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Which is better – CTL or Skid Steer?

CAT recently took on the question – CTL or Skid Steer? In their article, CAT says you’ll need to choose based upon your applications.

It’s a common compact loader debate. Several factors come into play when choosing the right loader for your applications … the terrain, ground speed, traction, load-handling capabilities and the list continues. After receiving a ton of helpful feedback from our followers on social media, we decided to share some “food for thought” for any of you who are still grappling with the decision between tracks or wheels.

From a birds-eye view, CAT says that Compact Track Loaders (CTLs) are usually going to be preferred thanks for more traction, less ground disturbance, better material retention, and enhanced lifting capabilities. However, they do note that asphalt and concrete applications  might be better with wheeled machines such as skid steers, as these hard surfaces can cause wear on your tracks over time.

 

Also included are a number of quotes from various Caterpillar machine users giving their two cents on the debate.

To read the full article, visit Tracks vs. Wheels: Choosing the Right Compact Loader for Your Needs.

Tend to Your Tracks

While certain brands of tracks and equipment are more dependable than others, their longevity can be largely controlled by treating them with proper care.

 

Compactequip.com has recently released an article detailing the methods one can use to maximize the life of their machine’s tracks and undercarriages. Some of the culprits that can lead to prematurely damaged equipment include:

 

  • Improper / aggressive operation
  • Counter-rotations
  • Spinning tracks on abrasive surfaces
  • Infrequent cleaning
  • Neglect of track tension

 

By eliminating these bad habits, you can extend the lives of your tracks and machines, and in turn, spend far less money year after year.

 
To read the full article on how you can increase the life of your tracks and undercarriages, visit compactequip.com today.

To Skid or Not To Skid

While compact track loaders (CTLs) have begun outselling skid steers in recent years, it doesn’t mean that the wheeled machines are going the way of the dinosaur. Skid steers still have several advantages over their CTL competitors, including speed, maneuverability, and performance on hard surfaces.

 

However, some operators may be unclear as to which machine is best suited for a specific job. Luckily, a new article posted on compactequip.com breaks down the differences between these two pieces of equipment, and outlines the kind of work that is ideal for each one.

 

The article compares price, maintenance, attachments, and traction, among other things. Head over to compactequip.com to read the full article.

Get Vulcanized

Vulcanization is the process by which rubber is strengthened an hardened using heat and sulfur. The resulting product is far better suited for heavy duty jobs that can take a toll on weaker materials.

 

Today, vulcanized tires are all the rage. They allow your tires to last longer and your machines to work harder. That’s why compactequip.com has published a new article on the best and most innovative new vulcanized solutions for your compact equipment. From CTLs and skid steers to wheel loaders and mini dumpers, they’ve got you covered.

 

Head over to compactequip.com to read the full article today.

DIY Your CTL

Last month, Caterpillar published a blog detailing how CTL users can perform their own maintenance, helping to keep their machines in top condition. These checks are fairly standard and can be done in the garage, on the job site, or wherever the machine happens to be sitting.

 

The guide covers the undercarriage, track inspections, sprockets, fluid checks, and greasing points, among other things.

 

 

If you have a CTL and want to perform your own maintenance, head on over to Cat’s blog and read the full article today.

The Most Bang for Your Bucket

Buckets may be the most common attachment for compact equipment like skid steers and CTLs, but as they say, variety is the spice of life. There are a large assortment of skid steer bucket types available, and rather than just sticking with the factory default, it’s worth looking through them to find the one that’s perfect for your project.

 

A recent article by compactequip.com provided an in-depth look at bucket types, giving compact equipment users the insight needed in order to find the perfect fit for any type of work. As Christopher Girodat, marketing manager for Bobcat Co. says, “When looking for a loader bucket there are some things to consider to make sure the bucket is a good fit.”

 
Head on over to compactequip.com to read the full article today!

ASV Goes Head-To-Head With Other Top Brands in New Video Series

According to compactequip.com, ASV Holdings Inc. has decided to test their mettle against other CTL and skid steer manufacturers in a new video series. Dubbed the ‘ASV Demo Challenge,’ the videos will focus on ASV machines and how they compare to other top brands in terms of stability, speed, traction, and overall performance in a wide array of operating conditions.

 

Buck Storlie, ASV testing and reliability leader, said the goal was to demonstrate that ASV machines are more productive and comfortable their competitors. “These videos prove it,” he said, “showing ASV outperforming competitor compact track loaders in task after task and giving our customers the information they need to make an informed decision when buying new equipment.”

 

To read the full article, visit compactequip.com or watch the video below.

 

Caterpillar Extends Warranty on Select Compact Equipment

According to equipmentworld.com, Caterpillar is extending their standard full-machine warranty from 1 year, unlimited hours, to 2 years or 2,000 hours on select new compact equipment. The affected equipment includes:

 

  • Skid steer loaders
  • Compact track loaders
  • Multi-terrain loaders
  • Compact excavators

 

This announcement by Caterpillar mirrors similar actions taken by Case Construction Equipment, who extended warranties on their skid steers and CTL’s this past November from 1 year, 1000 hours to 2 years, 2000 hours. John Deere also announced a similar warranty extension in 2016 on its compact track loaders, skid steer loaders, compact wheel loaders and compact excavators.

 

Cat’s extended warranty announcement did not mention compact wheel loaders, such as the 903C2, 906M, 907M, and 908M.

Bobcat Introduces New Pallet Fork Frame

According to an article from ForConstructionPros.com, Bobcat has released it’s new pallet fork frame for Bobcat skid steers and compact track loaders, as well as Toolcat unitlity work machines and the V519 VersaHANDLER.

The new pallet fork frame:

  • Can attach without the operator leaving the cab
  • Makes it easy to change from pallet forks to bale forks
  • It comes in three duty levels for different capacites
  • Features a walk-through front frame
  • Has improved visibility with open carriage design
  • A center guard is available on all three models
  • Reinforced brick-guard height extension available
  • Features multiple tine options

NEW Bobcat Pallet Fork Frame