What a John Deere Track Skid Steer Is

A John Deere track skid steer is a small, wheeled or tracked loader that lifts and moves material on job sites. It has a rigid frame, two control levers that steer it by moving each side independently, and a bucket or other attachment on the front. The machine is called a "skid steer" because it turns by skidding — one track or wheel slows while the other speeds up, pivoting the whole machine in place.

John Deere makes track versions under the CT model line (CT222, CT332, CT332E, and others). These machines run on rubber or steel tracks instead of wheels, which spreads their weight over more ground and lets them work in mud, snow, and soft terrain without sinking or tearing up the surface as badly as wheeled loaders do. They are common on construction sites, landscaping jobs, farms, and rental fleets.

The track design also means the machine can push harder without slipping — the tracks grip better than wheels in loose material. This makes them useful for moving gravel, mulch, soil, and snow, or for pulling attachments like rakes and augers.

Key Takeaways

  • John Deere track skid steers turn by moving each track at different speeds, allowing them to pivot in place without a traditional steering wheel.
  • Tracks distribute weight more evenly than wheels and work better in mud, snow, and soft ground without damaging the surface.
  • New John Deere track skid steers cost between $35,000 and $65,000 depending on size and features, while used models range from $15,000 to $45,000.
  • Operating costs include fuel (roughly $15 to $25 per hour), maintenance, and track replacement every 1,500 to 2,500 hours of use.
  • Rental is often cheaper than buying if you need the machine for fewer than 40 to 60 days per year.

How the Controls and Steering Work

A skid steer has two joysticks or control levers, one for each hand. Moving both levers forward makes the machine go forward. Moving both backward makes it go backward. To turn, you move one lever forward and the other backward — or move one faster than the other. This independent control of each track is what makes the machine "skid" around corners.

Because the machine has no traditional steering wheel, it can turn in a tight circle — sometimes a complete 360-degree rotation in a space only slightly larger than the machine itself. This is why skid steers are popular in tight job sites, inside buildings, and in landscaping work where you need to maneuver around obstacles.

The trade-off is that skid steering takes practice. New operators often oversteer or understeer at first. The machine also wears the tracks faster when turning hard, especially on pavement, because the inside track is essentially dragging sideways while the outside track is rolling forward.

Track vs. Wheel Models and When to Choose Each

John Deere offers both wheeled and tracked skid steers. Wheeled models (the S-series) are faster, cheaper, and easier on fuel. They work well on solid ground, pavement, and dry sites. Tracked models (the CT-series) are slower but grip better, cause less ground damage, and handle mud, snow, and soft terrain.

Choose a track model if you work in wet conditions, on landscaping jobs where you need to avoid tearing up grass or soil, or in winter snow removal. Choose a wheeled model if you work mostly on construction sites with solid ground, need to move between job sites quickly, or want to save on fuel and maintenance.

Track machines also tend to be heavier and more expensive to transport. If you rent, the rental company will usually recommend which type based on your site conditions.

New vs. Used: Price and Condition

A new John Deere CT222 (the smallest track model) costs roughly $35,000 to $40,000. Larger models like the CT332 run $45,000 to $65,000. Prices vary by dealer, region, and current market conditions. These figures do not include attachments, which can add $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the bucket type or other tool.

Used track skid steers are cheaper but require inspection. A five-year-old CT222 in good condition might cost $20,000 to $30,000. Older machines or those with high hours (over 3,000) drop to $10,000 to $18,000. When buying used, check the track condition — replacement tracks cost $3,000 to $5,000 per pair and are one of the biggest maintenance expenses.

Rental is often the best choice if you need the machine for a short project. Daily rental rates for a John Deere track skid steer range from $75 to $150 depending on size and location. Weekly rates are usually 3 to 4 times the daily rate, and monthly rates are 8 to 12 times the daily rate. If you need the machine for fewer than 40 to 60 days per year, renting is almost always cheaper than owning.

Fuel Consumption and Operating Costs

A John Deere CT222 burns roughly 1.5 to 2 gallons of diesel per hour under normal use. A larger CT332 uses 2 to 2.5 gallons per hour. At current diesel prices (which vary by region and time), this works out to $15 to $25 per hour in fuel alone.

Beyond fuel, you will pay for maintenance: oil changes every 250 to 500 hours, filter replacements, and occasional hydraulic repairs. Track replacement is the biggest cost — tracks last 1,500 to 2,500 hours depending on how hard you use the machine and what surface you work on. Replacing both tracks costs $3,000 to $5,000.

If you own the machine, budget $30 to $50 per hour for total operating cost (fuel plus maintenance and depreciation). Rental companies build this into their daily rates, so you do not have to think about it separately.

Attachments and What You Can Do With Them

The bucket is the standard attachment, but John Deere and third-party makers offer many others. A grapple bucket closes like a claw to grab logs, brush, or debris. A pallet fork lets you move pallets and materials. A broom sweeps pavement. A auger drills holes for fence posts or tree planting. A snow blade pushes snow, and a snow blower throws it.

Changing attachments takes 5 to 15 minutes if the machine has a quick-coupler system. Without one, you have to unbolt the old attachment and bolt on the new one, which takes longer. If you rent, the rental company usually has 3 to 5 common attachments on hand. If you own, you buy only the ones you use regularly and rent or borrow others as needed.

Licensing, Training, and Safety

Operating a skid steer does not require a special license in most states, but many job sites and rental companies require proof of training or certification. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers a skid steer certification, though it is not legally required everywhere. Some employers run their own training programs.

Safety is critical. Skid steers tip over if you turn too hard on a slope or raise the bucket too high while moving. Always wear a seatbelt, keep bystanders clear, and never carry passengers in the bucket. If you rent, the rental company will walk you through the controls and safety rules before you leave.

Track machines are louder than wheeled ones and can damage pavement if you turn hard on asphalt. Check your job site rules before you start — some sites ban tracked machines or require them only in certain areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a John Deere track skid steer on pavement?

Yes, but it will wear the tracks faster and may leave marks. Hard turning on pavement is especially damaging. If you work mostly on pavement, a wheeled model is better. If you must use a track machine on pavement, try to minimize sharp turns and move slowly.

How long do the tracks last?

Tracks typically last 1,500 to 2,500 hours of use. This depends on the surface (softer ground is easier on tracks than pavement), how hard you turn, and how much weight you carry. Replacing both tracks costs $3,000 to $5,000.

What is the difference between a CT222 and a CT332?

The CT332 is larger and heavier, with more lifting power and a bigger bucket. It costs more to buy and rent, burns more fuel, and is harder to transport. The CT222 is lighter and cheaper but has less capacity. Choose based on the size of material you move and how much space you have to work in.

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

No special license is required in most states, but many job sites and rental companies require training proof or certification. Ask your employer or rental company what they need before you start.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a track skid steer?

Rent if you use it fewer than 40 to 60 days per year. Buy if you use it regularly or own a business that needs one year-round. Rental rates are typically $75 to $150 per day, so a 30-day project costs $2,250 to $4,500. A new machine costs $35,000 to $65,000.