Skid steer vs Posi-Track: it’s all in the lingo

You’ve probably heard the terms skid steer loader or maybe even just skiddie. Or, like most people, you might call every compact earthmoving machine a Bobcat (even though Bobcat is technically a brand). Either way, these machines come in two flavours: wheeled skid steers, which, as the name suggests, run on wheels, and posi-tracks, which move on tracks. Now, don’t confuse these with the bigger tracked loaders, which are a whole other beast of a front end loader—but we won’t bore you with that here. Instead, let’s cut to the chase: when should you choose a wheeled skid steer, and when does a posi-track make more sense for your job? Let’s break it down in this blog post.

Wheeled Skid Steers vs Posi-Tracks - What's the ground like?

Just to ram the message home, wheeled skid steers are designed with wheels, while posi-track skid steers are equipped with tank-like treads that offer better traction and stability on uneven terrain. So ask yourself: is the ground it's operating on sloped, loose, wet or uneven? If you answered yes to all, the only answer is a posi-track. If you're working on flat, compact or smooth ground, you need a wheeled skid steer or Bobcat. If you’re trying to decide whether you need a wheeled skid steer or posi-track for your project, keep reading to figure out what equipment can help you get the job done, and what factors to consider when making your decision.

What tasks does a wheeled skid steer loader excel at?

Wheeled skid steers are often used for their versatility. They can complete several jobs in tight access spaces, with a super tight turning circle and maximum manoeuvrability, including these tasks:

• Digging and trenching
• Landscaping, land clearing, or mulching
• Grading uneven ground, finishing, and concreting
• Installing posts, fences or poles
• Spreading layers of materials around, like soil or light gravel
• Loading or stockpiling debris and dirt or unwanted fill
• Breaking up pavement and foundation

You can affix over 60 attachments to a wheeled skid steer to turn it into the most versatile earthmoving and construction machine on the planet. Wheeled skid steers usually have more digging depth than posi-tracks because of their capacity to tilt and move, making them a better option for projects requiring deeper excavation. That said, they have less torque and power than their tracked cousins, as their tracks give them a greater surface area on the ground. This is the main reason tracked skid steers are better at ripping, hammering and undertaking earthmoving tasks requiring brute force.

What tasks does a posi-track excel at?

Posi-tracks come to life on uneven terrain. Wheeled skid steers can only be used where the ground is compact, so in areas of soft soil, uneven or loosely packed aggregates, gravel, wet ground, swamp, or sand, the only skid steer you can use in these applications is one with tracks, as the surface area of the tracks provides stability. It also provides additional torque for the attachments to get great ballast.

Posi-tracks are best for these tasks:

• Digging or levelling on uneven or loose terrain
• Excavating in wet or swampy areas
• Ripping or hammering rocks, concrete or pavers
• Working on batters, hillsides or slopes
• Compacting layers of aggregates prior to grading

Because track loaders have better mobility than skid steers in challenging terrain, they are commonly used for a larger job site, such as road construction or excavation work, with their superior hydraulic power. Compact track loaders will allow for greater site access as well, and they are capable of navigating tight spaces to a certain limit.

What are the limitations of wheeled skid steers vs track loaders?

Wheeled skid steers can get bogged quite easily in soft terrain, especially if your site cops a pile of rain overnight, so make sure you’re aware of your site’s soft spots before firing up your wheeled skid steer and letting it rip. Otherwise, you'll be firing up a truck with a tow rope soon after.

Posi-tracks are often less efficient due to their size and weight, can be difficult to move around, and cannot reach really tight access places due to having a larger turning circle than a wheeled skid steer. Generally speaking, there are also fewer attachments available for tracked mini loaders or posi-tracks. As their tracks make them clunkier and less agile, they can be deployed to a smaller range of earthmoving tasks.

Wheeled Skid steer vs Posi-Track: The Verdict.

So some salty construction keyboard warriors will have a penchant for a posi-track over a wheeled skid steer, but really, you can’t play favourites. You just need to pick the machine that is right for your job. Hire a wheeled skid steer if you need a versatile machine that can complete a wide range of tasks, with a massive amount of flexible attachments for every earthmoving & construction task. Or, hire a track loader if you need to work in difficult terrain or on large-scale construction projects. iseekplant offers multiple hire options for both a skid steer and track loader, so explore through us today and save on owning and operating costs!

If you want to hire a wheeled skid steer or wheeled skid steer & tipper combo, click here and we’ll get you 3 quotes from verified suppliers in about 5 mins. If you want to hire a posi-track, click here and we’ll get sh*t happening on your site. You can also hire a posi-track and truck combo, for the perfect earthmoving pairing.