Better Roads Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/86539
Applications & Innovations by Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Wheels or Tracks? Let the jobsite be the judge I n the battle between choosing tires or tracks, buyers should let their projects cast the determining vote on which would be the best fi t for their fl eet. "The most important consideration for a contractor is going to be the primary type of work he does," says Mike Fitzgerald, loader product specialist, Bobcat. The compact track loader market gained ground in the past decade – with many roadbuilders valuing productivity over initial cost – but there's been a shift back toward skid- steer loaders since the 2008 economic downturn, says Ja- mie Wright, product manager, Terex Construction Americas. He estimates CTLs make up between 20 and 25 percent of the market, while SSLs hold between 75 and 80 percent, 26 October 2012 Better Roads 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 equip- ment inventories more effi ciently. As part of this, they are adding skid-steer loaders back into their fl eet since they are able to accomplish many of the same tasks at a lower operat- ing expense." So when does the price tag equal the benefi ts, and how can roadbuilders know which one they need for their next project? Here's what the experts have to say.