What a Bobcat track skid steer is and why it matters

A Bobcat track skid steer is a small, wheeled loader with rubber tracks instead of tires, designed to move across soft or uneven ground without sinking or slipping. The machine steers by running the left and right tracks at different speeds — the track on one side moves faster than the other, spinning the loader in place. This design lets it work in tight spaces where a full-size excavator cannot fit, and the tracks spread its weight across a wider area than wheels would, so it can operate on mud, snow, sand, or wet grass without getting stuck.

The "skid steer" name comes from this steering method: the machine skids sideways as it turns, rather than pivoting on a front axle like a car does. Bobcat is the brand name most people use for these machines, though other manufacturers make similar equipment. Track models are chosen over wheeled versions when the ground is particularly soft, wet, or sloped, or when the operator needs to minimize damage to finished surfaces like lawns or landscaping.

Key Takeaways

  • Track skid steers steer by running each track at a different speed, allowing them to turn in place and work in spaces where larger equipment cannot reach.
  • Rubber tracks distribute the machine's weight more evenly than tires, preventing it from sinking into mud, snow, or soft soil.
  • These loaders are powered by diesel or gas engines and controlled from a cab with joystick controls that operate the bucket, boom, and steering simultaneously.
  • Track models cost more to operate than wheeled versions because the tracks wear faster and replacement tracks are expensive.
  • Common uses include site cleanup, grading, snow removal, landscaping, and demolition work where access is limited or ground conditions are poor.

How the tracks and steering system work

The two rubber tracks run independently on each side of the machine. When you move the joystick forward, both tracks move forward at the same speed, and the loader goes straight. When you push the joystick to the left, the left track slows or reverses while the right track continues forward, causing the machine to rotate left. This independent control means the loader can spin 360 degrees in place without moving forward or backward — useful when you are working in a confined area and need to reposition without backing up.

The tracks themselves are made of rubber with steel reinforcement inside, similar to a tank tread. They grip soft ground better than tires because they have more surface area in contact with the soil. The rubber flexes as it moves, which helps it conform to uneven terrain and reduces the pressure the machine puts on any single spot. This is why track machines can work on wet grass or fresh snow without leaving deep ruts, while a wheeled loader would sink in.

The trade-off is that tracks wear faster than tires and cost significantly more to replace. A single track replacement can run into the thousands of dollars, and tracks typically last 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use depending on the terrain and how hard the machine is pushed. Operators who use track loaders regularly budget for track replacement as a routine maintenance expense.

Engine power and control systems

Bobcat track skid steers are powered by diesel or gas engines ranging from about 50 to 90 horsepower, depending on the model size. Diesel engines are more common on machines used for heavy work or long hours because they are more fuel-efficient and produce more torque. The engine drives a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid that powers the tracks, the boom (the arm that lifts the bucket), and the bucket itself.

The operator controls everything from a single joystick in the cab. Pushing the stick forward or backward moves the tracks. Tilting it left or right steers the machine. Pulling the stick toward you or pushing it away operates the boom — lifting or lowering the bucket. Twisting the stick rotates the bucket itself, so you can dump a load or scrape material off a surface. This means the operator is constantly using both hands and both feet to manage multiple functions at once, which is why operating a skid steer takes practice.

Modern Bobcat track loaders also include backup cameras, load-sensing hydraulics that adjust engine power based on what the bucket is doing, and climate-controlled cabs with suspension seats to reduce fatigue on long jobs. These features add to the cost but make the machine safer and easier to operate for extended periods.

Common jobs and work environments

Track skid steers are used on construction sites for moving dirt, gravel, and demolition debris. Because they can fit through a standard doorway or gate, they are popular for interior demolition and basement cleanup where a larger excavator would not fit. Landscapers use them to grade yards, move mulch and stone, and clear brush. Snow removal contractors use track models because the tracks provide better traction on ice and packed snow than wheels.

Utility contractors use track loaders to dig trenches for cable or pipe installation, especially in areas where the ground is wet or the work is near finished surfaces that cannot be damaged. Farmers and property managers use them for land clearing, pond maintenance, and moving hay or feed. The common thread is that the work happens in places where ground conditions are poor, space is tight, or the surface needs to be protected from heavy equipment damage.

The machine's small footprint and ability to work in mud or snow make it valuable in emergency response too — clearing debris after storms, restoring access to flooded areas, or moving materials in disaster recovery operations where larger equipment cannot operate.

Rental versus purchase costs

A new Bobcat track skid steer costs between $35,000 and $65,000 depending on size and features. Used machines in good condition typically sell for 50 to 70 percent of the new price. Renting is the more common choice for one-time jobs or seasonal work. Daily rental rates vary by location and machine size but generally range from $150 to $300 per day, with weekly rates around $400 to $700 and monthly rates around $1,000 to $2,000.

Operating costs include fuel, maintenance, and track wear. Fuel consumption is typically 3 to 5 gallons per hour depending on how hard the machine is working. Routine maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, hydraulic fluid checks — costs $500 to $1,500 per year if you own the machine. If you rent, the rental company handles maintenance, but you pay for any damage beyond normal wear.

For a short project, renting is almost always cheaper than buying. For ongoing work — a contractor who uses a track loader several times a month — ownership becomes cost-effective after two or three years, assuming you have a place to store and maintain the machine.

Choosing between track and wheeled models

The main reason to choose a track model over a wheeled skid steer is ground conditions. If the job site is wet, muddy, snowy, or has soft soil, tracks will keep the machine from sinking and will cause less damage to the surrounding area. If the ground is dry and firm, a wheeled loader is lighter, faster, and cheaper to operate. Wheeled machines also have lower rental and purchase costs because the tires are less expensive to replace than tracks.

Track machines are also preferred when the work is indoors or on finished surfaces like asphalt or concrete, because the rubber tracks are gentler on the surface than hard tires. A wheeled loader can leave black marks and scuff concrete; a track loader spreads its weight more evenly and is less likely to damage the surface.

If you are unsure which type to rent, ask the rental company about the specific job site conditions. They can recommend the right machine based on soil type, weather, and what surfaces the machine will cross. Renting the wrong type can cost more in the long run — a wheeled loader that sinks into mud will get stuck and may need to be recovered by a larger machine, adding unexpected expense.

Safety and operation basics

Operating a track skid steer requires focus because the machine responds quickly to joystick input and has blind spots around the rear and sides. Most accidents happen when the operator misjudges distance or speed, or when bystanders get too close to the machine. Always use the backup camera if the machine has one, and never assume someone outside the cab can see you.

Before starting the machine, walk around it and check for obstacles, people, or debris that could get caught in the tracks. Check the fuel level and hydraulic fluid level. Start the engine and let it idle for a minute before putting load on it. Never operate the machine on a slope steeper than the manufacturer recommends — track loaders can tip sideways if the ground is too steep, and a tipped machine is difficult and expensive to recover.

Wear a seatbelt at all times, even for short moves. Keep the cab doors closed and windows up if you are working in dusty conditions. Do not operate the machine if you are tired or distracted. If you are renting and have not operated a track loader before, ask the rental company for a brief orientation or watch instructional videos before you take the machine to the job site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a track skid steer work on asphalt or concrete without damaging it?

Yes, rubber tracks are gentler on hard surfaces than tires. However, if the asphalt or concrete is old or cracked, the tracks can still cause minor damage. If you are working on a finished surface, ask the property owner or general contractor whether a track or wheeled machine is preferred. Some jobs require plywood or mats under the machine to distribute weight even further.

How fast can a track skid steer travel?

Most track models have a top speed of 8 to 12 miles per hour, depending on the engine size and terrain. They are not designed for speed — they are built for power and precision in tight spaces. On rough ground or slopes, you will move much slower than the top speed.

What is the difference between a track skid steer and a mini excavator?

A track skid steer has a bucket on a boom and is designed to move material and grade surfaces. A mini excavator has a bucket on a rotating arm and is designed to dig and move material with more precision. Mini excavators are better for digging holes or trenches; track loaders are better for moving large volumes of material or grading wide areas.

Do I need a special license to operate a track skid steer?

Most states do not require a license to operate a skid steer on private property. However, some construction companies and government agencies require operators to hold a Certified Equipment Operator (CEO) credential or similar certification. Check with your employer or the job site supervisor before you start. If you are renting, the rental company can tell you what certifications are required in your area.

How deep can a track skid steer dig?

A track skid steer is not designed for digging — it is a loader, not an excavator. The bucket can scrape and move material on the ground, but it cannot dig deep holes. If you need to dig a trench or hole, you need a mini excavator or a full-size excavator. A track loader can move the excavated material once it is dug.