Crew leaders considering adding a skid steer loader or compact track loader to their fleet will find that while these machines achieve similar goals, they do so with their own unique features. Both loaders are efficient, dependable machines that perform well in various settings, including tight spaces.

Cat Used connects buyers with local and national dealers selling used Cat® skid steers, compact track loaders and other machinery. Understanding each machine's benefits and when to choose a skid steer or compact track loader will help crew leaders purchase equipment that will improve their business's operations.

Skid steer loaders feature four wheels rather than tracks, making them ideal for use on hard surfaces like concrete or pavement. These machines find frequent use in recycling, demolition, roadwork, scrap yards and similar applications. With used skid steer loaders, your organization can benefit from:

• Variety: These machines are compatible with multiple tire options, including solid tires, foam-filled tires and run-flats.
  
• Versatility: Skid steer loaders spread between 35 and 45 pounds of pressure per square inch across four small tires, enabling them to provide compaction when necessary.
• Mobility: Skid steers move at speeds upwards of 12 mph and feature counter-rotation for tight turning. Their lightweight construction and high ground clearance allow for easy loading and transportation.

When weighing skid steer loaders versus compact track loaders, one of the main considerations is their contact with the ground. While excluding wheels detracts from their mobility, compact track loaders distribute their weight across their tracks, allowing them to perform well on delicate terrains like golf courses, landscaped properties and parks. Other benefits include:

• Enhanced comfort: Compact track loaders offer smooth operation.
• Optimized productivity: These loaders maintain their balance on most terrains, meaning crews can get right to work on dozing and earthmoving jobs with less time clearing space for their loaders.
• Improved traction: Compact loaders distribute their weight across long tracks, which leads to easier operation on soft, sandy, muddy, snowy and wet terrains. A lower center of gravity also improves handling on sloped surfaces.
• Long service life: If properly maintained tracks can have a long service life.

Shopping for used track loaders or skid steer loaders allows crew leaders to expand their options without increasing their budget. Many used machines, especially those from Caterpillar or designated as Cat Certified Used, offer excellent performance across a long life span. Used machinery may be the ideal choice for buyers who need to:

• Secure a reliable backup machine.
• Complete a temporary job.
• Find a lower rate on effective equipment.

Crew leaders can find dependable skid steer and compact track loaders from qualified dealers across the United States by shopping through Cat Used. We make it easy for businesses to search listings of used and Cat Certified Used machines that match their desired specifications.

If you don't see what you're looking for, sign up for email alerts to receive a notification when a machine becomes available. For more information on used and Cat Certified used equipment, contact a Cat dealer near you today.