Need Track Skid Steer suggestions and advice

tradosaurus · Oct 14, 2018

That's a good video comparing track vs tires. All my work will be within trees and grass, so track made more sense to me.

4570Man · Oct 14, 2018

Are you buying a cab machine? I wouldn’t buy a machine where the door hinges outward. The ones where the door rolls into the cab are much better IMO.

tradosaurus · Oct 14, 2018

4570Man said:
Are you buying a cab machine? I wouldn’t buy a machine where the door hinges outward. The ones where the door rolls into the cab are much better IMO.

Absolutely will have a cab skid loader. I am getting the demolition front door (1/2" impact resistant glass). Since I am getting a C232 New Holland the front door doesn't roll into cab.
I did look at the Kubota model and really liked the door rolling into the cab.

TheFarmerInAdell · Oct 25, 2018

I had a wheeled (NH LS170) and switched to a tracked (NH C175). I somewhat regret the decision. I thought that the tracks would make the machine amazing. I wanted to switch for a few reasons. One being that they are easier on the lawn and another being I hate flat tires. The tracks actually are kind of a pain. The ride is much rougher, the factory tracks are terrible in snow (to the point that I sometimes can't get up my driveway), and it takes more power to move a tracked machine than a wheeled machine. What I would do next time is get a wheeled machine, and get airless tires (either foam filled or the honeycomb style) and over the tire tracks. That would solve the 2 issues I had with wheels.

Some other issues I have with tracks are if the the ground isn't flat (broke up old concrete for instance) it is hard to turn, as the tracks don't want to jump over the bumps. Also out in the woods I've popped a track off a few times on rocks and stumps. And replacement tracks are not cheap when it comes time to switch.

Things I do like about the tracks are that they are easier on lawns, and I don't have to worry about flat tires. I also don't get the "bounce" when trying to slowly turn on paved surfaces. The machine is much more stable and I don't get stuck in mud.

Just a few things to think about before going to tracks.

I love NH machines with the "super boom". The bucket stays more level as you lift and it actually pushes out as it goes up instead of back over the cab making it easier to load trucks/trailers. JD also has a similar boom set up (early JD machines were actually just re-badged NH machines).

Things I wish I would have gotten with my machines (I buy used so it's hard to get everything I want): High Flow and power quick attach. I can do without the cab and heat.

4570Man · Oct 25, 2018

I’ve already commented my opinion about doors. Another immediate veto for me is electric controls. I’ve used tracks and wheels and there’s advantages both ways. I’d recommend you use both before buying.

Rustyiron · Oct 25, 2018

If I had won the big lottery, I'd have a tracked machine, a wheeled machine along with one of BC's "A" or all wheel steer machines.
Hey, a guy can dream right.:laughing:

searcyfarms · Jan 3, 2019

ive ran both and for me i can do best with a tire machine i dont like the lack of traction with a rubber tracked machine, expecially on greasy ground or wet grass it gets rather frustrating, i have also rolled off tracks when loading loading dumpsters just going up a grade to get to the dumpster to dump but turning with the pressure out on the toes of the tracks and the bucket going up, never rolled a tire of a wheel machine however they are not as good in the mud w/out steel tracks, i love the smooth ride of tracked machines on descent soil, they are much better for grading in my opinion, i love my wheel machine but i also have solid rubber tires for demo, rolled too many tracks off and tore too many in concrete using them, have pneumatic tires for general use and snow removal, each machine has its good/bad, for me on the farm with deep mud/snow/trees/hay/stumps/logs/rocks/i went tires, i have owned two, but ran many others still have a volvo based on the wisconsin made perkins powered omniquip skidsteer ( scat trak ) before volvo started making them their own. drive several, use them dont just drive them around teh lot, have them bring it out and leave it fora few days i had a case/bobcat/scat at my house before i bought my first one for a week and all salesmen were good to work with hope this helps, if you have any more questions fire away

tradosaurus · Jan 4, 2019

tradosaurus said:
Absolutely will have a cab skid loader. I am getting the demolition front door (1/2" impact resistant glass). Since I am getting a C232 New Holland the front door doesn't roll into cab.
I did look at the Kubota model and really liked the door rolling into the cab.

Well I'm glad I decided to rent a skid steer to try out. I rented a Kubota 95 hp with tracks. I bought a used Bradco heavy duty brush cutter. After 2 hrs I got stuck up to the tracks.
Yes it had rained lightly over the last week but I thought the tracks would handle it. I have too many low spots on my 45 acres to risk a heavy skid steer.
I now have the Bradco brushcutter up for sale.
Bradco Groundshark BC72GS - farm & garden - by owner - sale