Track Loader
When you hear the term track loader, it may mean one thing to you and another to someone else. A Track Loader is a type of machine that you will see on some construction jobsites and there are various types of track loaders and they have dramatically evolved over the past three decades. Just as things change and evolve over time, so to machines and the way we use machine on our construction jobsites. Let’s take a look at the two main types of track loaders that are on the market today.
The original track loader and what people who have been in the industry a long time will identify as a track loader is a machine that almost looks like a track type tractor or a dozer. It is a machine that sits relatively low to the ground and runs on tracks, there are no wheels involved in this machine. The tracks are the same tracks you will see on a dozer machine and all of the components are made of steel. It is a machine that doesn’t move very fast at all with a top speed of around 5 miles per hour. The big difference between a dozer and a track loader is that instead of a straight blade on the front end of the machine there is a loader bucket and can pick and move material.
A newer type of track loader is basically a skid steer on tracks instead of wheels. This type of machine has become very popular as it is able to go a lot more places and work in a lot more environments than a traditional wheel powered skid steer. Like the traditional track loader, this compact loader machine has a steel undercarriage but most of the components are covered in rubber. These machines also go extremely fast comparatively and can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. These machines are quite popular with landscapers and they have very low ground pressure and won’t disturb newly laid sod, grass, or fresh landscaping work.
Whether you are looking for either one of these track loader machines to add to your fleet of equipment it is best to always do your research before you make a large purchase. A lot of times, various manufacturers will allow you to rent a piece of equipment or even take it out for a few hours with no charge so you can try out the machine before you make a large purchase.
