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CTLs (also known as multi-terrain loaders) are better suited to the following conditions: soft underfoot, steep slopes or rough terrain, snow and ice, and sensitive surfaces such as grass. He says the primary design difference between them is the undercarriage and suspension, with the track machine having a rubber track undercarriage instead of wheels.

Fitzgerald says that for the most part, paving and pavement maintenance contractors will use a skid steer with tires as their "machine of choice" because the tires are easier to use on a paved surface.

"If contractors are going to be doing dirt work and site preparation they probably should consider a compact track loader because on those types of surfaces it performs better, can push more material, and can work on a variety of ground surfaces," he says. He says because the CTLs run on tracks they do a better job in wet material.

"Normally I'll see our CTLs on site preparation, moving larger quantities of material, and digging out subgrade in preparation for base material," Fitzgerald says. "That's where their performance shows above a skid steer."

Zupancic says that because of the environment CTLs operate in, they require larger or strong features, such as fuel and coolant tanks and undercarriage, so they generally cost $10,000 to $15,000 more than a comparable-size skid steer.