Renting A Compact Track Loader

Compact track loaders (CTLs) are one of the most popular pieces of equipment that can be seen on almost every job site due to their expansive functionality. Often confused with skid steers because of their similar chassis, compact track loaders have a tracked chassis while skid steers have a wheeled chassis.

An Overview of Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loaders are a smaller type of construction equipment with a metal structure and two hydraulic lifting arms on each side. These arms are compatible with standard attachments like sawtooth buckets, augers, mulchers, and more. Its compact size makes it a popular machine in smaller work projects while the tracked chassis make it popular for specific working environments and terrains like snow, dirt, mud, and sand

One of the most confusing aspects of this machinery is just how many names they can have in the industry as there doesn't seem to be a set standard. While compact track loaders are the most common name for CTLs, other names that we've seen them go by include any variation of track skid steer loaders, tracked skidsteers, and track loaders.

The Basics of the Compact Track Loader

The greatest feature of compact track loaders is that they are capable of many different jobs including dozing, grading, digging, lifting, and transporting materials around the site, as long as they are partnered with the correct attachments. Because of the tracked chassis, CTLs are perfect for snow, dirt, mud, and sandy conditions because of the grip and traction that they get from the tracks. If they were to be used in the same environments as skid steers like asphalt, pavement, or rocky terrain, the tracks would be worn down too easily and quickly. For that reason, it's important to know the terrain of the job before you pick between a CTL and skid steer.

Their small size and maneuverability make them efficient tools for projects in smaller work areas with limited space. It’s safe to say that they are a multi-purpose, multi-terrain piece of equipment that helps keep any project moving. However, for what CTLs can make up for in terms of their versatility, they can lack in power. If moving larger amounts of heavy material or digging larger areas, excavators, bulldozers, or wheel loaders might be better options.

A Machine for Different Kinds of Projects

Compact track loaders have dual hydraulic arms which give them great lifting, digging, and moving capabilities. These small but mighty machines are typically capable of lifting anywhere from 1,250 lbs to 3,700 lbs.

They are best used for lifting and moving heavy material. If your project is based on construction, landscape, agriculture, or anything in between, these loaders can help you get more done with less. 

Attachments for Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loader attachments are the same that would be used for skid steers and, for the most part, are interchangeable across models and manufacturers. There may be some minor differences depending on the supplier so it's important to double-check with the suppliers before renting or buying attachments.

There are many different kinds of attachments that help to diversify the capabilities of compact track loaders. Depending on the requirements of the job site, you want to make sure that the attachment you use is increasing productivity and adds a new level of efficiency to the task at hand.

Compact Track Loader Attachments for Material Moving

Moving material is the most common job of the CTL. Smooth buckets make it easy to move soil or other materials from place to place. This method is certainly faster and easier than doing so by hand and ensures a safer, less tiring environment for your employees.

Compact Track Loader Attachments for Digging

When hand shoveling would take too long but the job is too small for a compact excavator, then a sawtooth or digging bucket attachment may work best for you. Augers can also be useful if your goal is to just dig straight down. These attachments are great for digging in a wide variety of environments like rocky landscapes, hard-packed soil, or when digging right into the ground.

Compact Track Loader Attachments for Grabbing

Available in many shapes and sizes, grapplers feature retractable claws for gripping and grabbing all kinds of materials. Mainly used in construction sites for moving larger objects and debris, farmers can also make use of this attachment for pulling stumps and carrying logs.

Compact Track Loader Attachments for Snow Clearing

Steel rotating augers make it easy to plow through deep and packed snow much like a large snowblower. They've also developed snowblower attachments to simplify the clearing process. CTLs can also be used to clear heavy snow when paired with a snowplow attachment and can be great for narrow spaces like sidewalks or between buildings.

Compact Track Loader Attachments for Clearing

A dozer blade attachment can be added to track loaders to help with landscape grading and pushing heavy loads. If the job is too small for a dozer then the CTL can fill that gap perfectly.

Other Attachments for Compact Track Loaders

While these are the most popular attachments, the CTL can also be fitted with concrete breakers, tillers, brooms, cold planers, stump grinders, mowers and many many more. It would be more difficult to find a job that the CTL can’t help with than one that it can. The biggest challenge is that there are quite a few names for each of these attachments and it can be hard to keep up!

Using a Compact Track Loader vs Skid Steer

As mentioned above, the chassis of this heavy equipment can be fitted with a continual track system made of rubber or metal, or a wheeled chassis. At DOZR, both compact track loaders and skid steers are readily available for rent depending on the needs that you have on your job site. This is key to having the best equipment for the job as the tracked and wheeled machines are better suited for specific jobs. 

When to Use a Compact Track Loader

A track loader is better for challenging terrain types. Snow, mud, and sand are easy to soar over with the powerful track and create a more comfortable ride than a skid steer would. They were built to specifically master uneven terrain and slopes since they disperse their weight across the tracks instead of isolating it to four wheels, meaning they also have less risk of getting stuck. If the job is going to be muddy and messy by nature, choosing a CTL will help keep efficiency and productivity up since it won’t impact the effectiveness of the equipment.

When to Use a Skid Steer

Wheels work best for even ground. When moving over harder terrain like asphalt or gravel or finished concrete, wheels are much better than a CTL, due to both grip strength but also maintenance and repair. Wheeled skid steers cost less to maintain as wheels, in general, cost less money whereas tracks can fade very easily if pushed on harsh surfaces. Skid steers are also more fuel-efficient. They also typically require less maintenance and do not break as easily. It is also much easier to clean the undercarriage of a wheeled skid steer than a track loader meaning that preventative care is easier to maintain.

The History of the Compact Track Loader

Despite the compact track loader and skid steer serving similar purposes now, the compact track loader first started as an iteration of the skid steer.

The very first skid steer was invented in 1957. It started off as a three-wheeled loader invented by Louis and Cyril Keller, two brothers from Rothsay, Minnesota. When Louis and Cyril were approached by a local turkey farmer who asked the brothers to invent something to help him move around his farm, the three-wheeled machine was the result. They called it the Keller Loader. Melroe Manufacturing, which later became what we know today as Bobcat, bought the rights to the machine in 1958 and the brothers worked in development for the company to mass-produce their invention.

It wasn't until 1986 that the first version of the compact track loader hit the market, manufactured by Takeuchi. Compact track loaders were developed to specifically overcome some of the limitations that skid steers had within muddy conditions as Takeuchi found that tracks allowed for more stability and traction.

Since this time, not only have more models and versions of the compact track loader been developed, but they've also passed skid steers in sales as a popular heavy equipment item. Primarily, this is due to their application and the demands of regional-specific terrains. States like California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida, which feature softer soil conditions, are some of the areas where compact track loader growth is continuing.

While Takeuchi was the first to have manufactured CTLs, other popular heavy equipment brands such as CASE, CAT, John Deere, Bobcat, Kubota and Komatsu have released their version of the compact track loader. 

Manufacturers & Models of Compact Track Loader

There are many different manufacturers to consider when looking to rent or buy a compact track loader. Most companies make different sizes and models of CTLs to accommodate projects of all sizes and natures. All of these, including different attachments, are available for rent on DOZR. Just remember that not every attachment perfectly accommodates every machine type if built by different manufacturers without some adjustments.

Bobcat

Bobcat is a company often associated with classic American entrepreneurship. Edward Gideon “E.G.” Melroe founded the Melroe Manufacturing Company in North Dakota in 1947. He died in 1955 and his sons took over the family business. They eventually joined up with the Keller brothers – inventors from Western Minnesota – and proceeded to grow the business towards machine manufacturing.

Bobcat manufactures a wide range of compact track loaders that have rated operating capacities (ROCs) from 1,400 lbs all the way up to 3,650 lbs ensuring that they cover a wide range of limits.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar is a company that first began with a man named Benjamin Holt inventing the continual tracked system. Today CAT is a multinational company that is one of the most recognized names in heavy equipment.

CAT jumped on the bandwagon started by Takeuchi and developed a version of the CTL themselves. With machines that range from 70 to 110 horsepower and ROCs ranging from 2,000 lbs to 4,340 lbs you can bet on CAT.

John Deere

John Deere was a Mid-Western blacksmith known for the invention of the steel plow. Today, John Deere is a global brand name well known for its tractors, backhoes, excavators, skid steers and – you guessed it! – compact track loaders. According to their site, John Deere's CTLs have up to 97 horsepower engines and ROCs up to 3,700 lbs. These mighty machines add another dimension to the versatility of the John Deere brand.

CASE

CASE was founded by J.I. Case after he worked in the field of steam engines, an invention that paved the way for engine advancements that are used today. They too have a wide range of compact track loader options with horsepower ranging from 74 to 114 and ROCs up to 4,000 lbs.

Safety Hazards & Safe Operation Tips

There are different safety hazards associated with skid steers.

Struck-By Hazards with Compact Track Loaders

Struck-by hazards are a threat for those working around compact track loaders as CTLs are often used in high-traffic areas. The quick nature of CTLs makes fast reversing and turns dangerous if the driver does not take the time to survey their work area. Checking blind spots and using a spotter can help keep those working around this equipment safe. Being attentive can prevent incidents like this.

Crushed-By Hazards with Compact Track Loaders

Crushed-by hazards are another big safety hazard of CTLs. This can happen either by crushing another worker with the machine or by the operator themselves being crushed. Always be careful of the position of the lift-arm and frame to avoid being trapped or crushed. Some best practices would be to never work under a raised bucket or any other similar attachment. As a co-worker, always be aware of where the CTL is being operated. The cage around it should protect the driver from any falling objects or debris but always put safety first.

Pinch Point Dangers with Compact Track Leaders

Pinch points are also common with CTLs. Always wear proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and take the time to follow safety procedures. 

Rollovers with Compact Track Loaders

CTLs are often used for lifting heavy loads. Loads can shift and move as it is being transported and could cause a CTL to roll. It is also possible to roll sideways when moving over uneven ground or steep grades.

Practices for Safe Operation

• Always follow manufacturing guidelines and weight restrictions

• Only operate a CTL after receiving proper training

• Never work under a raised attachment and always lower the bucket before exiting the machine

• Organize work projects away from ground personnel and always be aware of people working around the machine

• Travel with the bucket or load low to the ground to preserve your sightline

• Always wear a seat belt

• Always stay seated when operating a CTL

• Never lift anyone with a CTL attachment