Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/732903
October 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 24 Because CTLs tend to work inde- pendently, it doesn't matter whether support equipment, such as dump trucks, can get into the work area. So if it's too mucky for any other machine, the CTL can still be pro- ductive. The one consideration is transport; whether the truck and trailer hauling the CTL can get onto the site. Tier 4 compliance is another fac- tor. Tier 4 engines – and, on larger machines, aftertreatment systems – cost the same for a compact track loader as for a skid steer, but rep- resent a smaller percentage price increase for a track loader than a skid steer. This has narrowed the gap in initial acquisition cost be- tween the two. Replacement costs of tires vs. tracks has always favored skid steers. Four tires might cost $800, while two tracks can be $4,000. Assuming tire and track service life is comparable, track replacement is five times higher over the life of the machine, and that assump- tion about service life may not hold up depending on the surfaces on which the two machines oper- machine matters | continued Wacker Neuson offers a wide range of attachments to expand the versatility of their compact track loaders. There are 10 styles of buckets, plus brush cutters, snow removal attachments, spears, forks, brooms, augers and power rakes. With 74.6 horsepower, an 11-foot height to hinge pin, and 7,750 pounds of bucket breakout force, Deere says the 333G rivals a backhoe or small crawler dozer, yet offers performance features those machines lack. The 2,100-pound ROC Mustang 2100RT NXT2 features HydraGlide ride control and the IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system. Its 72-horse- power Yanmar engine uses a diesel particulate filter.