Skid Steer undercarriage question for farm use

[Dadnatron]

I'm looking for a used tracked CTL skid steer for farm work. Clean up, some dirt work, woods clean out, etc.

The question I have is undercarriage and its real effect in an offroad/farm/woods environment.

I've rented several tracked skid steers from local Boyd Cat facility for farm work, and my biggest complaint on the farm has always been the roughness of ride going over/through any sort of ground change. I will use it on uneven (not really rough) farm ground and in woods. What I found on the fixed undercarriage machines I used, was ever little bump/stick/pothole ended up rocking the entire machine. I felt like I was constantly climbing then falling over the terrain.

I have never had the opportunity to try the MTL or ASV bogey undercarriage, but it seems like it would be the best for what I need on the farm, as it would allow me to go over bumps, sticks, etc without requiring the 'climb and fall' for everything. But I don't know.

I know that undercarriage has fallen out of favor because it didn't hold up well with gravel and construction requirements. But I wouldn't have that sort of need on my farm, as a general rule.

 

[scootr]

I believe a tracked machine will ride MUCH better than a wheeled machine. That might be something you should consider.

 

[2manyrocks]

Drive a tracked machine and decide for yourself.

 

[Dadnatron]

I wasn't clear, the machines I rented have all been tracked. I (personally) think of skid steers as tracked, as I only have the use for a tracked machine. That was my error in explanation.

 

[scootr]

I wasn't clear, the machines I rented have all been tracked. I (personally) think of skid steers as tracked, as I only have the use for a tracked machine. That was my error in explanation.

My reply was based upon mowing etc with my wheeled machine. GL

 

[Snobdds]

Tracked SS machines have zero suspension. Wheeled SS machines have zero suspension.

They all ride like bricks.

 

[oldnslo]

The ASV suspension helps some but it will rock and roll over bumps just not as bad on smaller ridges or branches.

 

[Hay Dude]

Ride over farm fields is very rough, but that also depends on speed.
Gets old fast.
All that said, I’d like to get one.

 

[Drstrangeglove]

Drive over a root, and you feel every roller that rolls over it. A ctl is fine in the smooth yard, but any debris and you will pay. And they destroy any grass you have. When moving my rubber tracked excavator, I have to try not to trun in the fields or I leave dead grass.

 

[BlueKnife]

Look at small wheel loaders instead. I'd take my R410 over a tracked skid steer for everything other than grading. Much smoother in rough terrain, doesn't tear up the ground, better ground clearance, more precise side to side control, far better visibility. Add tire chains and it's nearly unstoppable.