How to Choose the Best Platform for Your Loader

What’s your platform? Realize the maximum return on investment with the right platform.

Versatility. That’s one of the main reasons contractors add a skid steer or compact loader to their fleet. With options for multiple attachments, a low operating cost and excellent maneuverability, these machines can be one of the most useful tools in your lineup.  But how do you choose between a wheeled or track machine?

To find out how to choose the right platform for the job, we met with Kevin Coleman, senior marketing engineer for Caterpillar’s Skid Steer Loader Products Group, at this year’s ConExpo. We compared wheeled and track machines based on examples of the new Caterpillar B Series 3 skid steers, compact track loaders (CTL) and multi terrain loaders (MTL), introduced in the third quarter of 2010.

Ultimately, you need a good understanding of your application and the kind of underfoot conditions you will encounter to choose the right platform.

257B3 Multi Terrain Loader

Ground Conditions

When working on uneven terrain, consider a machine with more stability. “The ROC, or rated operating capacity, which is a measure of stability, is higher for a track loader (than a skid steer),” Coleman says.

Another factor to determine is the amount of ground disturbance you can tolerate. The track loaders have a softer footprint and lower ground disturbance compared to a skid-steer loader. “The MTL provides the lowest ground pressure and minimizes ground disturbance, but maximizes speed, flotation and ride comfort,” Coleman says.

Track machines have more wear items, which can result in higher operating costs. However, undercarriage component life can be maximized with good operation and maintenance techniques. “Remember to balance the cost of more wear items with productivity increase,” Coleman says. With a track loader, you will have less rework (ruts) and can extend your working season during all kinds of weather, he explains.

For challenging underfoot conditions such as applications with sticky, rocky soil, the CTL is a good choice. A steel-embedded rubber track undercarriage provides excellent durability. “We think our track machines provide long track life because of the way we apply the technology that exists …  The entire undercarriage of our CTL is fully suspended and isolated via torsion axles,” Coleman says.

“The suspended undercarriage on the CTL and MTL also absorb vibration from uneven terrain, which would normally be transmitted back to the undercarriage and the operator,” Coleman says. In turn, this smoother ride can equate to more material retention. And an operator who is not fatigued will likely perform better – another benefit to the bottom line.

242B3 Skid Steer Loader

A Word about Cost

For the lowest owning and operating cost, a skid-steer machine is the solution. “But the skid-steer loader has limitations and can only be used in certain applications,” Coleman says. While it probably goes without saying, you should steer clear of wheeled machines when working in muddy conditions. Though track machines do have a few more wear items, in certain applications, they can increase your productivity greatly.

Still, one advantage of the skid-steer wheel loader is its high speed. “It’s is a little more nimble and quicker than a track machine,” says Coleman. In fact, some skid-steer wheel loaders can reach speeds up to 12.4 mph. With quick, agile machines, you can watch profits increase with cycle times. 

259B3 Compact Track Loader

Questions to Consider

Your local equipment dealer can be the most valuable partner when selecting a skid steer or compact loader. To get the most from your dealership, be sure the dealer asks the following questions to help you find the best solution:

• What kind of work do you do? (In other words, what’s your typical application?)
• What kind of underfoot conditions do you work in?
• What kind of capacity or loads do you handle?
• How many people will be operating the machine?
• What are your maintenance practices?

Construction Business Owner, August 2011