What are the core requirements?
The most core comparison of the advantages and disadvantages between wheeled and tracked skid - steer loaders lies in the trade - off between "ground adaptability" and "moving speed/efficiency".
Their key differences are as follows:
| Skid Steer Loader Selection | ||
| Wheeled | Tracked | |
| Suitable scenarios | Require high - speed movement | Require extreme traction |
| Pay attention to ground protection | Not worry about ground damage | |
| Be budget – sensitive | Have sufficient budget | |
| Core advantage scenarios | Hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete) | Soft and rough ground (mud, sand, snow) |
| Frequent site transitions (farms, construction sites) | Steep slopes/wet and slippery slopes | |
| Lawn/ground protection (municipalities, landscaping) | Uneven ground (gravel, construction waste) | |
Tracked Skid Steer Loader
Advantages (mainly from the tracked system):
1.Excellent traction and buoyancy: Large ground contact area and low pressure make it less likely to sink or slip on mud, sand, snow, and steep slopes, making it the preferred choice for soft and uneven terrain.
2. Better ground adaptability: Better tolerance for uneven ground, superior passability and stability, and more stable operation on gravel and debris.
3. Less ground wear: Rubber tracks cause less damage to hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete than steel wheels, making it suitable for operations that require movement between construction sites and sensitive ground (such as lawns).
4. Usually greater thrust and lifting force: A more stable ground contact platform sometimes provides better operational performance.
Disadvantages (mainly due to the tracked structure):
1. Slow speed: Mobility speed is much lower than wheeled models, making it unsuitable for long-distance and rapid site transitions.
2. Higher usage cost: Rubber tracks are wear-prone components with high replacement costs. They wear out extremely fast in environments with sharp rocks and scrap metal.
3. Slightly lower maneuverability: Slightly greater turning resistance and strict prohibition of in-place turns on hard surfaces to avoid severe damage to the tracks.
4. More complex chassis maintenance: Regular cleaning of entangled debris, checking of tension, and improper maintenance can easily lead to derailment.
Wheeled Skid Steer
Advantages (mainly from the wheeled structure):
1. High speed and efficiency: Fast traveling speed, suitable for large areas where frequent and long-distance job site transfers are required (such as large farms, warehouses, and multiple construction sites).
2. Lower operating cost: Tire replacement costs are lower than those of tracks, and daily maintenance is simpler.
3. Friendly to hard surfaces: Less resistance when traveling on concrete or asphalt roads, more energy-efficient, and does not damage the road surface like steel tracks.
4. Agile control: Quick steering response, very flexible in limited space hard surface areas.
Disadvantages (mainly due to tire contact with the ground):
1. Limited traction and buoyancy: It is prone to getting stuck and slipping in mud, sand, and deep snow, thus losing operational capability.
2. Significant ground damage: Especially during turns, the tires will scrape the ground vigorously, causing severe damage to soft surfaces such as lawns and soil.
3. Poor ride comfort: The ride is more bumpy on uneven ground.
4. Prone to tire damage: Although replacement is inexpensive, they are easily punctured by sharp objects.
As a track manufacturer, when our customer is hesitant between the two, we can guide them like this: "If over 80% of your operations are on solid, hard surfaces (such as hardened construction sites or factory areas), and you need frequent and rapid movement, wheels are a more economical and efficient choice."
However, if your work often involves mud, sand, steep slopes, snow, or requires protecting lawns and asphalt roads, then a tracked skid steer loader is an irreplaceable tool. And our rubber tracks are precisely designed to maximize its traction, protect the ground and extend the equipment's lifespan.
Key points for purchasing decisions: Besides working conditions, it is also necessary to comprehensively consider the equipment purchase price (track-type ones are usually more expensive), rental costs, maintenance capabilities and operator habits. For most comprehensive working conditions, compact track loaders have become the mainstream in the market because they balance traction and speed, which is also the core market for you as a track supplier.
Over-the-Tire (OTT) Rubber Track Systems
The Ultimate "Add-On" Traction Solution - Transform Your Wheeled Skid Steer Loader in Minutes
At Yijiang company we are dedicated to providing top-notch goods to our customers. The following features our Over the tire tracks:
They are powerful.
Our OTT tracks can lengthen the useful life of your machinery.
They are adaptable and reasonably priced, and they guarantee great performance and traction on many surfaces.
You don't have to be concerned about the track systems derailing off your tires while using our OTT tracks.
manager@crawlerundercarriage.com
WhatsAPP: TOM +86 13862448768
