Skid Steers or Track Loaders? How to Choose the Right Equipment in 2025

A track loader or a skid steer? Do you ever find yourself not knowing which one to choose for your next project? Technology has gained a lot of ground in the past decades or so, enabling landscaping and building tools to be used in multiple applications and be much more efficient. In the end, your choice between Skid Steers or Track Loaders will be based on your project, terrain, and budget. 

Let us discuss all the pros and cons of skid steer loaders. They will help you rent one for several tasks or even find the nearest location to buy one. National Lifts helps corporate and individual customers to make a wise decision, as the equipment provided is at par with the specific needs of each customer. Let’s get to the point, so you make an educated choice.   

Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
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2020 Case SR210B Diesel
$41,995.00 For Sale

$41,995.00

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Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
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2016 Takeuchi TL8
$34,450.00 For Sale

$34,450.00

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Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
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2019 Bobcat T650 Diesel
$47,500.00 For Sale

$47,500.00

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1

Understanding Skid Steers and Track Loaders 

What Are Skid Steers?: Skid steers are wheeled, compact machines that come with excellent comfort and impressive speed. The attachments that they use include skid steer buckets, among others, that make them excellent for working on solid, hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. 
What Are Track Loaders?: A track loader is another identical machine with tracks instead of wheels. The design is well suited for the demanding outdoor work because it will improve traction and stability on rough, muddy, or soft surfaces. 
Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
2022 John Deere 624P Diesel
 For Sale
Buy now

nleq.com

Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
2019 Volvo L60H Diesel
 For Sale
Buy now

nleq.com

Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
2022 Caterpillar 950G Diesel
 For Sale
Buy now

nleq.com

2

Key Features Comparison: Skid Steers vs. Track Loaders 

Skid Steers:

Mobility: Excellent for paved and hard surfaces. 
Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of attachments like skid steer buckets and grapples. 
Speed: Faster ground speed than track loaders. 
Cost: Generally, more affordable upfront and easier to maintain. 

Track Loaders:

Traction: Superior performance in muddy, sandy, or uneven conditions. 
Ground Pressure: Reduced surface damage due to better weight distribution. 
Power: Higher pushing and lifting capabilities. 
Durability: Robust design for challenging environments. 

3

How to Choose Between Skid Steers or Track Loaders 

Consider the Terrain: 

Skid steers: they are better for applications that require a lot of movement on concrete or in cramped spaces. The wheels enable easy movement on rocky surfaces. 
Track loaders: There is no tool as versatile for operations on uneven, loose, or muddy surfaces than a track loader. Tracks are very stable and do not sink even on wet surfaces.

Evaluate the Job Requirements:

Skid steers: they are a versatile and valuable tool for multiple construction, demolition, and snow removal jobs. They can manage lighter loads very well in cities.  
Track loaders: they are great at grading, excavating, and heavy landscaping, as they’re built tough. They can do the work when it takes extra force to do so, including lifting and pushing. 

Budget Matters:

Skid steers: If you are on a tight budget, skid steer loader rentals or used loader backhoe for sale could be a good choice. The purchase price for skid steers is usually lower, as well as the ongoing cost of maintenance. 
Track loaders: Although track loaders are initially more expensive, they can actually save money due to their increased durability and lesser ground damage. 

Attachments and Adaptability:

Skid Steers or Track Loaders, both machines are highly versatile and compatible with a range of attachments, such as: 

 Skid steer buckets: Ideal for lifting, loading, and digging. 
Augers: Perfect for drilling holes in landscaping projects. 
Trenchers: Useful for creating trenches for utilities. 

Check compatibility before purchasing or renting attachments to maximize productivity. 

4

Skid Steers vs. Track Loaders: A Head-to-Head Comparison 

Feature Skid Steers Track Loaders 
Mobility Best for hard, flat surfaces Ideal for soft or uneven terrain 
Traction Limited on loose soil or mud Superior in challenging conditions 
Speed Faster ground speed Slower but more stable 
Cost Lower upfront and maintenance costs Higher cost but long-term durability 
Surface Impact May damage delicate surfaces Minimizes surface damage 
Versatility Compatible with most attachments Equally versatile with attachments 

Should You Rent or Buy? 

Renting: For infrequent or short-term needs, you might want to skid steer loader rental or a track loader. This way, you can avoid the headache of maintenance while saving money in the long run. 

Advantages of Renting Skid Steers or Track Loaders 

Cost-Effective for Short-Term Projects: If you simply need equipment only for a time, renting the Skid Steers or Track Loaders is a fabulous option. One example is you can consider skid steer loader rental to have at your disposal just the machine required for landscaping operations or seasonal manpower without making big investments. 
No Maintenance Hassle: To save your time and hard-earned dollars, most rented equipment is bought ready for its service, serviced, and refurbished. This makes a big deal if you’ve never worked with maintaining skid steer buckets or track parts. 
Access to the Latest Technology: Renting the latest models and technologies maximizes efficiency and output. All the latest information can be had without buying a thing, be it a skid steer or a high-performance track loader. 
No Long-Term Commitment: If you only need equipment for a one-time project, renting eliminates the need for storage, insurance, and long-term investment.

Disadvantages of Renting: 

Higher Costs for Long-Term Use: While renting does not break the bank at the moment, things can add up pretty quickly when dealing with ongoing or long-term initiatives. It may wind up being more practical to buy a skid loader for sale near me in the long term. 
Restricted Stock: It can be challenging to locate the proper equipment, especially popular models, such as Skid Steers or Track Loaders during very busy seasons. 
Buying: For long-term or frequent use, buying makes more sense. Look for options like a skid loader for sale near me or explore a used loader backhoe for sale to find budget-friendly deals. At National Lifts, we offer both rental and purchase options, ensuring flexibility for every project. 

Advantages of Buying Skid Steers or Track Loaders:

If you need equipment frequently, buying a Skid Steers or Track Loaders is a better financial decision than renting it over and again. Used loader backhoe for sale are also available to customers who want to save money. 

Full Ownership: Using skid steers or track loaders as your tool is free time to work as much or as little you want, and there is no limit to the number of accessories such as skid steer buckets that limit your productivity. 
Asset Valuation: When you have your own equipment, then you can increase your company’s value and maybe even recover part of your investment when you sell it. 
Modifiable Annexes: Depending on the needs of your project, you can customize your purchase with a number of accessories, including augers, trenchers, or specialist skid steer buckets. 

Disadvantages of Buying: 

Higher Upfront Costs: Small businesses may not be able to afford the significant upfront investment needed to acquire equipment. 
Maintenance Duties: The owner’s tasks of regular maintenance, repair, and storage may increase the operational costs. 
Wear and tear: Skid Steers or Track Loaders, like all machinery, depreciate over time and with neglect. 
2022 John Deere 624P Diesel
Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
Horizontal Outreach: 12 to 15 feet.
Platform Height: Around 8 to 12 feet.
Design for: Material handling, earthmoving, construction,
and utility work.
2019 Volvo L60H Diesel
Skid steers and track loaders: compact machines with comfort and speed, using wheels or tracks
Horizontal Outreach: 10 to 15 feet.
Platform Height: Around 10 to 12 feet.
Design for: Material handling, earthmoving, construction tasks such as loading unloading materials.

Book Your Equipment Today 

All set to get started? Find the perfect Skid Steers or Track Loaders for your next job by browsing our inventory. Contact National Lifts today for expert advice and top-notch service. 

Great Experience
bruno martone
★★★★★

Just purchased a 2013 jlg from Joe at National Lift The Machine was every thing he promised was a excellent machine and delivered within a few days , this company and Joe are first class i would always buy a machine off of them , Thank you very much Joe .B&B Equipment

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