By combining the compact size of skid-steer loaders with the light-treading sure-footedness of crawlers, compact track loaders prove that sometimes smaller is better. For instance, when working with a high-ground-pressure loader, operators can encounter a number of problems. Not only can they slip or get stuck, but the weight of the machine can damage the ground or existing plants. Wheeled machines can cause rutting or even lead to future erosion.

Soft or wet ground or extreme slopes require a high amount of traction that can only be achieved with a low-ground-pressure machine designed to do the job with minimal ground disturbance. A compact track loader operates on a set of rubber or steel tracks, giving it the low ground pressure and high flotation that can't be duplicated by a skid-steer loader, even if it's equipped with add-on tracks. Rental centers can take advantage of a track loader's versatility and its ability to get into job sites that restrict other equipment because of size or soft-ground conditions.

Performance plus

The compact track loader's tracks distribute weight over a larger area than is possible with a wheeled machine, delivering a smoother ride in rough terrain and improving maneuverability. The increased ground contact of the tracks makes leveling work easier and makes the ride smoother, carrying operators smoothly over ruts, potholes and rocks. This increased ground-to-surface contact also improves traction and flotation.

Narrower tracks provide better traction for general digging and excavating applications and wider tracks provide improved flotation in soft ground conditions. As track width increases, ground pressure decreases.

The compact track loader also can increase efficiency with its dedicated tracks because it eliminates the need for a custom track on a skid-steer loader, especially if the skid-steer loader is used primarily for jobs that require tracks. The compact size means the machine can work in confined areas. Because track loaders don't weigh a lot, they are easy to transport. A wide variety of job-matched attachments — such as augers, brush mowers, breakers and planers — also adds to the productivity and versatility of the machine.

Some track loaders on the market, such as the Bobcat T190 and T200 loaders, feature elevated sprockets at the rear of the machine on either side, which drive the tracks. This triangular routing of the tracks maximizes the contact between the tracks and the ground and more evenly distributes the machine's weight to minimize ground pressure. Over-the-tire tracks also help distribute the weight of a skid-steer loader over more evenly than just the four tires. The amount of track-to-ground contact, however, is less than it is with a dedicated tracked undercarriage because the skid-steer loaders do not have the advantage of the elevated sprockets.

Extended Working Season

The ability to work in a number of different conditions means an extended working and renting season. The machine's superior flotation makes easy work of applications in wet, soggy or sandy conditions. Compact track loaders also extend the working season in areas where wet or frozen ground make working with a skid steer or a larger dozer impossible.

With over-the-tire tracks on skid steer loaders, tree roots and braches and other debris can get trapped between the tire and the track. The tracks of a dedicated track loader clean themselves. The elevated sprocket design helps shed mud, debris and other abrasive materials before reaching the sprocket to reduce wear on the sprocket and tracks, meaning fewer repairs. The tracks also eliminate the possibility of downtime caused by flat tires.

Maintenance tips

Another advantage of compact track loaders is that they do not require a lot of maintenance. Of course, operators or rental centers should consult the operator's manual for specific maintenance schedules, but the following daily maintenancetips can help keep the machine running in top shape:

• Greasing the loader grease fittings.

• Checking and cleaning the radiator and oil cooler.

• Checking the engine oil level.

• Checking for fluid leaks.

After finishing a job or when the unit is returned to rental center, make sure to:

• Check fluid levels.

• Inspect hoses and hydraulic fittings.

• Check the tracks for proper tension.

• Clean out mud, rocks and debris from the undercarriage.

• Check for loose nuts or bolts.

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Fitzgerald is the compact track loader manager at Bobcat, Fargo, N.D.

Kanga Loaders

The Kanga Kid mini skid-steer loader features a 13-horsepower gas engine and a variety of attachments. The multi-purpose unit is designed for use in shrub planting, rotor tilling post holing, trenching, digging and leveling.
www.kanga-loader.com
866/US KANGA [875-2642]
RS #421

Caterpillar

The Caterpillar 252 and 262 (pictured) vertical-lift skid-steer loaders provide a lift height of more than 10 feet, 8 inches and a reach of 32.5 inches at a bucket angle of 45 degrees. Features include pilot-operated hydraulics, joystick controls, constant-reach linkage, a maximum dump angle of 50 degrees and a mechanical quick coupler that accepts 30 different work tools. The pictured unit has a 74-horsepower diesel engine and a 2,500-pound operating capacity.
www.Cat.com • 309/675-1000
RS #420

John Deere

The John Deere 240 and 250 (pictured) skid-steer loaders feature a low center of gravity, a high ground clearance of 9.6 inches and a vertical lift system with a long reach. Powered by a 61-horsepower engine, the pictured unit has a 1,750-pound load capacity, bucket breakout force of 5,500 pounds, 45-degree dump angle and a 35-degree bucket rollback for efficient carrying.
www.deere.com • 800/537-8233
RS #422

Compact Technologies

Compact Technologies, an OmniQuip International company, offers eight models in its Scat Trak line of skid-steer loaders that range in operating capacity from 1,300 to 2,450 pounds. Features include a liquid-cooled diesel engine, forward-tilting ROPS/FOPS cabs, quick-attach system and a variety of options and attachments.
www.compact-technologies.com • 262/268-7198
RS #423

Toro

The Toro Dingo TX 425 Wide Track compact utility loader features skid-steer style turning and measures only 41 inches wide. The unit is powered by a 25-horsepower Kohler engine and can be used with more than 35 quick-change attachments. A dedicated auxiliary hydraulic circuit provides 11.2 gpm of flow at 3,000 psi of hydraulic power. Other features include a three-joystick control system, walk-behind operation and a track drive with dual Kevlar rubber tracks for maximum ground engaging power and low ground pressure.
www.toro.com
800/DIG-TORO [344-8676]
RS #424

Daewoo

Daewoo has added three new skid-steer loaders to its Compact Equipment Division: the 1340XL, 1550XL (pictured) and 2060XL. All units come standard with auxiliary hydraulics, worklights, rear and top windows, a universal attachment system, hydrostatic transmission, a direct-injection Daewoo diesel engine and vertical lifting. The 50-horsepower 1550XL has a 1,500-pound load capacity.
www.dhiac.com • 770/831-2200
RS #425

General Equipment

General Equipment has expanded its Dig-R-Tach line with the 671 Dig-R-Tach Series 16. Designed for use with smaller hydraulic systems, the unit is intended for use with skid-steer loaders, small excavators and compact backhoes. Features include a two-speed chain/sprocket drive, 5- to 20-gpm hydraulic flow range and a two-inch hexagon auger drive system.
www.generalequip.com
800/533-0524
RS #426

New Holland

New Holland skid-steer loaders feature a vertical-lift boom design that increases lift capacity, forward reach and stability, the company says. The units feature a universal attachment system and several custom options. The 42-horsepower LS160 has an operating capacity of 1,500 pounds.
www.newholland.com/na
717/355-1121
RS #427

Tramac

Specifically designed for skid-steer loaders, the 85 hydraulic breaker delivers high impact, high frequency, low vibration and progressive start, Tramac says. Features include a plug-in hydraulic circuit, two-position mounting design for vertical or horizontal working positions, and sealed hydraulic accumulators. The unit has a striking rate of 740 - 1,085 blows per minute and working pressure of 1,740 pounds per square inch.
www.tramac.com
800/526-3837
RS #428

Allied

Allied built the model 48 Allied Rental (AR) Series hammer specifically for the rental industry. The 600-pound hydraulic hammer mounts on a 3,000- to 6,000-pound skid-steer or a 4,000- to 8,000-pound mini-excavator. The skid-steer version provides new mounting bracket configurations and two-position brackets for increased productivity, Allied says. The attachment requires 4 to 9 gpm at 1,300 to 1,750 psi and breaks at a rate of 700 to 1,500 blows per minute.
www.AlliedCP.com • 216/431-2600
RS #429

Bobcat

The new Bobcat 883 G-Series skid-steer loader has a 2,750-pound operating capacity. Features include auxiliary hydraulics, a preventative shutdown system, an adjustable suspension seat, and Power Bob-Tech, which allows quick changing of more than 50 different Bobcat attachments. Two-speed travel with speeds up to 12.5 mph, a counterweight package and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics are available as options.
www.bobcat.com
701/241-8700
RS #430

FFC

The T-Rex demolition tool from FFC is an attachment designed for use with all skid-steer models, compact wheel loaders and tractor/loader backhoes. The unit uses a lower jaw and hydraulics to grab and crush debris with a 40.5-inch opening. The rake bar and grapple extensions can be used with the T-Rex to increase the unit's versatility in a number of applications. The unit is 72 inches long and delivers 16 tons of force.
www.ffcattachments.com
815/824-2132
RS #431

Case

Case's skid-steer line includes model 75XT, which fits in the 1,750-pound operating segment. The 66-horsepower unit is the smallest in the XT line and features a twin-speed drive and a tilting ROPS operator compartment for easy servicing.
www.casece.com
262/636-6772
RS #432

TrynEx

The SweepEx Mega 600 broom attachment features a 60-inch long mainframe with no moving parts. The unit can be mounted on a skid-steer loader and used in cleanup or snow removal applications.
800/725-8377
RS #434

Gehl

The 110-horsepower model 7800 is designed to deliver ultimate digging and lifting performance, according to Gehl. Features include vertical-lift linkage, two-speed drive with travel speeds up to 14 mph, 3,300-psi system relief pressure and 40-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics. The unit has a 3,600-pound operating load capacity and a lift height of 11 feet, 10 inches.
www.gehl.com
262/334-9461
RS #433

JCB

JCB's Robot line of skid-steer loaders includes model 1105, a 78-horsepower unit that can lift 2,300 pounds to a full height of more than 10 feet. Features include loader linkage, hydrostatic drive with travel speeds up to 5 mph in forward and reverse, multi-disc brakes and ground clearance of 10 inches.
www.jcbna.com
888/742-5522
RS #435

Michelin

The XZSL radial tire for skid-steer loaders is a steel-belted tire with a steel casing and special rubber compounds that increase tread life and resistance. According to Michelin, the tire delivers enhanced traction and handling with a smooth, stable ride. It features an aggressive non-directional tread pattern and is available in three sizes.
www.michelin.com
RS #436