What a Caterpillar Track Skid Steer Is
A caterpillar track skid steer is a compact loader with rubber or steel tracks instead of wheels. The tracks wrap around the machine's frame and grip the ground like a tank tread, giving it traction on soft, wet, or uneven surfaces where wheeled loaders would sink or slip. The operator steers by running the left and right tracks at different speeds — faster on one side makes the machine turn toward the slower side.
The name comes from the continuous track design (which resembles a caterpillar) and the machine's ability to turn in place without a traditional steering wheel. Caterpillar Inc. manufactures many of these machines, but other brands like Bobcat, Case, and John Deere make track skid steers too. The track design spreads the machine's weight over a larger area than wheels do, which reduces ground pressure and damage to soil or pavement.
Track skid steers are smaller than full-size excavators or dozers but larger and more capable than hand tools. They typically weigh 4,000 to 10,000 pounds and can be towed on a trailer behind a pickup truck. A single operator controls the machine from a cab or standing platform, using joysticks or levers to move the boom, bucket, or other attachments.
Key Takeaways
- Caterpillar track skid steers use continuous rubber or steel tracks to distribute weight and grip soft ground, making them useful on muddy, sandy, or sloped terrain where wheeled machines would struggle.
- The machine steers by running each track at a different speed, allowing it to turn in place and work in tight spaces without a wide turning radius.
- Track machines cost more to buy and rent than wheeled versions but cause less damage to soil and pavement and perform better in wet or loose conditions.
- Common attachments include buckets, grapples, augers, and brush cutters, so one machine can handle multiple jobs by swapping tools.
- Operating a track skid steer requires training on steering, load limits, and safe attachment use, especially on slopes or near obstacles.
How the Tracks Grip and Move
The rubber or steel tracks are made of individual links connected by pins, forming a loop that runs around two or more wheels (called sprockets and idlers). As the engine turns the drive sprocket, the track moves forward or backward. The cleats or lugs molded into the track dig into soil, sand, or gravel and push the machine forward. On pavement, the same cleats can cause damage, which is why track machines are less suitable for long-distance road travel.
Rubber tracks are quieter, cause less pavement damage, and are gentler on the ground. Steel tracks grip better in mud and snow but are louder and can tear up asphalt. Most rental yards stock rubber tracks for general work. The track tension must be checked regularly — too loose and the track can slip off the sprocket; too tight and the bearings wear faster.
Steering happens through differential speed: if the left track moves at full speed and the right track moves at half speed, the machine pivots to the right. Full opposite speeds on each track make the machine spin in place, useful for turning around in a confined space. This steering method means the operator must coordinate both tracks mentally, which takes practice.
Ground Pressure and Soil Damage
A wheeled skid steer concentrates its weight on four small tire footprints, creating high ground pressure — often 15 to 25 pounds per square inch. A track skid steer spreads the same weight over the entire track length, reducing pressure to 4 to 8 pounds per square inch. This lower pressure means the machine sinks less into mud, causes less rutting on lawns, and does less damage to newly seeded or landscaped ground.
On wet clay or silt, a wheeled machine can sink 6 to 12 inches and leave deep ruts that take months to recover. A track machine on the same ground may sink only 2 to 4 inches. This difference matters on golf courses, sports fields, residential lawns, and construction sites where soil compaction or damage costs money to repair. Contractors often choose track machines specifically to protect the ground they are working on.
However, tracks do not eliminate ground damage — they reduce it. On very soft ground, even a track machine will leave visible impressions. On pavement, the cleats can gouge asphalt, especially if the machine is driven in tight circles or backed up repeatedly. Operators should avoid unnecessary track movement on finished surfaces.
When to Rent or Buy a Track Skid Steer
Rental costs for a track skid steer typically run $75 to $150 per day, $200 to $400 per week, or $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on the machine size and local market. A new track skid steer costs $35,000 to $65,000. Used machines range from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on age, hours, and condition. Buying makes sense if you use the machine regularly — roughly 200 or more hours per year — or if you operate a construction or landscaping business.
Renting is the right choice for one-time jobs, seasonal work, or when you need a machine for only a few days. Rental yards handle maintenance, repairs, and storage, so you avoid those costs. If you own the machine, you pay for fuel, oil changes, track replacement (which can cost $2,000 to $4,000 per pair), repairs, insurance, and storage.
Before renting, confirm that the rental yard includes delivery and pickup, fuel, and basic maintenance in the quoted price. Some yards charge extra for delivery, require you to return the machine with a full tank, or charge a damage waiver fee. Ask whether the machine comes with common attachments or if you must rent those separately.
Common Attachments and What They Do
A track skid steer is useful because the same machine can swap attachments to do different jobs. A bucket (the standard attachment) moves dirt, gravel, mulch, or debris. A grapple grabs and holds logs, brush, or scrap metal. An auger drills holes for fence posts or tree planting. A brush cutter or forestry head cuts and chips branches and small trees. A snow blower clears pavement in winter. A trencher digs narrow ditches for utilities or drainage.
Swapping attachments takes 10 to 30 minutes and requires a hydraulic quick-coupler on the machine's boom. Not all machines have the same coupler type, so confirm compatibility before renting. Attachment rental costs $20 to $50 per day on top of the machine rental. Some contractors own their own attachments and bring them to the rental yard to install on the rented machine.
The machine's lifting capacity (usually 1,500 to 3,500 pounds) limits which attachments you can use and how full you can load the bucket. Overloading reduces stability and can tip the machine, especially on slopes. The operator manual lists the safe load for each attachment and each ground angle.
Operating Safely on Different Terrain
Track skid steers are stable on flat ground but can tip on steep slopes. The machine's center of gravity shifts when the boom is raised or the bucket is loaded, making it more prone to tipping sideways on a slope. Most machines are safe on slopes up to 30 degrees (roughly a 58% grade) with the boom lowered and the load centered. Slopes steeper than 35 degrees are risky and should be avoided.
On soft ground, the machine can sink unevenly if one track hits a buried rock or root while the other sinks deeper. This uneven settling can cause the machine to roll sideways. Operators should move slowly, watch for obstacles, and avoid sudden turns on very soft ground. On sand or gravel, the machine may slide sideways if the operator turns too sharply at speed.
Visibility from the cab is limited, especially behind the machine and to the sides. Operators should use a spotter (another person on the ground) when working near obstacles, other workers, or drop-offs. Backup alarms and flashing lights are standard on rental machines, but they do not replace a spotter's eyes. Before starting work, walk the site and identify hazards — rocks, stumps, holes, utilities, and overhead wires.
Track Maintenance and Common Problems
If you own a track machine, inspect the tracks weekly for damage, loose links, and proper tension. A track that is too loose will slip off the sprocket; one that is too tight will overheat the bearings and shorten their life. Most machines have an adjustment bolt or tensioner that you can tighten with a wrench. The operator manual shows the correct procedure and the proper tension (usually measured with a deflection gauge).
Mud, sand, and gravel pack between the track links and can freeze solid in winter, locking the track. Rinse the tracks with a pressure washer after muddy jobs to prevent buildup. Do not aim the pressure washer directly at the bearings or seals, as high-pressure water can force dirt inside and cause leaks.
Rubber tracks wear faster than steel tracks and typically last 1,500 to 2,500 hours before replacement. Steel tracks last longer but are noisier and cause more pavement damage. A broken track link or a track that has jumped off the sprocket requires professional repair — do not attempt to fix it yourself on the job site. Call the rental yard or a dealer for a replacement machine or a mobile repair service.
Track Skid Steers vs. Wheeled Skid Steers
| Feature | Track Skid Steer | Wheeled Skid Steer |
|---|---|---|
| Ground pressure | 4–8 psi (lower, less damage) | 15–25 psi (higher, more rutting) |
| Traction on mud or snow | Excellent | Poor to fair |
| Pavement damage | Moderate (cleats gouge asphalt) | Minimal |
| Road travel | Slow, noisy, hard on tracks | Fast, quiet, straightforward on tires |
| Rental cost per day | $75–$150 | $50–$100 |
| Maintenance cost | Higher (track replacement) | Lower (tire replacement) |
| Best for | Soft ground, landscaping, site prep | Pavement, long distances, general work |
Choose a track machine if your job involves mud, sand, snow, or soft ground, or if protecting the ground surface is important. Choose a wheeled machine if you need to travel long distances on pavement, work mostly on hard surfaces, or want lower rental and maintenance costs. Many contractors own both types and choose based on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a track skid steer on a public road?
Yes, but it is slow and hard on the tracks. Most machines are rated for road speeds of 5 to 8 miles per hour. Long-distance travel on pavement wears the tracks faster and can damage the asphalt. If you must move the machine more than a few miles, rent a trailer and haul it instead of driving it.
Do I need a special license to operate a track skid steer?
No federal or state license is required for private property. On public roads or job sites, your employer or the site supervisor may require operator training or certification. Many construction companies require OSHA 10-hour training or manufacturer certification before allowing someone to operate heavy equipment. Ask the rental yard or your employer what training they require.
What is the difference between rubber and steel tracks?
Rubber tracks are quieter, cause less pavement damage, and are gentler on the ground. Steel tracks grip better in mud and snow but are louder and can tear up asphalt. Rubber tracks wear faster (1,500–2,500 hours) and cost more to replace, but most rental machines use rubber for general work. Steel tracks are better for winter or very muddy conditions.
Can a track skid steer tip over?
Yes, especially on slopes, with a raised boom, or with an unbalanced load. Most machines are stable on slopes up to 30 degrees with the boom lowered. Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Always lower the boom before moving, keep loads centered, and use a spotter when working near obstacles or drop-offs.
How much does it cost to replace a track?
A pair of rubber tracks costs $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the machine size and track type. Steel tracks cost more. If you own the machine, budget for track replacement every 1,500 to 2,500 hours of use. If you rent, the rental yard handles replacement and includes the cost in the rental fee.