The Case for Skid Steers Over Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loaders (CTL)s can offer distinct advantages over their skid steer counterparts with rubber tires—namely lower ground pressure. But this can place you at a disadvantage if the machine is primarily used for snow removal where skid steers with traditional rubber tires can offer specific perks.

According to CASE Construction, a skid steer’s four tires offer less per-square-inch contact with the surface below, which can exert more downward pressure on the bucket, plow or pusher than a CTL. This allows for enhanced scraping action along the surface and the ability to remove more snow and ice on the first pass.

Moreover, the firm points out that Skid steers with traditional rubber tires may be a more economically-effective option than CTLs because the rubber tracks and undercarriage of the latter add cost. CTLs also cost more to replace and maintain over their service life. While snow and ice does provide a slight buffer between the rubber tracks and the asphalt, rubber tracks are still subject to abrasion and wear from operation on improved surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. Rubber tires on a skid steer are subject to the same abrasion generated from operating on asphalt and concrete, but those tires can last longer and cost less to replace than the rubber tracks of the CTL.

Skid steers also offer faster ground speed than CTLs. CASE points out that The 90 horsepower SV340 skid steer offers a top ground speed four miles per hour (mph) faster than a comparable CTL. In wide-open spaces and commercial parking lots, this allows operators to work and re-position faster.

Ultimately, the steer wins in the snow.