Loaders work in load and carry operations, civil & building construction, earth moving, waste handling, recycling, landscaping, quarrying, aggregates, block handling, timber yards, agriculture and more. Increase your profits and save time by choosing the right machine for the task at hand.
Deciding on the right loader can change from job to job. But never fear, the team at Caterpillar have created this nifty wrap up of loaders and job types to help. The advantages of Rubber Tire Skid Steer Loaders
Wheeled machines have been around longer than their rubber track counterparts, and are still the best fit for many applications and when the hourly cost of operation is important. Consider a Skid Steer Loader when:
- Working on surfaces that aren’t particularly sloped, rugged or wet. If you can get the job done with a Skid Steer Loader, it’s probably your best bet thanks to its speed, productivity, and initial cost.
- Constant tight turning is required. Some work tool attachments are designed to perform best with the machine’s front tires off the ground for very tight turning.
- You need compaction. The tires compact materials, which can be desirable in certain applications.
The advantages of Multi Terrain Loaders and Compact Track Loaders with Rubber Track
With their track undercarriages, these machines excel in job conditions with requirements that include: limited ground disturbance, higher flotation, increased traction, enhanced stability, and working on sites that could damage rubber tires. Consider a Compact Track Loader or Multi Terrain Loader when;
- Working in wet conditions. The undercarriage provides the lowest ground pressure and excellent flotation so contractors can work in almost any weather and can be at work when rubber tired machines would still be at the shop.
- Traveling over curbs and sidewalks, which could be damaged by other machines.
- Working on tough sites, where nails and other objects could puncture tires.
- Working on grades. Operators report that Multi Terrain Loaders and Compact Track Loaders grip better than Skid Steer Loaders.
- Working where high travel speed and a comfortable ride are critical; such as snow removal.
The strengths of Compact Track Loaders
The steel undercarriage with suspension and a track that is a combination of steel and rubber provide extra strength and durability. Consider a Compact Track Loader when:
- Working in the toughest applications. The undercarriage can handle sand, fines, coarse mud, jagged stone and demolition work. This is the best choice when you operate in a variety of different jobs and ground conditions.
- You want both speed and tracks. The suspended undercarriage helps deliver a smooth ride and aids in load retention.
The strengths of Multi Terrain Loaders
The all rubber track, rubber rollers, and single or dual levels of undercarriage and track suspension can provide the best flotation, traction and ride comfort. Consider a Multi Terrain Loader when:
- You want the smoothest ride possible. With its all rubber track and suspension on the undercarriage and the track rollers, this is the best choice when operator comfort and high speed are required.
- You need the best traction possible. Because of the suspension on the undercarriage frame and on the track rollers, you have a machine that keeps most of its track on the ground at all times. The more track on the ground, the more you can push or pull.
What’s your preference? Are there tasks you can only do with a specific machine? Please post your comments below.