Better Roads Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/86539
Jobsite Checklist When deciding between a wheeled or tracked machine, owners should fi rst picture how the equipment would be used in their work. Categorizing job types, such as new or existing construction, dry or muddy conditions and travel- ing distances on the jobsite, can reveal how equipment is currently being used and what features the equipment will need to be profi table and effi cient. If a job requires 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 new-construction projects where there are no improved surfaces. "For the best all-around mobility and for working longer seasons in wet or muddy conditions, compact-track load- ers offer superior fl otation, traction and the least amount of turf impact or damage," says Tim O'Brien, brand marketing manager, Case Construction Equip- ment. "CTLs also have a more stable and consistent platform for grading applications but have a slower overall top travel speed." With ground conditions vary- ing around the country, the choice between tracks or wheels can also depend on the job's location. In some regions, tracked equipment is more prominent than others and can also extend the typical contractor's working year because of its ability to fl oat on wet ground. "In areas like the Southwest where the ground is always tires. "This will eliminate the downtime associated with a fl at tire while maintaining the ride characteristics of a pneu- matic tire," Fitzgerald says. Cost Comparison The biggest deterrent for many contractors with a tracked The most important consideration for a roadbuilder is his primary type of work. machine is the dollar amount, something manufacturers have tried to combat with longer track life, performance in- creases and undercarriage suspension systems for smoother rides. Figuring out the breaking point between productivity and cost for both the tire and track is key when choosing between the two. Skid-steer loaders have a lower initial cost for the same size machine and lower owning-and-operating costs because the tires cost far less than the rubber tracks. A set of skid- steer tires can cost between $600 and $1,000 and last 600 to 1,000 hours. Rubber tracks cost $3,000 to $4,500 per set and last 1,200 to 1,600 hours. With proper operation of the loader, rubber tracks should last about twice as long as tires. However, tires still cost considerably less than tracks, Fitzger- ald says. Overall, tracks are more expensive to maintain than wheels, so the cost of the equipment can also come into play," he says. Although tire costs for skid steers are dry and hard, you will have a hard time fi nding someone who owns a CTL," Fitzgerald says. "Whereas, in the Midwest where the ground is clay or sand and conditions can vary by the weather, many contractors own both." He advises con- tractors to talk to a local dealer who sells CTLs to get an idea of how long the machine extends the work year in that area. If most of your 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 sur- faces. Concrete and asphalt applications, traveling signifi cant distances on a jobsite and some winter jobs will also call for wheeled machines. "Skid steers tend to be better for scraping and snow plow- ing tasks that require the tires to penetrate mud, muck or snow to get down to a fi rmer traction surface," O'Brien says. For working on surfaces where tire punctures can become a problem, you could also consider buying a set of poly-fi ll often lower than the hourly cost of tracks for CTLs, the downtime and risk of downtime to replace tires or fi x fl ats is greater with skid steers. That is why many high-production applications have moved to using only solid tires for their skid steers. "The most important maintenance cost item on either is rubber – tires for skid steers and tracks for compact track loaders," O'Brien says. "Generally, the cost of keeping the machine fi tted with tracks is more than with skid steers, but it depends on the applications, underfoot surfaces and especially operator techniques that will impact these costs." (See "Reduce Downtime" sidebar for proper operation and maintenance techniques.) Wright says a CTL can pay for itself in as little as 18 months, if all goes well. "Don't sacrifi ce just to save a dollar," Wright tells Equipment World. "Always buy quality; a loader and attachment need to be durable and reliable because down- time is expensive. Be sure to select equipment that makes the most sense for the applications it'll be used in." He recom- mends customers choose a machine that will equate to 85 or 90 percent of their needs. Better Roads October 2012 27