Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/301674
C ompared to skid steers, compact track loaders (CTLs) cost more, have slower travel speeds, are better in soft underfoot conditions and handle slopes better. Common knowledge. But if your assessment of the performance of CTLs and their potential for your business stops with the commonplace, you can't make the right decisions regarding their use. First, consider the cost factor. It's true a CTL typically costs 30 percent more than a comparably sized skid steer, which amounts to an upcharge of $10,000 to $15,000. But that CTL will also offer performance advantages that increase productivity and may more than offset the initial cost during the service life of the machine. One of the challenges for contractors making the switch from skid steers to CTLs is to make accompanying changes in their business practices, accord- ing to Mike Fitzgerald, product specialist with Bobcat. "Assess your work practices and proce- dures and related billing charges to maximize the advantages of a CTL," he says. "Faster produc- tion means you can move on to another job sooner, and you'll be 4 0 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m M AY 2 014 How to get the most from your compact track loaders Max Out Your CTL The Bobcat T650 compact track loader – paired with the tree spade attachment – can dig, transplant and load trees. equipment matters BY RICHARD RIES