OT- Track versus Wheel Skid Steer

Retcol · Sep 30, 2009

We are considering getting a skid steer. What do you recommend between wheel versus track skid steer. We aren't concerned about brand right now. The skid steer will be used for picking rocks, cleaning out fence rows, lifting seed boxes for dumping in gravity boxes for planting, mowing ditches and general use around the farm.

Marty from MN · Sep 30, 2009

I've run both. Track units are more expensive, but worth it in certain circumstances (wet land, heavy pushing, etc). Wheeled skid steers will do almost anything that you would need on a farm, especially if you have wide tires. Tires are also cheaper and generally last longer than tracks.

I currently have a Bobcat 873 with 15" wide floation tires on it. It will go bacially anywhere a tractor will go. The only time tracks would be nice is when loading sand.

Also, I haven't pushed much snow with a tracked unit, but I've been told that tracked units do not push well on ice.

Marty

cazzhrdwd · Oct 1, 2009

I have a new holland L190, it has foam filled tires(solid tires)and I'm a logger so I use it in the woods, also on my beef farm. I have steel tracks made by loegerring. With solid tires you have to be very careful not to get anything between the tires and track(you can bend the axles) but you may not have to worry about that if your tires are air filled. Tracks make the skid loader a different machine, I would not be able to get by without them. With a skidloader its all about traction and flotation. Tracks are great in manure, mud, woods, wet rainy day, and getting a full bucket of material. The only thing I would have done different is weld plates on the track tops to lessen wear. Don't have them too tight or too loose. I like about an inch to an inch and a half of play in the middle of the track. Good Luck

OT- Track versus Wheel Skid Steer

Retcol

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Marty from MN

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cazzhrdwd

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