Pros and Cons of using tracks on a skidsteer

[ric]

Is using tracks on a skidsteer really as big of a problem as I have read that it is? If so, what are the real problems and how do they develop? If tracks are an option, what are the best ones to use and why? I am asking because where I live its wet more than its dry which limits the amount of work I can do with my skidsteer waiting for it to dry out enough to get back to work. I have an 1845C.

Thanks.

 

[jlazaro317]

Only 2 cons that I can think of:
-mars pavement
-flat tires inside tracks

All kinds of pluses. Because of the cons I bought a rubber track machine.

 

[ric]

Seems like the biggest down side to using tracks on a skid steer is premature chain wear and breakage.

Although I have heard it supposedly easier to loose a tire I have not run across anybody who actually had that happen.

I was considering rubber tracks, but they seem to cause the same problems as metal tracks.

 

[Tigerotor77W]

From what I noticed on an 863 with tracks, it seemed the engine would lug a bit more than what I thought it should lug without tracks on. It may have been the operator (really trying to kill the engine) or it may have been the tracks... not sure.

 

[jlazaro317]

Metal tracks or rubber tracks are nice in the wet weather. 3 years ago I called the local Bobcat dealer to demo a T190 tracked machine because my rubber tired machine wouldn't perform in the mud. I considered steel tracks but didn't get them because I run on pavement alot. I really had no intention of buying that machine. Two weeks later I owned one. I still have my 843. Both machines have their advantages.
My concrete guy runs steel tracks on his Deere this time of year and has no complaints. Also a brick mason I know runs steel tracks on a 773. Offroad they perform as well as rubber tracks. In the mud they might even get better traction than the rubber. I do know that steel tracks are hard on the drive motors, but if you only have one operator on the machine and not a bunch of cowboys, you should be alright.

 

[Diesel24]

I don't know how you think steel tracks preform better in mud than rubber tracks. If you are in mud and need traction, you need a dedicated rubber track loader. Look at Cat or ASV. They perform better than any other loader. They both use a suspended undercarriage. Great track life and excellent flotation. ASVI.com is where I found a dealer by zip code.

 

[BigEddy]

Yes - but the operating costs for track machines are WAY higher than for tires.

For those of you who get Compact Equipment mag www.compactequip.com - there is a great article in the June edition that talks to the pros and cons of tracked skid-steer machines and reviews several models.

General consensus is - if it's dry - use tires, if it's too wet, tracks are better.

Someone just came up with a new solution - a bolt-on undercarriage that replaces the existing wheels. Just jack up the machine, unbolt the wheels, bolt the undercarriage to the hubs, and voila = tracked machine. I don't have a link - maybe someone else does

 

[jmc]

Well, I read all six of your today's posts promoting ASV products and badmouthing the competition and was wondering if you work for the company or are you just a stockholder?

 

[JoshJ]

Yea, I see what you mean jmc... Any explaination?

 

[jmc]

He's either an overenthusiastic supporter of a couple of ASV's talking points or this is a clumsy marketing attempt. I doubt if ASV corporate supports such an effort though, as they seem knowledgeable and professional. Then again, maybe he's trying to make ASV look bad?

One interesting thing is 14 minutes after registering, he's saying he traded his other brand tracked loader for an ASV. Then a few minutes after that, on another thread, he's masquerading as a potential buyer, asking leading questions.

 

[Highbeam]

"I don't know how you think steel tracks preform better in mud than rubber tracks."

The rubber tracks lack the grousers of the metal tracks. The grousers provide bite. It is like putting snow chains on a truck tire in the snow. The rubber traction bars I've used on excavators seem slippery.

 

[40Kchicks]

I have never ran a tracked loader but I worked with a concrete contractor that often rented them and regular skid steers. He thought that the skid steer with the steel tracks like I have on my Cat 216 allowed him to push harder and dig deeper for exactly the same reasons that Highbeam is saying. They get down and bite better in the mud. The track systems float on top better.

I love my grouser brand tracks. I do take them off about July and put them back on in late September. They allow me to get on top of my manure piles and plow though dense brush and deep mud. I have about 750 hours on my skid steer with no problems at all in spite of the dirty, dusty, corrosive environment of my chicken farm. I wouldn’t want own a skid steer without them.

As far as disadvantages go they are loud especially in dry summer months. They take some more power. They have less traction than tires on concrete. They will ruin the edge of a concrete drive. I have heard they are harder on the wheel bearings although I haven’t had any problems yet. Cat does ask that chains tension be checked more often with over the tire tracks on.

Eric