skid steer questions

big daddy · Sep 8, 2019

I'm looking at a Gehl 5640 skid steer with low hours. It now has the 12" floatation tires on it. What is everyone's opinion on floatation tires versus tracks? I will mainly be using it for dirt and not much on lawn use. I would value everyone's opinion on the floatation tires and the tracks based on their experiences. Thank you.

Andy C · Sep 8, 2019

I ran tire skid steers in my fence business for 20 years or so. later in the timeline I owned over the tire tracks that we removed when it got too dry or icy. The tracks made a huge difference in the mud and wet conditions! Then I bit the bullet and got a rubber track machine. Never looked back! Tracks ride harder and you have to use your brain on pavement to avoid high wear but the overall performance is unmatched in most conditions.

rustred · Sep 8, 2019

tracks and skid steers are meant for each other. would not even think to have one on tires.

JD Seller · Sep 8, 2019

Well it all depends on your usage of the skid steer. If your going to be on dirt/mud then tracks are better. If your going to be on gravel and concrete I would go with tires. The tracks work best when traction is limited but have a rough ride on solid surfaces. A set of tries is much cheaper to replace. Also a tired machine will be much cheaper to buy to start with. I think your looking at around $10K difference when new.

Tony in SD · Sep 8, 2019

Tracks are more money. Over the tire tracks are a little less. Tires are the least expensive. I would not have a tire only machine. Over the tire tracks are good all around option and wear well. Rubber tracks is the best way to go.

pinball · Sep 9, 2019

It all depends on what your going to use it for. they are a great expense that for most people don't need. they are rough riding in most applications. they will tear up your pastures. they will give you better traction but my theory is if its to wet then wait till is dries up some. if you spin the tires it will create a hole where tracks probably wont. I have had a rubber tire machine for 15 years. use it correctly and it does everything I need to do on my small acreage. I definitely would not buy a machine that didn't come out with tracks. anyway do your homework. weigh all options to see if the added cost is worth it to you. you will get a lot of advice that is most likely correct for them but your the one putting out the money. good luck on your purchase what ever you buy.

ztrmowers · Sep 9, 2019

I am on my third machine and have all been tire units,my current unit I put on tweel no flat wheels, love them ride is same as or little better tan air tire. unless you are always in sandy mud etc, I have not seen the tracks worth the extra dollars, freezing weather you have to clean them all time, they will freeze up, snow icey they can become just big sled depend on track style. I tried out track unit and went back to tweel tire setup. for what you say you are using it for they will be fine.

JMS/.MN · Sep 9, 2019

I"m on my second Gehl- have a 5240e now. Has 12 inch tires, and I bought Logering add-on tracks for this machine as well. Had them on the first machine, with 10 inch tires. Excellent in mud, peat ground, etc. Poor on ice. Big difference in track design...simple or complicated.

skid steer questions

big daddy

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Andy C

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rustred

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JD Seller

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Tony in SD

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pinball

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ztrmowers

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JMS/.MN

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