Last Updated on December 18, 2025
Companies in industries like construction, agriculture and mining depend on skid steer loaders and compact track loaders (CTLs) in their day-to-day operations. These small, yet versatile, machines provide excellent maneuverability and surprising power for their size.
While the compact track loader and skid steer are similar in size and appearance, they have significant differences that impact their project site functionality. Consider these features of a skid steer vs. track loaders.
Skid Steers vs. Track Loaders: A Comprehensive Comparison
A closer look at each machine will provide more insight into their similarities and differences. Skid steers and track loaders are similar machines primarily used for land-clearing and material handling.
The main difference between a skid steer and a track loader is how they move. Skid steers have four wheels, making them great for use on hard surfaces. Track loaders use tracks, which help them move across soft or uneven terrain.
It’s important to note that both machines can also host a variety of attachments, making them useful for hauling, grinding, moving, and other tasks. They also have similar safety requirements and operators should be trained on how to safely use them.
Understanding Skid Steer Loaders
A skid steer loader gets its name from the way it operates. The operator uses a joystick on either side of the unit to move the drive wheel forward or in reverse. Steering with joysticks creates a skidding motion that enables the operator to turn the machine left or right, hence the name “skid steer.”
Skid steers are lightweight, fast-moving machines. And, thanks to their wheels and joystick drive system, they can make tight turns quickly. Their speed and maneuverability make them ideal for projects in small spaces with tight timelines.
With the right skid steer attachment, you can complete a variety of tasks, including:
- Dirt, gravel and sand hauling
- Pallet loading
- Trench digging
- Stump grinding
- Fence building
- Snow removal
- Material loading
Gaining Insight Into Track Loaders
While the skid steer runs on wheels, the compact track loader (CTL) uses a set of tracks to move. The tracks spread the track loader’s weight across a broader area, letting it move across softer ground without getting stuck.
A compact track loader performs many of the same functions as a skid steer but can maneuver more efficiently and safely on treacherous terrain. This makes them a popular choice for compact construction equipment for projects on unpaved surfaces, such as:
- Demolition
- Dozing
- Clearing land or debris
- Paving
Track Loader vs. Skid Steer: Pros and Cons
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of these machines in several critical areas. Understanding how skid steers and compact track loaders compare will help you when choosing the right machines.
Advantages: Skid Steer vs. Track Loaders
Skid steers are a great choice for many tasks, especially for projects in developed areas.
- Speed and Maneuverability: Skid steers are faster on flat, even ground than track loaders. They also have a tighter turning radius, making it easier to maneuver in small spaces, such as a construction site in a city.
- Weight and Size: Skid steers are lighter than track loaders, making them easy to transport. Skid steers also come in several frame sizes with different operating capacities, allowing you to have the right-sized machine for the job.
- Versatility: Skid steers’ size and maneuverability make them useful on many project sites. Plus, you can use specialized attachments, such as augers or angle brooms to get more tasks done with one machine.
However, compact track loaders are useful, too, especially for earthmoving projects with rough terrain.
- Lifting Power: The track loader has a more even weight distribution and increased ground contact, providing more lifting power than a skid steer.
- Handling Rough Terrain: A compact track loader is more agile on uneven or undeveloped terrain than a skid steer. They also perform better in snow and on slopes, with less risk of tipping or getting stuck.
- Smooth Drive: A CTL’s tracks offer a smoother, more stable drive across bumpy or sloped ground than a wheeled skid steer can offer.
Disadvantages: Compact Track Loader vs. Skid Steer
Both skid steers and track loaders also have disadvantages to consider compared to your project’s needs.
The cons of using a skid steer include:
- Less Stability on Rough Terrain: The skid steer’s weight is distributed across four tires. This makes the machine more likely to slip or sink in muddy ground or snow than track loaders.
- Tire Maintenance: Skid steer tires may wear out quicker than a CTL’s tracks. Tires must be in good condition to provide the best handling.
The cons of working with a track loader include:
- Turning: Because CTLs have tracks instead of wheels, they have a wider turning radius. Three-point turns take more time, but they are the best method for turning a track loader without causing a lot of wear and tear on the tracks.
- Overall Maintenance: A track loader’s undercarriage and tracks typically require more frequent attention than skid steers. When the tracks need to be replaced, it is more time-consuming and expensive than replacing a skid steer’s tires.
Costs of Operating a Compact Track Loader vs. Skid Steer
Purchasing new skid steers can typically range from $30,000 to $80,000, while new compact track loaders can be more than $100,000. Renting a skid steer or track loader can eliminate these high upfront costs and much of the ongoing costs of ownership, like storage and repairs.
When considering which machine to use, and whether to rent or buy, consider the operating costs. If you use the machine regularly for years, ownership may make more sense than renting. However, if you need different machines for different projects, renting is often the way to go.
Either way, consider how much maintenance downtime may be needed. If you frequently use a CTL in challenging conditions, the extra wear and tear will likely increase the need for maintenance and repairs. Skid steers generally require less preventive maintenance and upkeep, which can help keep costs under control and minimize downtime if you’re renting.
A skid steer also consumes less fuel than a CTL, which can contribute to a healthier bottom line for your business.
Skid Steer vs. Compact Track Loader: How to Decide
Since earthmoving is the primary function of these machines, it can be helpful to assess the performance of each one in this area.
Skid Steer Loaders for Earthmoving Tasks
Tasks like loading, unloading and transporting materials such as dirt, stone and gravel often require maneuvering in confined areas. With the skid steer’s exceptional agility, it can turn and pivot in these spots quickly and efficiently. Its wheels supply essential speed for moving swiftly between locations, which can increase productivity at the job site.
By using the wide range of attachments that are compatible with most skid steer models, you can capitalize on the machine’s versatility to increase the scope of your earthmoving projects. Examples include buckets, trenchers, augers and backhoes.
- Learn More: How to Level Ground with a Skid Steer
Track Loaders for Earthmoving Tasks
Many earthmoving professionals prefer CTLs because of their increased traction, power and stability on hills or soft, uneven ground compared to skid steers. Their enhanced lifting capacity and horsepower allow them to deliver better results for jobs that require handling heavier loads and attachments. The lower ground pressure and tracked design are better suited for projects on softer ground.
One challenge of using a CTL is the relative lack of maneuverability compared to a skid steer, which can be a disadvantage when working in tight spaces. While the tracks offer more traction, especially when working in mud or snow, they require maintenance to keep them in peak operating condition.
Making an Informed Choice for Your Earthmoving Tasks
Choosing the right machines for your ground engaging tools is no small task. Evaluating several factors can help you decide whether a skid steer or compact track loader is the better option for your needs.
When choosing the right machines for your project, consider the following parameters.
- Task: Determine if your job requires a CTL for more lifting power and traction or a skid steer for speed and maneuverability.
- Ground Conditions: Is the site relatively smooth and flat, which would work for a skid steer? Or is it soft and wet, best suited for a CTL?
- Cost: Your budget may be the deciding factor when selecting a machine. A skid steer will likely require a lower upfront expenditure and be less costly to operate and maintain. If renting, the cost of fuel for a skid steer is often less than that of a track loader.
- Attachments: While both machines can accommodate attachments, you’ll need to ensure the skid steer or CTL can utilize the tools you require to complete your projects.
Browse Quality Rental Equipment From Herc Rentals
When you’re comparing a skid steer vs. track loaders, turn to Herc Rentals. Herc Rentals is your one-stop headquarters for skid steer and compact track loader rentals that will add significant value to your earthmoving operations. We offer high-quality equipment from leading manufacturers and provide exceptional service throughout the process.
Contact our team today by calling 1-800-432-6215 to learn more about the advantages of track loaders and skid steers. Our dedicated teams will provide expert product selection assistance to help you make an informed decision.
