ForConstructionPros.com

The beauty of skid-steer and compact track loader attachments is that, for the most part, they are interchangeable. Attachments such as dirt buckets, pallet forks and mowers are commonly used on both machines.

"Yet with a track loader, buckets can be easily filled to capacity, typically with less effort than a skid steer would require," says David Steger, product and training manager, Takeuchi. "Pallet forks can carry supplies through the muck, and mowers can tackle slopes due to the awesome traction that these machines offer."

However, there are certain attachments that are particularly well suited to a track loader, and will perform significantly better due to the benefits tracks provide. Some of these include dozer blades, four-in-one buckets, landscape rakes and cold planers, as well as brush cutters, sod rollers and tree spades.

Increased traction
The key strengths of a compact track loader focus largely on the tracks. "They provide a much greater amount of rubber on the ground vs. four wheels," says Rick Harris, training manager, ASV. "That equates to a tremendous increase in traction."

For example, the largest ASV machines have as much as 2,800 sq. in. of rubber on the ground. "One of the first things you will notice about a compact track loader is its ability to push and dig," Harris states. "That's a byproduct of all that track on the ground."