Regarding versatile construction equipment, compact track loaders, and skid steers are two popular options that often leave buyers wondering which machine is best suited for their needs.
At Luby Equipment Services, we understand the importance of choosing the right equipment for your specific job requirements. Let’s explore the key differences between these two machines to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Basics
Compact track loaders and skid steers are highly maneuverable machines for various tasks, including excavation, grading, and material handling. The main difference lies in their undercarriage:
Skid steers have four wheels and use a skid steering system.
Excellent resource to service all CASE and Takeuchi machines in the metro area. They can get anything. The staff is always helpful and very knowledgeable.
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Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star review! Roger focuses each and every day to give a world class customer experience. We hope to see you soon. Thank you again for taking the time to give us a review.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star review. We strive to deliver a world class customer experience every time we see you. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner: Pam, thank you! We are grateful for your 5 star review. Jenny does an excellent job and is very focused at providing a world class customer experience. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future.
My experience was great.. I spoke with Jenny and she was more than a huge help. Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Syretha! We are very grateful for your 5 star review. Jenny does an excellent job and is very focused at providing a world class customer experience. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star review. We appreciate your business and strive to deliver the best equipment and service in the industry. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star rating. We strive to deliver a world class customer experience each and every day. Thank you again and we hope to see you soon.
My husband rented equipment and worked with Josh. He was very respectful and new what he was talking about to help with all my husband's needs and questions. Very pleased and will be using Luby again in the future!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your review and rating. We appreciate your business Jenn and we look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you again and we hope you have a great day!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your review and rating. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you again and we hope you have a great day!
This is a great piece of equipment. Kevin Peeler is very knowledgeable and made the process easy. We actually didn’t meet until he drove on the job site with my Takeuchi TL6. He earned my confidence over the phone.Mnnnmm
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your review and rating. Luby Equipment and Kevin are focused on delivering a seamless customer experience on every sale. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Jenny was the best, answered questions on several calls that other dealers could not. I live in KC and shopped auctions, dealers nationwide, Facebook market place. Got my best deal on my TL12V2 machine from Luby with extended warranty. Drove to Fenton and picked up machine. Machine was as described and ready to go as promised. Jenny’s friendliness and listening to my wants sold me! Her boss should give her a raise thanks again!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the review and 5 star rating. Our goal is to deliver a world class customer experience on every transaction. We are thankful for your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
This was my first experience with Luby Equipment. Jenny Swafford was my sales person. She promptly made a deal with me working out the transportation and all the details. She kept me in the loop every step of the way and gave me many detailed pictures of the piece of equipment. I do many deals in my line of work and I can tell you she is among the best. I would do business again and hope I can. My experience with Lubys has been the best. I could not be happier. Good job Jenny I wish there were more like you doing business would be a much funner experience. Mike.
Response from the owner: Thank you Mike for your review and rating. Our goal is to deliver a world class customer experience each and every day. We appreciate your business and look forward to doing more with you in the future. Thank you again for the kind words and hope you have a wonderful day!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for giving us a 5 star rating. We strive each and every day to deliver world class customer service. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
I recently purchased 2 machines from Luby Equipment and worked with Jenny Swafford. She was fantastic to work with and I am very pleased with the equipment and how easy Luby was to work with. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase equipment.
Response from the owner: Thank you Steve for giving us a 5 star rating. We are very appreciative of your business and look forward to working with you again.
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Response from the owner: Thank you very much for the 5 star rating! Our goal is to give each and every customer the best customer experience in the industry. We look forward to seeing you soon and hope you have a great week. Thank you again for your continued business.
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for rating us. We strive for a 5 star rating from our customers so please let us know how we can improve your experience. Thank you again for rating us and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner: Thank you Mike for giving us a 4 star review. Our goal is ensure our customers are happy with the services they receive each and every time they do business with us. If there is anything in particular that we can do better, please let us know. Thank you again for your review and we look forward to doing business with you soon.
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Terrain and Ground Pressure
One of the most significant factors to consider is the type of terrain you’ll be working on:
Compact track loaders excel on soft, muddy, or sandy surfaces due to their lower ground pressure and increased traction. They can “float” over challenging terrain where a skid steer might sink or struggle.
Skid steers perform better on firm, even surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Their wheels allow for quicker turns and faster travel speeds on hard surfaces.
If your job site frequently involves working on uneven or soft ground, a compact track loader might be the better choice. A skid steer could be more efficient for paved or hard surface work.
Stability and Lifting Capacity
When it comes to stability and lifting:
Compact track loaders offer better stability due to their wider stance and track system. This translates to higher lifting capacities and reach, making them ideal for jobs requiring heavy lifting or extended reach.
While still capable, skid steers typically have lower lifting capacities. However, they often provide better maneuverability in tight spaces.
Consider the weight and size of materials you’ll handle regularly when deciding.
Speed and Maneuverability
In terms of speed and agility:
Skid steers usually have higher top speeds and can turn on a dime, making them excellent for jobs requiring quick movements in confined spaces.
Compact track loaders are generally slower but offer smoother operation and better control, especially on uneven terrain.
A skid steer might be more efficient if your work involves frequent short, quick movements. A compact track loader could be preferable for jobs requiring steady, controlled operation over varied terrain.
Maintenance and Cost Considerations
When it comes to long-term ownership:
Skid steers typically have lower initial costs and are generally less expensive to maintain. Tire replacements are more straightforward and more cost-effective than track replacements.
Compact track loaders usually have a higher price tag and can be more costly due to their complex undercarriage system. However, their versatility and performance in challenging conditions can offset these costs for many operators.
Consider your budget for initial purchase and long-term maintenance when deciding.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between a compact track loader and a skid steer depends on your job requirements, typical working conditions, and budget. Here are some quick guidelines:
Choose a compact track loader if:
You frequently work on soft, uneven, or muddy terrain
You need maximum stability and lifting capacity
You prioritize minimal ground disturbance
Choose a skid steer if:
You primarily work on a firm, even surfaces
You need quick maneuverability in tight spaces
You’re looking for a lower initial investment and maintenance costs
Luby Equipment Services offers a wide range of compact track loaders and skid steers from top manufacturers.
Contact Us Today
Our experienced team can help you assess your needs and choose the perfect machine for your job. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or need service for your existing equipment, we’re here to provide you with the tools for success.
