Great advise. Thank You. I bought a set of steel tracks (over tire) and had great luck with them. They were about half the price of rubber over tire tracks. You have to get them very tight because they loosen up and start smacking you machine. When you hear that you have to stop and tighten it again. After once or twice it's good to go and you don't have to tighten it again unless you remove/replace. Caution, they are hard to load on a deck over trailer. tends to slide and could be dangerous. I load in a dump trailer so never had any trouble. Also the tires can spin inside the tracks, but that usually means they are a little loose. Or you might be asking it to do too much. Try a different angle or take less of a bite. In all, I'm very happy with the steel tracks I bought 2 years ago.
Spot on correct in your views , I had a 743 that I had steel tracks for working in sand. The tracks worked very well but it was really tough on the machine and the sand wears out the tracks fast . Tyres are cheap and I replace them every 12 mths if required. My S130 has never had tracks put on it as I avoid it and use a T190 if its soft or sandy or muddy . Use the right machine and save $$$$$.
Love ur videos!! Very informative and helped me get started about 5 years ago. The only thing I wanted to add to ur video is that tracks do not cost $2000 per side. Last winter before my original tracks wore out I wanted to buy a more universal rubber track for my 2012 T-190, I need to buy studs for the original tracks that are terrible on ice. But with studs I could push more snow then a wheel machine. Now my new camoso tracks on sale for $815 each side, out perform my original tracks with studs. No studs needed for the new tracks and no scratch marks left behind. From running equivalent machines both wheeled and tracked, new tracks on a CTL make a world of a difference. For an all season machine, for me at least, the T-190 is the perfect choice!! I don't like the original "C" pattern tracks but once replaced it turns that machine into a true powerhouse!! But I love ur videos please keep posting! And please don't take this comment badly, it's just what I wanted to add. Thank u and again!! Ur awesome!!
$900/EA for rubber tracks for my ASV that will last 1100-1300 hours depending... How LONG DO YOUR TRIES LAST?? and how much will you spend getting unstuck?
What skid steer to buy??? which ever one has the best product support locally. The best machine is the one you can pay for and maintain. I live and work in central Oregon...Lava rock everywhere 18inch average depth of soil. Bobcat and Cat is popular in this area. Im a Bobcat fan although I have 1999 daewoo 601 and Bobcat S205. Daewoo is an odd duck but the most easy simple machine to work on. I only use "tires". Our material is mostly sandy loam w/no clay or solid lava rock humps. Nice to work in even when wet. The ground here "chews" up Tracks and Tires evenly but it seems Tracked skid steers are becoming more the norm with "younger" excavators. I will only buy wheeled skid steers...old fashion. We try to use skid steers only in hauled in dirt or gravel...try to keep them off rocky ground..which we have a lot of. I have been in excavation business in this area for 30 yrs, still a small company, easier for me. The bottom line...each "good operator" develops their own Technic on how to use each piece of equipment correctly w/out destroying it in their local conditions.
i like wheeled ones because i get the 2" thick tread and you can drive those on pavement in the hot summer and still get them to last for 5 years with commercial use. They last another year after the tread is all the way down
Question, which is better for the woods. What does more damage to the ground turning, tracks or tires. Do some work in hayfield where the hay has just been cut. Hope you can help thanks.
I have owned a couple different brands over the years in my construction business and currently own a Bobcat A300 and recently bought a Bobcat A770..both are all wheel steer and i can get 1000 hrs out of a set of tires and I use the loaders from snow removal to pushing slate around.Love the way I can get in a customers lawn and not do very much damage to the turf.
We always spray driveways with water and we have sheets of puckboard for wet yards we would tear up the lawn with tracks. But we have rented a track machine to drive on the beach
I'm approaching 4k hours on ctl's, mostly Takeuchi, 300+ on Bobcat and while I've run the skid steer loaders some, you couldn't run fast enough to sell me one. If I need wheels, it needs to steer conventionally or by pivot like some small articulated loaders. If I have to work on asphalt much, I prefer a ton. Off-road, give me the tracks every time. As far as throwing tracks, I adjust tension for conditions, haven't lost one yet. As far as wear, not all tracks are created equal. Best replacements I've seen yet come from our local Komatsu dealer. Liked them so good, put a set on my Cat 304cr.
Bought an 04 S160 last summer had 846 hrs, cab with heat and AC. Came with tooth bucket,light material bucket, set of forks and a set of worn out rubber tracks for 16k. Didn`t think that was too bad. Now looking at a set of no flats solid tires about $1800.00 and would like a set of the Prowler Stealth tracks that have the replaceable rubber pads, about $2500.00. Got a set of chains for plowing snow. My neighbor has a track machine and it is helpless on packed snow and ice.
I used to work at a tire shop down by the twin Cities. We had contractors coming in all the time for new skid loader tires. what we ended up doing was recapping most of their tires. with that you can select tread patterns, Hardness of the rub and some of the contractors that did a lot of pavement or highway work would have them filled with a heavy rubber compound. Now the compound can NOT be removed once it's put in but it adds a lot of weight. You can recap these tires multiple times as long as you don't let them get woren down to far before you do it again.
I want to rent a wheeled skid steer for a week from Home depot, but want to drive it 4 miles to and from my property on low traffic very early morning back roads. I will have an escort driver behind me with hazard lights flashing. Safe? Good idea? If I study some guides, how many hours before I can effectively use it?
Was suprised you did not cover foam filled tires. Had them on my Mustangs for my Masonry business and loved them as you could not puncture them. Real good as we worked around rebar and other sharp objects all the time.
Loronzo's Gorbonzo Foam filled tires fall into the same category as tires. They're they exact same except with foam filled you have a little more weight down low and a tire you can run with chunks the size of base balls missing. Although because of the extra tire weight they're a little harder on the machine.
Here’s my question. A tire only wears one way, what about rubber tracks ? What should give out first, the outside, or inside lining of the track ? My concern is i feel like carrying 3000 + lbs over & over will strain the track more, then whatever surface I’m on
the rubber tracks over tires have steel in them, they just are coated with rubber- essentially the same thing. so they have the same load on your equipment.
I have worked with both wheeled and tracked and the thing that i did not like about track was that when you are grading rock it pops up and makes the track pop off and you have to drain the grease and pump the cylinders back up which take for ever. But I have had a wheeled bobcat and loved it because depending on what i was doing I could do it without screwing up by digging up property and having to pay back the cost in damage which sucks when you have to depend on that job.
I prefer tracks ALMOST all the time. Better in so many areas that I sold all of my wheeled loaders. But I only have 3 decades worth of experience so kind of a rookie. ;~) The solid tires are the only way to go on a wheeled skiddy. Especially if doing concrete demo. Yes, they are expensive but they out wear foam filled or pneumatic tires 5 to 1 in my experience. and when they wear down just have them retreaded.
love watching the shows the information. i dont wanna sound rude i kinda already knew this but there was way more stuff i needed to know and man appreciate youre videos keep them coming!
we use a tracked bobcat T750....amazing machine. we do construction and most of it is dirt/mud with some asphalt and concrete driving. only problem with bobcat is only their mechanics can work on them....
+Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek I believe it's 85 hp and has a max load capacity of around 3,300 lbs. we have rubber tracks on it...2 speed, bob-tach. we have forks, toothed bucket and a brush hog. have also used the jack hammer for it...works damn nice. pretty hard to get it stuck as well.
Okay so I have a bobcat 863. Greta video by the way. But, I want to be able to plow my very steep driveway when it snows and I also want to be able to clear a road through the woods on a very steep and potentially muddy slope. What would you recommend for that?
I enjoy your videos. I have a lot to clear. Very uneven terrain to even walk on ...I think there are more rocks to clear than actual trees. My method of madness is to try and chain saw as many trees as I can than let the trees fall as they may. Then cut them into 8 foot sections. Here's my question....is a Track steer with a rock grapple the way to go instead of a wheel steer? It seems as if every second step are small boulders. Which type of steer would go over that terrain the best?? I need the grapple to pick the rocks as well. Thanks.
at our hardscape company we have multiple track and tire cat machines 259b-279b tire machines multiple 299d2 and 259 track machines our tires last only about 400hrs and then not only are we replacing the tires but we are replacing the rims bc the stress of turning on a tire machine is much more then a track and puts pressure on the back tires which eventually will cause it to pull the lugnuts out
Stuart Smith I don't know what company makes them but I do know you can buy after market rims for skid loaders. the center of the rim is at least half steal. might help.
Here’s my question. A tire only wears one way, what about rubber tracks ? What should give out first, the outside, or inside lining of the track ? My concern is i feel like carrying 3000 + lbs over & over will strain the track more, then whatever surface I’m on
Stan, I want to say thank you for the honest, excellent knowledge you have given to us as a new business just starting up with heavy machinery. I have a new S570 seeking rubber OTT tracks. Any particular set you recommend for working on lawns? Thx
In the winter, I'd say tracks are better than tires. And I agree to disagree with you on them getting warn out in winter. The snow adds slight protection from the ground so they don't get warm out as much as summer. And personally plowing, there's better traction with tracks than tires
IN WINTER, REGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE SNOW TRACKS OR NOT, ONCE THE SNOW IS REMOVED AND IT GETS DRIVEN ON, YOU ARE GOING TO SLIDE WITH TRACKS...IE; TRACKS=LOW GROUND PRESSURE. WHEELS WITH CHAINS ARE GOING TO GIVE YOU TRACTION IN BOTH CONDITIONS,IE; WHEELS=MORE GROUND PRESSURE. TO ANSWER THE QUESTION FROM SOMEONE EARLIER, SNOW BLOWERS ARE GREAT IF YOU HAVE ROOM TO BLOW BECAUSE OF NO SPACE RESTRICTIONS. IF YOU HAVE SPACE RESTRICTIONS...BLADE OR BUCKET. 48 YRS IN THE BUSINESS, I'VE BECOME LIKE FARMERS INS. COMMERCIAL ; 'WE KNOW A THING OR 2 CAUSE WE'VE SEEN A THING OR 2. LOL
Another very informative breakdown. Judge by your cost per hour for tires being $3.33, I would guess you're on pavement or concrete a lot. Most guys that I know that use ski loaders for farm use tend to get close to 1000 hrs per set of tires. Ours gets used a lot in the field loading hay and straw so we usually get 13-1500 hours per set of tires due to the dirt moving rather than peeling off the tires. I don't have any experience to offer with tracks, never ran one with them, but have gotten myself stuck many times with the wheeled machine. Good information for anyone looking to buy a skid loader.
.. i ran a 299 d2. And have used ole bobcats with wheels. Id say the more tire on the ground the better!. Ive used both.. tracked skids are more stable for sure.. rocks on the other hand can make a bad squeaking noise with tracks. But with good maintenance and tight tracks its ok...my opionin is tracks are better.. more stable with heavy loads to.. ive hauled up to 8,000 pounds with d2 and id assume if it had tires on it.. it would have been alot unstable
Tracks are great for grading didn't like them when I first used them because I grew up using rubber tired with my dads buisness , but now after running a track hard to go back
What brand or brands of rubber OTT should I be looking at to buy for a Bobcat S650? I do some finished spaces like grass and street use. Not much digging.
hey. im working at a rental Company for construction equipment and ive noticed a bit diffrense betwen our recomands and urs. we recomands Steel tracks thru demo jobs and rubber tracks thru mudd and Snow, when tires åt at Street jobs. cus using Steel tracks over rubber at demo jobs is cheaper in end: 1. they dont wear off the way that rubber tracks do. 2. you dont need to think what u drive thru with steel, the way u must do with rubber tracks. 3. u helping crushing the concrete further with steel tracks while the Guy with rubber tracks terminates his tracks trying to do the same thing. XD
Who would have thought this topic would go on a results driven track. Unless your in the business you don't learn this stuff first hand. Made my mind up.
steel tracks are great! They would only damage the frame of your machine if you don't reverse your rims before you install them. I've had a set of on one of my skid steers for 8 years now. That's $2,000 spent and I haven't had to replace the rubber tires that they ride on since then, so I think they've more than paid for themselves. only drawback as you mentioned, is if you select a set with agressive treads they will damage new hot top. They do make them with passive treads though.
+peter michael Spacers also work well to keep the tracks away from the machine. I have ran for years with Steel Tracks- they have their place but I am moving away from them. I prefer rubber tracks.
I just wanted to bring up two points on this.1: My shop manager was doing some research between the costs of track vs wheel skid steers for Caterpillar, upon his research, he found that he can replace a set of tracks cheaper than a set of tires for a new Cat skid loader. Just putting it out there.2: Bobcat now offers a new option of using Steel Tracks for their compact track loaders (essentially mini excavator tracks), for very rugged conditions like demolition. Thoughts?
Great information mostly. Sounds like he needs a better vender for the tracks though. I'm still on the fence regarding wheeled or track, track for the comfort and less damage to topsoil and wheeled for compaction.Question: We have high clay content, which would you recommend for landscaping on high clay content soil, wheeled or tracked?
I wanted to know your opinion on Hi flow attachments over standard. I'm buying a slasher but wondered if Hiflow was a better option over standard? they both spin right!?
Have you ran the all wheel steer bobcats? I have spent a couple thousand hours in a Bobcat A770 and think it’s night and day better that a regular skid steer for most things, if you end up needing skid steer function just flip a switch and you can still use it as a skid steer as well.
Howdy and thank you for the video. I am trying to decide between a compact tracked steer and a skid steer with tires. Years ago I had a 90 horse Thomas skid steer on a ranch we had in northeast, Wyomin' and it worked well for me. I was happy with it and loved the attachments like the backhoe. This time however my ranch location will be in the desert southwest and another ranch. Different environment. Lots of sand, rock and things that poke you and stick you. I am concerned about the tires getting lots of flats from mesquites, rocks, cacti and so on. That same material could be pretty hard on tracks as well. I will need to clear quite a lot of fence line that means clearing brush etc., and there maybe some moderate slopes involved. One thing is that tearing up the desert ground is a good thing because it can stimulate range grass growth, so no worries on that account. So I am pretty confused as to which one to choose. I would be interested in your thoughts and opinion as to what might be the best set up for me and also if you have had any experience with solid tires like here, www.earthforce.com/parts/search/default.aspx?ManuID=1&MachineTypeID=8&CatID=23 Thank you and happy trails, Mike
Thanks for the video, it seems spot on with everything I've read. I'm considering taking on a business adventure that has been offered to me and am gathering information . My question is this, how much difference is their in the track over tire method and the track loader? What it would be used for is site clean up for a residential builder. (Cleaning leftover slab pours, framing materials ext.)( Basically picking up leftover supplies in a pile and throwing it in a dumpster) So the terrian will be minimal in terms of level, maybe occasional soft ground due to rain, but even that I feel would be minimal on a broad scale in conditions that the tracked would be worth it. Maintance cost seem to be much much higher, cost of the unit is much much higher, and a lack of versitility. Would you agree ? Or offer any insight . Thank you again
I'm a farmer and looking to get a used skid steer to load manure and some work around the farm. Loading manure in wet conditions has been tough on my tractors and had to replace clutch many times. What do you reccomend track or tires for skid steer? Thanks
we use only tires on the farm, and so does everyone else, farmers definitely prefer tires (our cattle are on concrete surfaces, with 1' of manure on top)
I own a asphalt paving business I have always had tire skid loaders we dig out grass stone old.blacktop and concrete I am buying a new skid loader this up coming weeks what is the best skid loader made now money is not a issue?? And I was wondering if I should get a track loader or should I stick to a tire machine thanks
Found we need both in our area with doing so many different jobs.one day we can be working in gumbo the next on asphalt. That being said we use a wheeled machine first tires are cheaper then tracks.
You should always go for tracks. The tires will wear down quicker. Don't put steel tracks on because if you get it muddy, your tires will spin inside of the tracks. With tires you will spin out faster because its not distributing the weight of the skidsteer. So tracks are the way to go
Depends on what you are doing. If your always gonna be in iffy ground absolutely tracks.. if the ground is good and stable say working on road base the tires are just fine. Same with if you are roading lots tires are also better. Lots of heavy pushing and the like trackd
The track over tries are a joke. Track don't go flat. Tracks (the right tracks) are so much better for moving snow then the dirt ones. And I feel tracks last way longer than tires in 90% of applications. Good video. If you want compaction get the compactor attachment. Does a better job than tires will.
I serious have run Numerous Skidsteers in both wheel & Tracks for 30 years. I’ll take track over Wheeled and day of the Week. A whole lot easier on my Back.
Love the video man I'm actually going to go and purchase a brand new Kubota SVL 75-2 here in the next couple weeks with a brush mower I've watched several of your videos and they've been very helpful what are your thoughts on that Kubota just curious thanks keep up the good work.
Is a rubber track 50% as good as a real tracked machine? More or less? I am looking at a skid steer for farm work due to lifting 1200lb round bales. not sure if I need track or wheeled. We do have a 1/4 mile gravel driveway to take care of, but also alot of dirt areas as well. The rubber track seems like a good compromise but not sure how much worse it is then a dedicated machine. This will be a light duty machine not contractor grade.
very helpful cuold you go over attachments manly buckets teeth vs. none. snowblowers vs. plows. and maybe any other attachments you have . when you should use a smaller loader vs. a bigger one. and any other things that are pros and cons of loaders.
I'm a volunteer and I do drainage bricklaying and shifting dirt and plumbing and also I am painting and plastering and that's a lot really Shae by the Nice to meet you stand
i had a wheeled 873, sold and bought a ctl70 tracks totally in love , ctl has a 8 years old track old and dry cracked and bla bla bla , so far i have put 250 hours in it looking just like when i bought it so 400 hours on your tracks sound just too low ,
I'm looking into renting something to get some maintenance done on my dirt driveway. Not sure if a tracked loader, skid seer, or a compact/bucket tractor would be best. Probably moving dirt, grading the ruts out...
Tires all the way. Another cost on tracked machines is the entire undercarriage. 1800 hours and you best be replacing at minimum the drive sprocket and the front idler. The Bogeys usually last 1500 hours. So by the time you burn 2 sets of tracks the cost quickly gets expensive!!! Tires are easy and cheap to replace. Flats suck, but when doing hard demo, Suspension Solid tires go on. I love the look of a tracked machine, but on a $$$ per hour basis, they cost more to buy, more to fix, and when you go to sell them, you get the same price as a wheeled machine.
Thank you for the great video! There is nothing out there really about the pin connection, I am looking at kubota ssv 65 and I have the option to get pin connectors 14 and 8. Don't want to need it later but not sure what I would need them for also.
We're are the best places to find used machines in your experience(if you've bought used)....what's your opinion on boxers...not for demo but landscape work. Thank you for your time!
Chris Smith I work with dealers- get to know and trust them and that way I can get better deals on used equipment and service for them. Get to know the head honchos-forget about the sales reps-they can come and go. I also buy on auctions-but be cautious-I have been burnt doing this as often as I have had homeruns-so it washes out. Machinery Trader etc are also good deals. Talk to others in the industry-they might have a machine they are thinking about selling and will be persuaded knowing their is a willing buyer ready.
This helps a lot. thanks. I'm just a low-level landscaper coming up in the world fresh out of the army if you ever want to do business or advice holler, Thanks and God bless
Wow! Awesome video! Very informative, there are definitely huge differences between wheeled and tracked equipment. Of course because of my company, I would have to say that tracked vehicles are the best. And, granted tracks have some problems with traction, but with the right traction attachments, and a good operator, a rubber track Skid Steer or loader can do anything! ;)
They are both quite good.. tracked ones do have the advantage in pushing power and pile building.. if your doing alot of site to site tramming tires and the way to go. Much faster and less wear
Stan, I love the tutorials, they are very helpful. I operate a Landscape business in WA. We are expanding our services to include skid steer brush cutting and mowing. I just wanted to pick your brain about putting rubber OTT on a long wheelbase skid steer. With that 2000lb mower deck out front and those tracks, do you think this would be satisfactory on decent slopes?
maybe you've done it already and I just haven't seen it yet but, could you do a vid on mini excavators. I'm looking at making my first purchase soon. In my experience I like machines like the JD50D and Cat 304 but what's your preference? brand, size etc. Steel tracks vs rubber tracks. Things to avoid when buying used or calculating total costs of ownership; machine cost monthly, annually, operator costs. maintenance, fuel, transport etc. realistic expectations of profit after total overhead expenses. of course choice in initial machine purchase price would also play a factor. Thanks
Decent video, but I feel like your comments on steel tracks over tires was a bit harsh. My father ran them for years and years on his CASE machines, and they last forever, they provide HUGE traction, and are very easy to break down. Steel over rubber is a viable option for most applications.
Great advise. Thank You. I bought a set of steel tracks (over tire) and had great luck with them. They were about half the price of rubber over tire tracks. You have to get them very tight because they loosen up and start smacking you machine. When you hear that you have to stop and tighten it again. After once or twice it's good to go and you don't have to tighten it again unless you remove/replace. Caution, they are hard to load on a deck over trailer. tends to slide and could be dangerous. I load in a dump trailer so never had any trouble.
Also the tires can spin inside the tracks, but that usually means they are a little loose. Or you might be asking it to do too much. Try a different angle or take less of a bite.
In all, I'm very happy with the steel tracks I bought 2 years ago.
You hit on a few good points. Steel tracks can be very slippery when loading and unloading.
load on wood, less slip, and tracks over kill drive motors
Thank you for your knowledge. I now know that the wheeled version is what I require for grading my driveway.
Thanks for a no BS video and for talking about price points. Great video!
You're welcome CG!
You speak wisdom my friend, after 28yrs being a self employed bobcat operator your experience mirrors mine in what works best .
Spot on correct in your views , I had a 743 that I had steel tracks for working in sand. The tracks worked very well but it was really tough on the machine and the sand wears out the tracks fast . Tyres are cheap and I replace them every 12 mths if required. My S130 has never had tracks put on it as I avoid it and use a T190 if its soft or sandy or muddy . Use the right machine and save $$$$$.
Love ur videos!! Very informative and helped me get started about 5 years ago. The only thing I wanted to add to ur video is that tracks do not cost $2000 per side. Last winter before my original tracks wore out I wanted to buy a more universal rubber track for my 2012 T-190, I need to buy studs for the original tracks that are terrible on ice. But with studs I could push more snow then a wheel machine. Now my new camoso tracks on sale for $815 each side, out perform my original tracks with studs. No studs needed for the new tracks and no scratch marks left behind. From running equivalent machines both wheeled and tracked, new tracks on a CTL make a world of a difference. For an all season machine, for me at least, the T-190 is the perfect choice!! I don't like the original "C" pattern tracks but once replaced it turns that machine into a true powerhouse!! But I love ur videos please keep posting! And please don't take this comment badly, it's just what I wanted to add. Thank u and again!! Ur awesome!!
$900/EA for rubber tracks for my ASV that will last 1100-1300 hours depending... How LONG DO YOUR TRIES LAST?? and how much will you spend getting unstuck?
I usually just watch his videos to realize just how much experience i do have and what NOT to do.
All depends on your job..
What skid steer to buy??? which ever one has the best product support locally. The best machine is the one you can pay for and maintain. I live and work in central Oregon...Lava rock everywhere 18inch average depth of soil. Bobcat and Cat is popular in this area. Im a Bobcat fan although I have 1999 daewoo 601 and Bobcat S205. Daewoo is an odd duck but the most easy simple machine to work on. I only use "tires". Our material is mostly sandy loam w/no clay or solid lava rock humps. Nice to work in even when wet. The ground here "chews" up Tracks and Tires evenly but it seems Tracked skid steers are becoming more the norm with "younger" excavators. I will only buy wheeled skid steers...old fashion. We try to use skid steers only in hauled in dirt or gravel...try to keep them off rocky ground..which we have a lot of. I have been in excavation business in this area for 30 yrs, still a small company, easier for me. The bottom line...each "good operator" develops their own Technic on how to use each piece of equipment correctly w/out destroying it in their local conditions.
You have Great insight-that only comes from experience.
i like wheeled ones because i get the 2" thick tread and you can drive those on pavement in the hot summer and still get them to last for 5 years with commercial use. They last another year after the tread is all the way down
Question, which is better for the woods. What does more damage to the ground turning, tracks or tires. Do some work in hayfield where the hay has just been cut. Hope you can help thanks.
I have owned a couple different brands over the years in my construction business and currently own a Bobcat A300 and recently bought a Bobcat A770..both are all wheel steer and i can get 1000 hrs out of a set of tires and I use the loaders from snow removal to pushing slate around.Love the way I can get in a customers lawn and not do very much damage to the turf.
+Ian bob 1000 hours is excellent.
We always spray driveways with water and we have sheets of puckboard for wet yards we would tear up the lawn with tracks. But we have rented a track machine to drive on the beach
I'm approaching 4k hours on ctl's, mostly Takeuchi, 300+ on Bobcat and while I've run the skid steer loaders some, you couldn't run fast enough to sell me one. If I need wheels, it needs to steer conventionally or by pivot like some small articulated loaders. If I have to work on asphalt much, I prefer a ton. Off-road, give me the tracks every time. As far as throwing tracks, I adjust tension for conditions, haven't lost one yet. As far as wear, not all tracks are created equal. Best replacements I've seen yet come from our local Komatsu dealer. Liked them so good, put a set on my Cat 304cr.
all of the tracked loaders I've used had a higher tipping limit, and generally more stable, but also noticeably wider than their wheeled siblings.
They are a lot more stable. Especially on hills.
Depends how wide the bucket is you have attached to it, ive read that tracked loaders are narrower.
It’s so weird watching your old videos
What brand tires do you like for demo work and what Ott tracks are the best for grading/ yardwork
What kind of skid steer should you buy? A takehachi of course!
Hey Stan. Going in to buy a new skid steer from kabota or asv. I push snow in the winter and lay stone in the summer. Wheels or tracks?
Bought an 04 S160 last summer had 846 hrs, cab with heat and AC. Came with tooth bucket,light material bucket, set of forks and a set of worn out rubber tracks for 16k. Didn`t think that was too bad. Now looking at a set of no flats solid tires about $1800.00 and would like a set of the Prowler Stealth tracks that have the replaceable rubber pads, about $2500.00. Got a set of chains for plowing snow. My neighbor has a track machine and it is helpless on packed snow and ice.
+Dmax04 Some tracks are worthless on snow- while others are actually beneficial. I have the worthless ones myself ;(
track machines are way better. we get each replacement track for 1k
I 100% agree with you. I run 2 333g track jd skidsteers and I like them way better than the wheel skidsteer especially with the work I do.
I used to work at a tire shop down by the twin Cities. We had contractors coming in all the time for new skid loader tires. what we ended up doing was recapping most of their tires. with that you can select tread patterns, Hardness of the rub and some of the contractors that did a lot of pavement or highway work would have them filled with a heavy rubber compound. Now the compound can NOT be removed once it's put in but it adds a lot of weight.
You can recap these tires multiple times as long as you don't let them get woren down to far before you do it again.
I have used recaps- with both good and bad results. It is much cheaper but i have had them separate for some reason.
I want to rent a wheeled skid steer for a week from Home depot, but want to drive it 4 miles to and from my property on low traffic very early morning back roads. I will have an escort driver behind me with hazard lights flashing. Safe? Good idea? If I study some guides, how many hours before I can effectively use it?
There is a track repair kit to repair slices and damage to the tracks works great I have used and was very impressed
Was suprised you did not cover foam filled tires. Had them on my Mustangs for my Masonry business and loved them as you could not puncture them. Real good as we worked around rebar and other sharp objects all the time.
Loronzo's Gorbonzo Foam filled tires fall into the same category as tires. They're they exact same except with foam filled you have a little more weight down low and a tire you can run with chunks the size of base balls missing. Although because of the extra tire weight they're a little harder on the machine.
Well put, we use a T190 track model for grading and most landscape jobs. Wheels for demo and the hardscape areas.
Thanks for the Video!
Tim Hagan Same here, wheels for hard surfaces, tracks for dirt. :)
Here’s my question. A tire only wears one way, what about rubber tracks ? What should give out first, the outside, or inside lining of the track ? My concern is i feel like carrying 3000 + lbs over & over will strain the track more, then whatever surface I’m on
the rubber tracks over tires have steel in them, they just are coated with rubber- essentially the same thing. so they have the same load on your equipment.
I have worked with both wheeled and tracked and the thing that i did not like about track was that when you are grading rock it pops up and makes the track pop off and you have to drain the grease and pump the cylinders back up which take for ever. But I have had a wheeled bobcat and loved it because depending on what i was doing I could do it without screwing up by digging up property and having to pay back the cost in damage which sucks when you have to depend on that job.
Good point Dakota!
I prefer tracks ALMOST all the time. Better in so many areas that I sold all of my wheeled loaders. But I only have 3 decades worth of experience so kind of a rookie. ;~)
The solid tires are the only way to go on a wheeled skiddy. Especially if doing concrete demo. Yes, they are expensive but they out wear foam filled or pneumatic tires 5 to 1 in my experience. and when they wear down just have them retreaded.
Depends on what your doing with it
love watching the shows the information. i dont wanna sound rude i kinda already knew this but there was way more stuff i needed to know and man appreciate youre videos keep them coming!
Thanks Luis.
Do you have a video using this over wheel track system?
Excllent advice i agree 100% i bought a case wheel skid steer a couple years ago thank you so much for the tips. God Bless you
Awesome! Thanks for watching Thomas
"Pannys Super Super Skid Steer (soon commercially available world wide) can out perform any competitor in its weight class! 519 996-0185
we use a tracked bobcat T750....amazing machine. we do construction and most of it is dirt/mud with some asphalt and concrete driving. only problem with bobcat is only their mechanics can work on them....
How many horse power is that bobcat?
+Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek I believe it's 85 hp and has a max load capacity of around 3,300 lbs. we have rubber tracks on it...2 speed, bob-tach. we have forks, toothed bucket and a brush hog. have also used the jack hammer for it...works damn nice. pretty hard to get it stuck as well.
Nice!
Okay so I have a bobcat 863. Greta video by the way. But, I want to be able to plow my very steep driveway when it snows and I also want to be able to clear a road through the woods on a very steep and potentially muddy slope. What would you recommend for that?
Just curious , what brand and model of mini ex would you recommend ?
John deer in minis they are the best ones
I enjoy your videos. I have a lot to clear. Very uneven terrain to even walk on ...I think there are more rocks to clear than actual trees. My method of madness is to try and chain saw as many trees as I can than let the trees fall as they may. Then cut them into 8 foot sections. Here's my question....is a Track steer with a rock grapple the way to go instead of a wheel steer? It seems as if every second step are small boulders. Which type of steer would go over that terrain the best?? I need the grapple to pick the rocks as well. Thanks.
at our hardscape company we have multiple track and tire cat machines 259b-279b tire machines multiple 299d2 and 259 track machines our tires last only about 400hrs and then not only are we replacing the tires but we are replacing the rims bc the stress of turning on a tire machine is much more then a track and puts pressure on the back tires which eventually will cause it to pull the lugnuts out
Stuart Smith
I don't know what company makes them but I do know you can buy after market rims for skid loaders. the center of the rim is at least half steal. might help.
Looking to purchase for small logging on my property, what brand do you think is the best, my farm mostly Kubota and Deere
Both are great skid steers? Did you end up getting one, if so what make and model ?
Solid tires are the way to go with a wheeled machine if you want to eliminate down time.
Here’s my question. A tire only wears one way, what about rubber tracks ? What should give out first, the outside, or inside lining of the track ? My concern is i feel like carrying 3000 + lbs over & over will strain the track more, then whatever surface I’m on
Stand i am buying my first bobcat with the new tracks they make do you think they are good for plowing?
Thanks for your videos, I've learned alot! Want to get done with the railroad and work for myself. Right now I clean a couple Walmart parking lots!
Stan, I want to say thank you for the honest, excellent knowledge you have given to us as a new business just starting up with heavy machinery. I have a new S570 seeking rubber OTT tracks. Any particular set you recommend for working on lawns? Thx
If you are going into a big pile of old compacted dry clay-like soil with a loader, should you use the tracks over the wheels or just wheels?
+Tbvck They both will work fine.
In the winter, I'd say tracks are better than tires. And I agree to disagree with you on them getting warn out in winter. The snow adds slight protection from the ground so they don't get warm out as much as summer. And personally plowing, there's better traction with tracks than tires
Some tracks work great in the winter. they are actually designed for snow.
IN WINTER, REGARDLESS IF YOU HAVE SNOW TRACKS OR NOT, ONCE THE SNOW IS REMOVED AND IT GETS DRIVEN ON, YOU ARE GOING TO SLIDE WITH TRACKS...IE; TRACKS=LOW GROUND PRESSURE. WHEELS WITH CHAINS ARE GOING TO GIVE YOU TRACTION IN BOTH CONDITIONS,IE; WHEELS=MORE GROUND PRESSURE. TO ANSWER THE QUESTION FROM SOMEONE EARLIER, SNOW BLOWERS ARE GREAT IF YOU HAVE ROOM TO BLOW BECAUSE OF NO SPACE RESTRICTIONS. IF YOU HAVE SPACE RESTRICTIONS...BLADE OR BUCKET. 48 YRS IN THE BUSINESS, I'VE BECOME LIKE FARMERS INS. COMMERCIAL ; 'WE KNOW A THING OR 2 CAUSE WE'VE SEEN A THING OR 2. LOL
Another very informative breakdown. Judge by your cost per hour for tires being $3.33, I would guess you're on pavement or concrete a lot. Most guys that I know that use ski loaders for farm use tend to get close to 1000 hrs per set of tires. Ours gets used a lot in the field loading hay and straw so we usually get 13-1500 hours per set of tires due to the dirt moving rather than peeling off the tires. I don't have any experience to offer with tracks, never ran one with them, but have gotten myself stuck many times with the wheeled machine. Good information for anyone looking to buy a skid loader.
+ih1206 Yes- we are on concrete a lot- so its a higher cost per hour.
.. i ran a 299 d2. And have used ole bobcats with wheels. Id say the more tire on the ground the better!. Ive used both.. tracked skids are more stable for sure.. rocks on the other hand can make a bad squeaking noise with tracks. But with good maintenance and tight tracks its ok...my opionin is tracks are better.. more stable with heavy loads to.. ive hauled up to 8,000 pounds with d2 and id assume if it had tires on it.. it would have been alot unstable
hey buddy do you recommend this over tire rubber tracks for Florida construction sites very sandy.
Tracks are great for grading didn't like them when I first used them because I grew up using rubber tired with my dads buisness , but now after running a track hard to go back
+Josh Schrenk yes- awesome for grading.
Ooh I so wanta show you the pic of the excavater stuck underwater in my creek that the county left me to clean up ..lol
There's also demo tires.. they are just a hard tire.. rough as all hell but if your doing alot of demo work they won't puncture
What brand or brands of rubber OTT should I be looking at to buy for a Bobcat S650? I do some finished spaces like grass and street use. Not much digging.
Have you had much experience with non pneumatic bobcat tires? Whats your opinion on those.
Considering replacing mine with them next.
+Ring a Digger I have never used them.
hey. im working at a rental Company for construction equipment and ive noticed a bit diffrense betwen our recomands and urs. we recomands Steel tracks thru demo jobs and rubber tracks thru mudd and Snow, when tires åt at Street jobs. cus using Steel tracks over rubber at demo jobs is cheaper in end: 1. they dont wear off the way that rubber tracks do. 2. you dont need to think what u drive thru with steel, the way u must do with rubber tracks. 3. u helping crushing the concrete further with steel tracks while the Guy with rubber tracks terminates his tracks trying to do the same thing. XD
+lolman321 What language are you typing in?
i type in swenglish XD..... have auto correct on phone that does not work with me......
That's really Good advice. Nice breakdown as well on when to use each type of track
+lolman321 I need to look into that
+lolman321 sounds like you know your stuff😄👍
Who would have thought this topic would go on a results driven track. Unless your in the business you don't learn this stuff first hand. Made my mind up.
steel tracks are great! They would only damage the frame of your machine if you don't reverse your rims before you install them. I've had a set of on one of my skid steers for 8 years now. That's $2,000 spent and I haven't had to replace the rubber tires that they ride on since then, so I think they've more than paid for themselves. only drawback as you mentioned, is if you select a set with agressive treads they will damage new hot top. They do make them with passive treads though.
+peter michael Spacers also work well to keep the tracks away from the machine. I have ran for years with Steel Tracks- they have their place but I am moving away from them. I prefer rubber tracks.
I just wanted to bring up two points on this.1: My shop manager was doing some research between the costs of track vs wheel skid steers for Caterpillar, upon his research, he found that he can replace a set of tracks cheaper than a set of tires for a new Cat skid loader. Just putting it out there.2: Bobcat now offers a new option of using Steel Tracks for their compact track loaders (essentially mini excavator tracks), for very rugged conditions like demolition. Thoughts?
+ISAFMobius18 I pay $150-$250 per tire for top quality rubber. Cheaper tracks are $800 per side.
Great information mostly. Sounds like he needs a better vender for the tracks though. I'm still on the fence regarding wheeled or track, track for the comfort and less damage to topsoil and wheeled for compaction.Question: We have high clay content, which would you recommend for landscaping on high clay content soil, wheeled or tracked?
I wanted to know your opinion on Hi flow attachments over standard. I'm buying a slasher but wondered if Hiflow was a better option over standard? they both spin right!?
Have you ran the all wheel steer bobcats? I have spent a couple thousand hours in a Bobcat A770 and think it’s night and day better that a regular skid steer for most things, if you end up needing skid steer function just flip a switch and you can still use it as a skid steer as well.
Howdy and thank you for the video. I am trying to decide between a compact tracked steer and a skid steer with tires. Years ago I had a 90 horse Thomas skid steer on a ranch we had in northeast, Wyomin' and it worked well for me. I was happy with it and loved the attachments like the backhoe. This time however my ranch location will be in the desert southwest and another ranch. Different environment. Lots of sand, rock and things that poke you and stick you.
I am concerned about the tires getting lots of flats from mesquites, rocks, cacti and so on. That same material could be pretty hard on tracks as well. I will need to clear quite a lot of fence line that means clearing brush etc., and there maybe some moderate slopes involved. One thing is that tearing up the desert ground is a good thing because it can stimulate range grass growth, so no worries on that account.
So I am pretty confused as to which one to choose. I would be interested in your thoughts and opinion as to what might be the best set up for me and also if you have had any experience with solid tires like here, www.earthforce.com/parts/search/default.aspx?ManuID=1&MachineTypeID=8&CatID=23
Thank you and happy trails, Mike
Looking forward to purchase a skidsteer what will be a good option Bob cat or case I do alot grading and material spreading.
I am sold !!
Thanks for the video, it seems spot on with everything I've read. I'm considering taking on a business adventure that has been offered to me and am gathering information . My question is this, how much difference is their in the track over tire method and the track loader? What it would be used for is site clean up for a residential builder. (Cleaning leftover slab pours, framing materials ext.)( Basically picking up leftover supplies in a pile and throwing it in a dumpster) So the terrian will be minimal in terms of level, maybe occasional soft ground due to rain, but even that I feel would be minimal on a broad scale in conditions that the tracked would be worth it. Maintance cost seem to be much much higher, cost of the unit is much much higher, and a lack of versitility. Would you agree ? Or offer any insight . Thank you again
I have a hover skids steer so I don't need to worry about tires or tracks.
I'm a farmer and looking to get a used skid steer to load manure and some work around the farm. Loading manure in wet conditions has been tough on my tractors and had to replace clutch many times. What do you reccomend track or tires for skid steer? Thanks
we use only tires on the farm, and so does everyone else, farmers definitely prefer tires (our cattle are on concrete surfaces, with 1' of manure on top)
I love landscaping it's so fun dream job
Awesome!
I own a asphalt paving business I have always had tire skid loaders we dig out grass stone old.blacktop and concrete I am buying a new skid loader this up coming weeks what is the best skid loader made now money is not a issue?? And I was wondering if I should get a track loader or should I stick to a tire machine thanks
American tar macker
CAT 259, 249 also depends on how much power you want. Also if you've been using wheeled skid loaders all this time, why change?
Kenton Hansen ok I was just wondering what you thought
Most useful video on the topic.
Found we need both in our area with doing so many different jobs.one day we can be working in gumbo the next on asphalt.
That being said we use a wheeled machine first tires are cheaper then tracks.
Thats the way we do it. We have 1 with tracks- 3 with tires.
You should always go for tracks. The tires will wear down quicker. Don't put steel tracks on because if you get it muddy, your tires will spin inside of the tracks. With tires you will spin out faster because its not distributing the weight of the skidsteer. So tracks are the way to go
Depends on what you are doing. If your always gonna be in iffy ground absolutely tracks.. if the ground is good and stable say working on road base the tires are just fine. Same with if you are roading lots tires are also better. Lots of heavy pushing and the like trackd
What do you guys recommend for working on a steep slope, wheels or tracks?
Tracks,
I think he should make an updated video on this topic
The track over tries are a joke. Track don't go flat. Tracks (the right tracks) are so much better for moving snow then the dirt ones. And I feel tracks last way longer than tires in 90% of applications. Good video. If you want compaction get the compactor attachment. Does a better job than tires will.
Thanks Brian!
yes, but tires don't fall off like tracks do...
I serious have run Numerous Skidsteers in both wheel & Tracks for 30 years. I’ll take track over Wheeled and day of the Week. A whole lot easier on my Back.
Love the video man I'm actually going to go and purchase a brand new Kubota SVL 75-2 here in the next couple weeks with a brush mower I've watched several of your videos and they've been very helpful what are your thoughts on that Kubota just curious thanks keep up the good work.
tracked all the way! and just depends on what your doing with it! steel or rubber! steers with Tires are way to jumpy and hoppy compared to tracks!
True.
Don’t know what kind of tracks you are buying but I just replaced a set on an old cat for 1k per side and they had 2300 hours on them
Is a rubber track 50% as good as a real tracked machine? More or less? I am looking at a skid steer for farm work due to lifting 1200lb round bales. not sure if I need track or wheeled. We do have a 1/4 mile gravel driveway to take care of, but also alot of dirt areas as well. The rubber track seems like a good compromise but not sure how much worse it is then a dedicated machine. This will be a light duty machine not contractor grade.
very helpful cuold you go over attachments manly buckets teeth vs. none. snowblowers vs. plows. and maybe any other attachments you have . when you should use a smaller loader vs. a bigger one. and any other things that are pros and cons of loaders.
Will do!
I'm a volunteer and I do drainage bricklaying and shifting dirt and plumbing and also I am painting and plastering and that's a lot really Shae by the Nice to meet you stand
Nice to meet you!
i had a wheeled 873, sold and bought a ctl70 tracks totally in love , ctl has a 8 years old track old and dry cracked and bla bla bla , so far i have put 250 hours in it looking just like when i bought it so 400 hours on your tracks sound just too low ,
I'm looking into renting something to get some maintenance done on my dirt driveway. Not sure if a tracked loader, skid seer, or a compact/bucket tractor would be best. Probably moving dirt, grading the ruts out...
Zach Novosad wheeled skid loader will work.
GattaSplatta Man awesome thanks. I'll start looking into rentals once summertime comes around. The ruts come in the spring!
Tires all the way. Another cost on tracked machines is the entire undercarriage. 1800 hours and you best be replacing at minimum the drive sprocket and the front idler. The Bogeys usually last 1500 hours. So by the time you burn 2 sets of tracks the cost quickly gets expensive!!! Tires are easy and cheap to replace. Flats suck, but when doing hard demo, Suspension Solid tires go on. I love the look of a tracked machine, but on a $$$ per hour basis, they cost more to buy, more to fix, and when you go to sell them, you get the same price as a wheeled machine.
Thank you for the great video! There is nothing out there really about the pin connection, I am looking at kubota ssv 65 and I have the option to get pin connectors 14 and 8. Don't want to need it later but not sure what I would need them for also.
We're are the best places to find used machines in your experience(if you've bought used)....what's your opinion on boxers...not for demo but landscape work. Thank you for your time!
Chris Smith I work with dealers- get to know and trust them and that way I can get better deals on used equipment and service for them. Get to know the head honchos-forget about the sales reps-they can come and go. I also buy on auctions-but be cautious-I have been burnt doing this as often as I have had homeruns-so it washes out. Machinery Trader etc are also good deals. Talk to others in the industry-they might have a machine they are thinking about selling and will be persuaded knowing their is a willing buyer ready.
Ok....thank you
What would you suggest for a driveway that is 100 vertical feet for snowplowing. Also how hard is it to put rubber tracks on the wheels?
This helps a lot. thanks. I'm just a low-level landscaper coming up in the world fresh out of the army if you ever want to do business or advice holler, Thanks and God bless
How is grading work and no compaction w/tires and rubber tracks over them?
the space between tires still stretches upward, so tires have higher psi under them, even with tracks, than does the area b/t tires, under track
I’ll go test it
And I'll add.. That the operator makes a difference too..
Wow! Awesome video! Very informative, there are definitely huge differences between wheeled and tracked equipment. Of course because of my company, I would have to say that tracked vehicles are the best. And, granted tracks have some problems with traction, but with the right traction attachments, and a good operator, a rubber track Skid Steer or loader can do anything! ;)
Very true!
ua-cam.com/channels/1N8Of7I0Zw_XWe60KTDR2w.html
What skidsteer and which ones tracked or wheeled for snow removal do you recommend?
They are both quite good.. tracked ones do have the advantage in pushing power and pile building.. if your doing alot of site to site tramming tires and the way to go. Much faster and less wear
Stan, I love the tutorials, they are very helpful. I operate a Landscape business in WA. We are expanding our services to include skid steer brush cutting and mowing. I just wanted to pick your brain about putting rubber OTT on a long wheelbase skid steer. With that 2000lb mower deck out front and those tracks, do you think this would be satisfactory on decent slopes?
Yes- do it!
If you’re trying to compact the ground with a track loader, just fill the bucket, all the weight will go to the front
Yep!
It depends on what kinda terrain your on
maybe you've done it already and I just haven't seen it yet but, could you do a vid on mini excavators. I'm looking at making my first purchase soon. In my experience I like machines like the JD50D and Cat 304 but what's your preference? brand, size etc. Steel tracks vs rubber tracks. Things to avoid when buying used or calculating total costs of ownership; machine cost monthly, annually, operator costs. maintenance, fuel, transport etc. realistic expectations of profit after total overhead expenses. of course choice in initial machine purchase price would also play a factor.
Thanks
That may need to be a couple vids, lol.
Tracks wear out on hard abrasive surfaces fast. I like tire and track depending on job.
I was gonna say feel like tracks will wear out faster carrying heavier objects too. Just the work load from the inside lining
Decent video, but I feel like your comments on steel tracks over tires was a bit harsh. My father ran them for years and years on his CASE machines, and they last forever, they provide HUGE traction, and are very easy to break down. Steel over rubber is a viable option for most applications.
Appreciate the feedback Stevie, thanks
Great advice thanks 😊 🙏 👍