Whether you are choosing the right loader for your project, not knowing the characteristics of crawler loaders and wheel loaders will affect your judgment. If you choose incorrectly, you may waste your time and money. Understand the differences and their importance. In this article, we will cover the main differences between track loaders and wheel loaders. After reading this article, you should be able to make the right decision to save time and money the next time you rent or buy a loader.
Choosing between a track loader and a wheeled loader depends on your project’s terrain and load requirements. Track loaders excel on soft, uneven surfaces, offering superior traction and stability, while wheeled loaders are better for smooth, paved roads and high-speed tasks. Read on to discover which loader suits your needs, whether you’re in construction, landscaping, or agriculture.
So, let’s dive into the differences and benefits of each type of loader to help you make the right choice.
What is a Track Loader?
They are commonly used in construction, excavation, and landscaping projects, as well as in agriculture and forestry. Track loaders are often equipped with a front-mounted bucket for scooping and moving material,
but they can also be outfitted with other attachments such as forks, blades, and grapples for handling different types of materials and performing a variety of tasks. The compact size and maneuverability of track loaders
make them a popular choice for work in tight spaces or in areas with limited access.
Key Features of Track Loaders:
| Feature | Description |
| Continuous Tracks | Distributes weight evenly, offering better stability on soft or uneven surfaces. |
| Compact Size | Smaller footprint compared to other heavy machines, making it ideal for tight spaces. |
| High Maneuverability | Excellent performance in difficult or confined areas, such as construction sites and farms. |
| Rugged Design | Built to withstand harsh working conditions, like muddy fields, construction debris, or slopes. |
Common Applications for Track Loaders:
- Construction: Building a home, grade work, demolition
- Landscaping: Grading, leveling, and earthmoving for residential and commercial projects.
- Agriculture: Soil preparation, haulage, and some planting applications.
Track Loader vs Wheeled Loader Comparison Chart:
| Characteristic | Track Loader | Wheeled Loader |
| Traction | Superior on soft, uneven, or muddy terrain | Best on solid, paved surfaces |
| Speed | Slower due to heavy-duty tracks | Faster on flat, smooth roads |
| Maneuverability | Highly maneuverable in confined areas | More agile at higher speeds on flat surfaces |
| Surface Damage | Minimal surface damage due to weight distribution | Can cause surface damage due to higher pressure on ground |
| Maintenance | Higher due to track wear and undercarriage issues | Lower, but may require tire replacement over time |
What Makes Track Loaders Different from Wheeled Loaders?
Understanding the key differences between track loaders and wheeled loaders is critical for making the right choice. Below are the main factors to consider when comparing the two:
Traction: Track Loaders vs Wheeled Loaders
| Terrain Type | Track Loader | Wheeled Loader |
| Soft Soil | Excellent traction, prevents sinking | Struggles, can sink or get stuck |
| Muddy Terrain | Performs well with minimal slippage | Struggles to maintain traction |
| Rough Terrain | Ideal for rocky, uneven ground | Less stable, may tip over on uneven surfaces |
| Paved Roads | Not as fast, less efficient on hard roads | Performs efficiently with high speed |
Track loaders are heavier than their wheeled counterparts and are best for muddy, rocky or uneven surfaces where the tracks distribute the weight and keep them from getting stuck. The down side is that tracked loaders can damage grass, asphalt and are slower than wheeled skid steers. Wheeled skid loaders are the best choice for areas you have prepared, and paved areas, where overall speed and mobility are a must.
Maneuverability
Both track loaders and wheeled loaders have an amazing way of maneuvering around, but it will depend on the surface you are moving over. Track loaders can make sharp turns and go into tight places very handily. Wheeled loaders will get around a little faster, but will not handle getting around things as well.
Weight Distribution and Surface Protection
Track loaders spread their weight out across the tracks like a snowshoe, causing little surface impact or ground damage. Wheeled loaders may have more pressure per square inch because the weight is on the small contact area of the tires rather than spread out like tracks. For these reasons, a contractor with a new lawn may prefer a tracked loader in some situations.
Key Benefits of Choosing a Track Loader Over a Wheeled Loader
Superior Traction and Ground Protection
The track loader is also able to more easily navigate over obstacles such as rocks, tree roots, and other debris due to the increased ground clearance provided by the tracks. This makes it an ideal choice for working in rough or heavily wooded areas, where a wheeled loader might struggle to maneuver. Overall, the track loader excels in situations where traction and stability are essential, making it a valuable asset for a wide range of industries.
Stability in Challenging Terrain
Track loaders also offer exceptional stability, particularly when working on slopes or uneven ground. The low center of gravity and weight distribution over the tracks make them very stable, so the risk of tipping on slopes or when under load is lower than with skid steer loaders or other types of equipment.
Improved Load Handling and Weight Distribution
The even weight distribution of the track loader provides significantly better load handling in applications and environments where a wheeled machine would fail, like industries that require heavy lifting or earthmoving in unstable conditions.
Popular Track Loader Brands and Models to Consider
When deciding which track loader to choose, keep in mind the most reliable, highest performing track loaders supported by the best aftermarket sales and service networks. The top four brands of track loaders include:
| Brand | Model | Key Features |
| Caterpillar | CAT 963K, CAT 973K | Exceptional lifting capacity, durable tracks, versatile performance |
| Komatsu | Komatsu D51EX-24, PC138US-11 | Superior fuel efficiency, excellent traction |
| Volvo | Volvo EC950F, EC950F Crawler | Known for smooth operation and efficiency in all conditions |
| Bobcat | Bobcat E165, Bobcat T770 | Compact, cost-effective, great for tight workspaces |
| Kubota | Kubota SVL75-2, SVL95-2 | Easy to operate, durable, excellent for rough terrain |
Choosing the Right Track Loader
When selecting a track loader, consider the following factors:
- Project type and terrain: Do you work in mud or rocks? Do you need a machine to lift heavy loads or do light grading?
- Brand reputation: Choose brands that have a solid reputation for good after sales service and easy access to replacement parts.
- Budget: A track loader costs more upfront, but it may pay you back in ROI well because it is so versatile and will last a long time.
Track Loader Features to Look For
When evaluating different models, consider these key features to ensure you’re getting the right machine for the job:
| Feature | Why It’s Important |
| Engine Power | Ensure the engine has sufficient horsepower for your specific job, whether it’s heavy lifting or speed. |
| Hydraulic Flow | Check if the hydraulic system can support your attachments and is efficient in terms of flow rates. |
| Track Type (Rubber vs. Steel) | Rubber tracks are quieter and less likely to damage surfaces, while steel tracks provide more durability on rocky terrain. |
| Cab Comfort and Control | A comfortable cab with easy-to-use controls is essential for longer shifts and operator efficiency. |
| Ground Pressure | The lower the ground pressure, the less the machine will sink into soft or unstable ground. This is essential for working in muddy or soft terrains. |
Track Loader vs Wheeled Loader: Which One Fits Your Project?
Overall, the best way to make this decision is to know your terrain, loading volume, and operations. While both machines have their usefulness, only you can make the decision that will work best for you. Remember, articulating loaders may cost more at the time of purchase, but the benefits they provide often make up for the price difference. Knowing these strengths and limitations up front can help you make a better-informed decision without leaving money on the table later.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Loader
| Scenario | Track Loader | Wheeled Loader |
| Soft, Uneven Ground | Best for traction on soft, muddy, or rocky ground | Struggles to maintain traction on soft or muddy surfaces |
| High-Speed Operation | Slower due to track resistance, but great for stability | Best choice for speed on flat, paved surfaces |
| Rough Terrain / Construction Sites | Ideal for demolition, grading, and earthmoving in tough environments | Not ideal in rugged, unstable areas; can be less stable |
| Surface Maintenance | Not ideal for smooth surface applications such as roadwork | Perfect for resurfacing and maintaining hard surfaces like roads or pavements |
Soft, Uneven Ground
As a result, the wheels can wear out faster and require more frequent maintenance to keep them operating effectively. On the other hand, track loaders wear their tracks evenly, and that wear is generally more spread out. They may be slightly more expensive to maintain than a wheeled loader, but the gap is not as wide as it was just a few years ago. So, the decision may be more about the type of environment you’re working in rather than the cost.
High-Speed Operation
Track loaders offer excellent stability and traction, but they are slower than wheeled loaders because tracks offer more resistance. If your job involves getting from point A to point B as fast as possible, a wheeled loader is the way to go because of their faster operational speed and better streetability.
Rough Terrain / Construction Sites
Track loaders excel in handling demolition, earthmoving and grading tasks in harsh conditions. They offer consistent stability to accomplish tasks, even when the terrain conditions are adverse, tracking across rocks, on hillsides and through debris-covered areas. Wheeled loaders struggle with these same tasks. The wheels are not designed to cope with the rough terrain that a tracked machine can handle. Wheeled loaders are best in flat, hard conditions and can lose stability when working in rough terrain.
Surface Maintenance
When the goal is to maintain the condition of a smooth, solid surface where speed and agility are a plus, then wheeled loaders are the ones to use. The rubber tires give good traction on paved roads, and that’s when they are the popular choice for roadwork.
Track loaders aren’t your friend when you have smooth, hard surfaces like roads to maintain. The tracks can tear up such surfaces if you turn or brake on them. Truly, track loaders are best in a dirt pit, on the site, or in swampy or gravelly conditions where the rubber-tire loaders might struggle or get stuck.
How to Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Track Loader
A track loader is a significant investment, and if you properly maintain it, it will serve you well for a long time. Regular maintenance not only makes it perform better, but also means less downtime and fewer expensive repairs.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Effective maintenance is key to ensuring your track loader runs smoothly and remains efficient on the job. Here’s a breakdown of regular maintenance tasks:
| Maintenance Task | Track Loader Maintenance Tips |
| Track Inspection | Inspect tracks regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. Replace tracks when necessary to maintain traction. |
| Undercarriage Cleaning | Clean the undercarriage thoroughly to avoid dirt, debris, or moisture buildup, which can cause premature wear of tracks. |
| Hydraulic System Check | Regularly check for hydraulic fluid leaks and ensure the system is functioning properly. If leaks are found, address them immediately. |
| Engine Maintenance | Change oil and air filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Clean the cooling system and ensure the engine runs at the proper temperature to prevent overheating. |
| Fluid Levels | Check and maintain proper fluid levels for the hydraulic and cooling systems to prevent strain on components. |
Common Issues to Watch Out For
Not necessarily. Here are some issues to be aware of, as well as steps you can take to prevent problems:
Battery Maintenance: Keep the battery clean and free from corrosion. Regularly check the electrolyte levels and make sure the battery is securely held in place to avoid damage due to vibration. Also, ensure the alternator and charging system are working correctly.
Leakage Issues: Leaking hoses, cylinders, and other essential hydraulic system components can be an early indicator of serious issues. Check the machine for visible leaks daily. Even a small leak can drain the hydraulic fluid, causing damage and expensive repairs if not addressed quickly.
Control Problems: A loader has multiple controls for steering, lifting, and managing the attachments. Continuously cycle through these to ensure all are operating correctly before starting work or when switching tasks.
Tire Wear and Air Pressure: Unchecked, low tire pressure leads to premature tire wear and can cause the sidewall of the tire to fail. This is a severe safety hazard when lifting heavy loads or when maneuvering a bucket full of materials.
Cost of Maintenance
Caterpillar offers the widest selection of track loaders of any equipment manufacturer, so you can access the ideal equipment for your application, whether you need a compact machine for landscaping, a medium-duty
model for construction work, or a large track loader for mining or any other heavy-duty work. For industries with challenging environments, Caterpillar track loaders provide the best performance day after day, whatever the
conditions.
- Initial Investment: Track loaders are generally more expensive than their wheeled counterparts due to the more complex technology required in their construction.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Maintenance costs can be higher, with tracks needing to be replaced, undercarriages cleaned, and more frequent hydraulic checks performed. However, many of these types of routine maintenance are actually preventative and can save you from much more significant repairs down the road.
While tracks can be much more expensive to purchase, more complex to maintain, and more costly to repair, the benefits they provide separate them from tires. A machine with tracks will give you a longer life-span, is a better
performer in the mud, and is more reliable on slope projects, as it maintains its footing. If you are in a business where you need your equipment to work every day and perform at a higher level, then the initial investment and
higher maintenance costs of a track loader can pay off.
Safety concerns come into play as well. A track machine is going to be your safer choice if you’re working around slopes or uneven ground. If your company is in the equipment rental business, tracks are important because renters generally don’t take the time to match the hydraulics, tires, and horsepower on a machine needed for a particular attachment, so giving them a track loader eliminates concerns about how the machine will perform. Safety, performance, and longer life make tracks a great option.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you should rent a track loader or a wheel loader depends on your particular needs. If you are dealing with soft ground, uneven surfaces, steep terrain, or anything else that requires high traction and maneuverability, go with a track loader. If you need to move a lot of material on hard surfaces (like a road or pad), and you don’t need to go too slow, get a wheeled loader.
So, consider your needs, the situation, and your budget when you decide to make a purchase. The right loader can make or break a job. Get the right one, and you will save time, your crew’s sanity and keep your project on track, literally and figuratively.I’m Abby, if you need a second-hand loader, please feel free to contact me.Happy working!
