Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/106599
equipment matters inventories more efficiently. As part of this, they are adding skid-steer loaders back into their fleet since they are able to accomplish many of the same tasks at a lower operating expense." So when does the price tag equal the benefits, and how can landscapers know which one they need for their next project? Here's what the experts have to say. Jobsite checklist percent, according to our sister publication, Equipment World. "The compact track loader trend started as a result of contractors wanting to get jobs done faster, no matter the acquisition costs or operational cost of the unit," Wright continues. "With the economic downturn, contractors were more selective and looking for ways to manage their equipment When deciding between a wheeled or tracked machine, contractors should first picture how the equipment would be used in their business. Categorizing job types, such as new or existing construction, dry or muddy conditions and traveling distances on the jobsite, can show them how they currently are using equipment and what features the equipment will need to possess to be profitable and efficient. If their jobs require extra traction for pushing into piles on soft or muddy ground, a tracked piece of equipment would be ideal because the tracks have more area in contact with the surface, which make them better for dozing and digging jobs. Tracked machines are also good for newconstruction projects where there are not improved surfaces. "For the best all-around mobility and for working longer seasons in wet or muddy conditions, compact track loaders offer superior floatation, traction and the least amount of turf impact or damage," says Tim O'Brien, brand marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment. "CTLs also have a more stable and consistent platform for grading applications but have a slower overall top travel speed." If most of a landscaper's projects will be on improved surfaces or in an existing development, a wheeled machine would be best because the tires wear less quickly than tracks on paved surfaces. Concrete and asphalt applications, traveling significant distances on a jobsite and some winter jobs will also call for wheeled machines. "Skid steers tend to be better for scraping and snow-plowing tasks that require the tires to penetrate mud, muck or snow to get down to a firmer traction surface," O'Brien says. F E B R U A R Y 2013 TLC0213_EquipMatters2.indd 45 TotalLa nd s ca p e C a re . c o m 45 1/24/13 11:05 AM