What a Bobcat track loader is and why contractors use them

A Bobcat track loader is a small, tracked machine that moves dirt, gravel, mulch, and other loose materials on job sites. It has a bucket on the front that scoops material, and tracks instead of wheels so it can work on soft ground, mud, and slopes without sinking or slipping. Bobcat is the brand name most people use for this type of machine, though other manufacturers like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Kubota make similar models.

Contractors and landscapers use track loaders because they are small enough to fit through gates and doorways that larger machines cannot enter, yet powerful enough to move several tons of material in a single bucket. The tracks spread the machine's weight over a larger area, so it does less damage to finished lawns and driveways than a wheeled loader would. On a muddy site or a steep slope, a track loader can work where a regular skid-steer loader would get stuck.

Track loaders are common on residential landscaping jobs, small construction sites, and utility work. You will see them clearing snow, moving topsoil, digging small trenches, and pushing debris into piles. They are also used indoors — in warehouses and on concrete floors — because the rubber tracks do not leave marks the way metal tracks do.

Key Takeaways

  • Track loaders have rubber tracks instead of wheels, which lets them work on soft ground and slopes without sinking or damaging finished surfaces.
  • Bobcat is the most common brand, but Caterpillar, John Deere, Kubota, and other makers produce track loaders with similar capabilities and price ranges.
  • New track loaders cost between $35,000 and $60,000 depending on size and features; used machines range from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on age and hours.
  • Renting a track loader typically costs $150 to $300 per day, $400 to $700 per week, or $1,200 to $2,500 per month, depending on your location and the rental company.
  • Operating a track loader requires no special license for private property, but some states require certification or training for commercial use or public roads.

How track loaders differ from skid-steer loaders and other small machines

A skid-steer loader looks similar to a track loader but has four wheels instead of tracks. Skid-steer loaders are lighter, faster, and cheaper to buy and rent. They work well on hard, dry ground and paved surfaces. However, they sink into mud, leave deep ruts on soft grass, and cannot climb steep slopes as safely as a track loader can. If your job site is wet or has finished landscaping you need to protect, a track loader is the better choice.

Compact excavators are another option. They dig and move material like track loaders do, but they are slower at moving large piles and cannot push material as far. Excavators are better for digging holes, trenches, and foundations. Track loaders are better for moving bulk material and clearing large areas.

Wheel loaders are larger machines with bigger buckets and more power. They cost more to buy and rent, and they need wider gates and stronger ground to operate on. A wheel loader makes sense only if you are moving very large amounts of material or working on a large, hard-packed site.

New and used track loader prices

A new Bobcat track loader costs between $35,000 and $60,000, depending on the model and features. The smallest models (the T550 and T590) are at the lower end of that range. Larger models with more power and a bigger bucket (like the T650 and T750) cost more. Adding features like a cab with air conditioning, a backup camera, or hydraulic quick-attach couplers will increase the price.

Used track loaders vary widely in price based on age, hours of operation, and condition. A machine that is five to ten years old with moderate use typically costs $20,000 to $35,000. Older machines or those with high hours may be $15,000 to $25,000. Well-maintained machines with low hours can cost $40,000 or more, approaching the price of a new one.

When buying used, check the total hours on the engine and hydraulic system. A track loader with 2,000 hours is considered lightly used; 5,000 hours is moderate; above 8,000 hours, you are buying an older machine. Inspect the tracks for wear, the bucket for dents and cracks, and the hydraulic hoses for leaks. A pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or mechanic costs $200 to $500 but can save you thousands in repairs.

Renting versus buying a track loader

Renting makes sense if you need a track loader for a single project or a few weeks of work. Daily rental rates range from $150 to $300 depending on your location and the rental company. Weekly rates are typically $400 to $700. Monthly rates run $1,200 to $2,500. Delivery fees (if the rental company brings the machine to your site) add $100 to $500 depending on distance.

Buying makes sense if you use a track loader regularly — at least several times a year. Once you own one, the only costs are fuel, maintenance, and storage. Fuel costs roughly $20 to $40 per day of operation. Annual maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, greasing) costs $500 to $1,500 depending on how much you use it. If you rent the same machine 20 or more times per year, buying will be cheaper over time.

If you buy, you also need to store the machine somewhere find and accessible. Outdoor storage on your own property is free but exposes the machine to weather. Indoor storage or a find lot costs $50 to $200 per month. Some owners rent out their machines to other contractors when they are not using them, which can offset the storage and maintenance costs.

Operating requirements and training

You do not need a special license to operate a track loader on private property. However, if you operate one on public roads or for commercial work in some states, you may need to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or complete a safety certification course. Requirements vary by state and by the type of work you are doing.

Most rental companies require the operator to watch a brief safety video or attend a short orientation before taking the machine. This covers basic controls, how to load the bucket safely, how to avoid tipping on slopes, and how to shut down the machine properly. If you are buying a machine, the dealer will usually provide similar training.

Operating a track loader safely means understanding how to distribute weight in the bucket, how steep a slope you can work on without tipping, and how to avoid damaging underground utilities. Many accidents happen because operators overload the bucket or try to work on slopes that are too steep. If you are new to operating track loaders, ask the rental company or dealer for hands-on training before you start work.

Maintenance and operating costs over time

Track loaders require regular maintenance to stay reliable. Oil and filter changes should happen every 250 to 500 hours of operation, or at least once a year if you use the machine less frequently. Hydraulic fluid should be checked monthly and changed every 1,000 to 2,000 hours. The tracks themselves wear over time and may need replacement after 2,000 to 4,000 hours, depending on the terrain and how hard you work the machine. A new set of tracks costs $3,000 to $6,000.

Fuel consumption depends on the size of the machine and how hard you work it. A typical track loader uses 3 to 5 gallons of diesel per hour. At current fuel prices, that is roughly $20 to $40 per day of operation. Repairs beyond routine maintenance — hydraulic leaks, engine problems, electrical issues — can cost $500 to $3,000 depending on what breaks.

If you own a track loader, set aside $2,000 to $4,000 per year for maintenance and repairs. This is a rough average; a machine that is well-maintained and used lightly may cost less, while one that is heavily used or poorly maintained may cost more. Keeping detailed maintenance records and addressing small problems quickly will extend the machine's life and reduce your total cost of ownership.

Where to buy, rent, or lease a track loader

Rental companies like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc carry track loaders at most of their locations. Local equipment rental shops often have them as well. You can search for rental companies in your area online or call a few to compare prices and availability. Most require a credit card and proof of insurance to rent.

To buy new, contact Bobcat dealers in your area or visit the Bobcat website to find authorized dealers. Dealers can show you different models, discuss financing options, and arrange delivery. Many dealers also buy and sell used machines, so ask about their used inventory.

To buy used, check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay Motors. Equipment auction sites like Machinery Values and IronPlanet list used track loaders from dealers and private sellers. Local equipment dealers often have used machines on their lots. When buying from a private seller, have a mechanic inspect the machine before you hand over money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a track loader fit through a standard gate or doorway?

Most track loaders are 4 to 5 feet wide, so they fit through a standard 4-foot gate if you angle them slightly. Measure your gate or doorway before you rent or buy. Some smaller models are narrower; some larger models are wider. If the opening is tight, ask the rental company or dealer for the exact width of the machine you are considering.

How much weight can a track loader bucket hold?

Bucket capacity ranges from 0.5 cubic yards on the smallest models to 1.5 cubic yards on larger ones. The actual weight depends on what you are moving — gravel is heavier than mulch, for example. Most track loaders can safely lift 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. Overloading the bucket can tip the machine or damage the hydraulic system, so stay within the manufacturer's rated capacity.

Do I need insurance to rent a track loader?

Most rental companies require you to carry liability insurance or to purchase damage waiver coverage from them. Damage waiver typically costs 10 to 15 percent of the rental price and covers accidental damage to the machine. If you already have commercial equipment insurance, check whether it covers rented machines before you rent.

What is the difference between rubber tracks and steel tracks?

Rubber tracks are quieter, do not damage finished surfaces, and are better for indoor work. Steel tracks are more durable on rough terrain and last longer in harsh conditions. Most rental machines have rubber tracks because they work on a wider range of job sites. If you are working outdoors on rough ground, steel tracks may be a better choice, but they cost more and require more maintenance.

Can I operate a track loader on a slope?

Track loaders can work on slopes up to about 35 degrees safely, depending on the ground conditions and how you load the bucket. Wet or muddy slopes are more dangerous than dry ones. Never load the bucket on a slope — move to level ground first. If you are unsure whether a slope is safe, ask the rental company or dealer for guidance before you start work.