If you want to purchase a loader for your business, you have to make a few key decisions along the way. In addition to evaluating criteria such as size, type, horsepower, and use of work tool attachments, you'll also want to consider whether the machine should be equipped with tracks or wheels. Each option brings a variety of advantages to your business.
Track loaders and wheel loaders
Here's a quick overview of the factors involved when choosing between a wheel loader or a track loader:
- Terrain: Wheel loaders are best suited for hard surfaces such as paved roads and landscaped areas. Track loaders perform better on rough terrain.
- Speed: When it comes to ground speed, wheels have a clear advantage over tracks. While wheeled equipment will roll on the ground like a car, tread-based machines move more slowly. If you have to make many long-distance trips, you may need a wheel loader.
- Mobility: Track loaders have advantages when working in tight spots. Most tracked machines have a small turning radius, while wheeled machines generally require more turning room. Track loaders can even move laterally, which is not possible with wheel loaders.
- Maintenance: The need for maintenance is another consideration when choosing track loader versus wheel loader equipment. The tracks and chassis on crawler machinery are subject to wear and require frequent maintenance. In contrast, wheeled models have fewer moving parts and less wear and tear, making them more economical to operate.
- Traction: Tracked machines give you better traction on soft or unstable surfaces. They can traverse challenging terrain that wheel loaders cannot reach. Manufacturers design it to provide more ground contact over a larger surface area.
- Seasonal Use: If you are using your loader in early spring, a track loader will provide more reliable results when you encounter soft or wet ground or areas that may still have snow.
- Versatility: Do you need a loader device that can perform multiple tasks? Wheeled machines are more compatible with work tool attachments such as buckets, grapples, mowers and scarifiers. If necessary, wheel loaders can be converted into tracked equipment using skid steer tracks.
- Consistency: You're likely to experience more consistent, reliable performance when using a track loader. You won't get any "power jump," a potentially dangerous condition that can occur when a wheel loses traction. Plus, you don't have to worry about a flat tire putting your project behind schedule.
Wheel loader and track loader uses
Loaders perform the necessary tasks of picking up loose materials at job sites. These machines are ideal for shoveling or lifting materials such as:
- dirt and soil
- sand
- Gravel, rocks and stones
- ore
- rubble
- log
- building materials
- Bricks
- pipeline
- Rubbish
- hay
- fertilizer
- seed
- food
Some of the tasks you can perform with a wheel or track loader include:
- storage materials
- Move inventory to another location
- Load materials into truck
- Unloading
- Place load on conveyor belt
- snow removal
- Cutting and stacking logs
- clear clutter
- smooth terrain
- Remove debris and waste from work sites
- Clean up building materials
- Dispose of garbage
- Move haystacks to feed animals
- Transporting feces for disposal
- carry feed
- clearing and cultivating land
- Pipeline
Some of these tasks may require work tool attachments such as a bale spear, brush cutter, snow plow, or cultivator.
Track and wheel loaders are often used daily in these industries:
- mining
- quarry
- put up
- bridge construction
- government
- forestry
- waste management
- agriculture
- animal production
- tear down
Track Loaders vs. Wheel Loaders: Choosing the Right Loader for Your Application
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a loader. Mingyang's team of experts can help you understand the differences between wheel loaders and track loaders so you can make an informed decision.
