp compact track loader for a dirt job I have coming up (Mustang MTL325/Takeuchi TL250). With the odd exception, most of my tree duties will be covered by the AL140 and the excavator until I get another 540.

You can check out my youtube channel for videos of my misc machines working. www.youtube.com/rutherfordconllc

 

[toptreeman]

you will be most happy with tracks. unless you want wheel loader. the kubota r520s is a beast!!! you dont have to worry about getting stuck. Just go with tracks. Its truly the way to go and if you are that worried about it get you a cat 262 tire machine and get the loegering track system!!!! this track system gives you better clearance and more stability. I have a bobcat s250 also and my guys always want the cat with the track system!!!

 

[Lumberjack]

Can't get it stuck, eh?




Heck I pulled it out this afternoon after it got stuck when the ex wasn't there.


That particular site:

 

[jeff74]

Ended up getting a bobcat t190 track unit with root grapple and bucket....between it and the dingo we seem to be in pretty good shape. Thanks for all the replies!