Equipment World

November 2017

Equipment World Digital Magazine

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T he 2016 compact track loader market delivered results of more than 13 percent over the previous year; both of Kubota's models, the SVL75-2 and the SVL95-2s, exceeded expectations as well. The fact that the skid steer market was down almost 6 percent is ample evidence to suggest that some buyers are opting for tracks rather than wheels. For the second consecutive year, skid steer sale volume was lower than compact track loaders indus- trywide. Gains on specific markets for compact track loaders over skid steers can be seen in residential construction and agriculture. How- ever, both of these markets still need wheeled vehicles because wheeled units are a better choice for hard or aggressive surfaces. There is a price gap for similarly sized wheel and track units, favor- ing the wheel units. Kubota offers two models in each product line, covering the largest portion of each market. Though the migration to compact track loaders continues, there are several applications for which skid steers are better suited than com- pact track loaders. Kubota offers two skid steer models and two wheel models, along with a good complement of compact excava- tors to satisfy a range of needs. The two main variables to consider include: Job surface. Harder and abrasive surfaces are not very rubber track friendly, therefore the rubber tire machine versus the rubber track machine is bet- ter suited for those conditions. Ground disturbance. Con- sider the application where ground disturbance may be important. Nurseries and golf courses, for example, lend themselves to rubber tracks where the lower ground pres- sure would cause less ground disturbance. On the other hand, highway roads and bridges where road speed and the use of grinding attachments are es- sential, it is the wheel machine that should be considered first. It's important to understand that track units are more expensive, albeit that gap is lower than it used to be. Customers should also be careful to choose the correct machine size. Unlike wheel units, CTLs are rated at 35 percent of tip- ping load, although most manufac- turers list both 35 percent and 50 percent of tipping load, so make sure you read the right value. Con- tractors should expect that main- taining a CTL takes a little more time and effort than a wheel unit with proper daily cleaning of the undercarriage. Most importantly, I always stress to those looking to make a purchase, make sure you get everything you need from the start. We continue to enhance our product offering with new features including a high flow option on our SVL75-2 compact track loader and seven new attachments includ- ing 4-in-1 buckets, a skid grader, scrap grapples, root grapples, and a 4-inch rotary cutter. PARTNER SOLUTIONS | KUBOTA WHEELS OR TRACKS: What to consider when deciding between a skid steer or compact track loader Kubota SSV75 Skid Steer

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