Choose a compact track loader if you work on sand, mud, slopes or soft ground, and a wheeled skid steer if you work mostly on pavement, concrete or other hard surfaces. Tracks give more traction, flotation and stability; wheels cost less to buy and maintain and are faster on hard ground. Both machines use the same attachments.
Side by side
| Wheeled skid steer | Compact track loader | |
|---|---|---|
| Best ground | Asphalt, concrete, hard-packed soil | Sand, mud, turf, loose or wet soil |
| Traction and pushing power | Good on firm ground | Higher, especially on soft ground |
| Ground pressure | Higher, can rut soft surfaces | Lower, spreads the weight |
| Stability when lifting | Good | Better, longer footprint |
| Travel speed on hard ground | Faster | Slower |
| Wear items | Tires, lower cost | Tracks and undercarriage, higher cost |
| Purchase price | Lower | Higher |
| Examples | Bobcat S740, Cat 262D | Bobcat T740, Cat 259D3 |
When a compact track loader is the right choice
- Your jobs are on sand, mud or wet ground, which is common in Florida and coastal areas.
- You grade, push dirt or work on slopes and need traction and stability.
- You work on lawns or finished surfaces that tires would rut.
- You need to keep working after rain instead of waiting for the site to dry.
When a wheeled skid steer is the right choice
- You work on pavement, concrete, warehouses or yards.
- You travel long distances across a hard site and speed matters.
- You want the lowest purchase price and running cost.
- You do demolition or scrap work where debris would damage rubber tracks.
What it means for a used machine
On a used compact track loader, the undercarriage is the first thing to inspect: track tread and cracks, sprockets, idlers and rollers. Replacing a worn undercarriage is expensive, so factor its condition into the price. On a wheeled machine, check tire wear and the drive chains. In our inventory, track loaders such as the Bobcat T740 have been listed from $29,500 to $42,500 and the wheeled Bobcat S740 from $28,700 to $36,800. See more ranges in how much a used skid steer costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a compact track loader the same as a skid steer?
They share the same frame design, controls and attachments, and many people call both skid steers. The difference is that one runs on four wheels and the other on two rubber tracks.
Do tracks cost more to maintain?
Yes. Tracks and undercarriage parts cost more than tires and wear faster on pavement and abrasive surfaces.
Can I use the same attachments on both?
Yes. Both use the universal quick-attach plate, so buckets, forks, grapples and augers fit either machine. Check hydraulic flow for high-demand attachments. See our attachments.
Compare both types in our used skid steers for sale, or tell us about your jobsite and we will recommend a machine.
