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Touring Tracks
Before Selecting and Operating a Track Loader, Take a Look at Its Inner Workings
By Brian Anderson
From tracks and tires to buckets and blades, the variables in the world of compact equipment are ever expanding. There’s a lot to learn about and choose from within this category of machines — especially when it comes to one of the most dynamic classes of machines — compact track loaders.
Compact track loaders, sometimes referred to as CTLs or rubber track loaders, have been rising in popularity since their introduction to the market in the 1980s and are fast on their way to becoming a dominate force within the compact equipment industry.
CTLs have even gained popularity in the private landowner sector because they’ve proven to be so versatile and easy to operate. It’s no wonder that more and more operators are realizing the benefits of CTLs. Compact track loaders can do things that skid steer loaders and similar machines simply cannot. CTLs have exceptional flotation, traction and versatility and will work on virtually any material and ground condition. With their low ground pressure, they cause minimal ground disturbance for work on improved surfaces. Their low center of gravity and exceptional stability improves productivity when working on side hills or uneven terrain.
Because they have excellent traction, compact track loaders are often chosen over skid steer loaders or mini-wheel loaders for tough excavation applications where rim pull and torque are needed. The most common applications for CTLs include excavation, load and carry, trenching, dozing, grading and snow removal. The number of specialty applications for CTLs grows daily as owners discover new ways to tackle common tasks such as silt-fence installation, asphalt maintenance, grounds maintenance and landscape construction.
As you might expect, as the number of compact track loaders being sold grows annually, so does the list of manufacturers that are offering their own CTL models. A few years ago, just three manufacturers offered CTLs. Now almost every major equipment manufacturer offers three or more compact track loader models. While having more brands and models means prospective CTL owners have more to choose from, it also means there’s more homework to do before making your very best selection.
It’s important to understand that not all compact track loaders are the same. Some are based on combining a skid steel loader chassis with a rubber-coated steel track undercarriage such as what is used on mini excavators.
This comprises the majority of CTLs available today. Only a few of the available CTLs are designed from the ground up as compact track loaders. It pays to understand the differences between the two designs before making your selection.
As people see the benefits of owning a compact track loader, there are two major things they might want to consider when looking to add one to their collection of equipment. The first is deciding what type of undercarriage technology to invest in, and the second is learning how to operate and maintain the machine to assure you are getting the best return on your investment.
With both, you need to become familiar with the loader’s inner workings.
Loading Up on Tracks
When choosing a loader, first consider undercarriage technology. For example, some compact track loaders use rubber-coated steel track technology that originated on mini excavators, while other track loader undercarriages feature unique rubber and composite tracks that also include suspension systems.
A CTL with suspension vs. one with the rigid rubber-coated steel track offers many benefits, including more traction, longer track life and a longer machine life due to less vibration and shock associated with running over rocks, curbs and other rough terrain. Machines such as those designed and manufactured by Terex Corp. subsidiary ASV, feature patented Posi-Track undercarriage technology. The suspended undercarriage connects to the chassis of the machine by torsion axles. Torsion axles flex and create a very smooth ride that is more comfortable and makes for a more productive operator.
Also, consider the loader’s track drive system used in the undercarriage. An internal positive drive system has some distinct advantages. For one, these systems are designed to minimize friction and allow faster travel speeds and smoother operation. Another benefit of the internal positive drive system is track integrity.
Since there is no steel skeleton and no holes in the track like on conventional track systems, these tracks can be made with composite materials. Composite track materials are more flexible, don’t generate much internal heat when bending around the radius of the front and rear idlers, do not corrode or rust and generally allow the tracks to last much longer.
Internal positive drive systems use unique rotating sleeves in their drive sprockets. These sleeves mesh with lugs molded to the inside of the rubber track and provide a smooth, low-friction transfer of tractive power to the track. Additionally, these drive sprockets are totally serviceable. Conversely, rubber-coated steel track systems use steel sprockets that mesh with the tracks’ steel skeleton. As a result, when you increase speed you generate more friction and that increases the wear to the track and sprocket.
Additionally, conventional sprockets are not serviceable. Replacing a worn sprocket usually means you need to replace the track too.
Another factor to consider is the number of contact points used in the undercarriage. Contact points (bogie wheels), transfer the machine weight through the track onto the ground. The ASV Posi-Track technology, for example, offers more contact points, more area of the track is transferring machine weight, thereby allowing greater traction. Having more contact points also reduces the amount of weight on each wheel, which reduces stress on the track and minimizes damage to sensitive surfaces.
While many manufacturers retrofit a rubber track undercarriage to an existing skid steer chassis, the result is often a machine with a heavy rear end and a lightweight front end. For a more evenly-balanced machine, consider those machines that were originally designed to be rubber tracked machines. This ensures that the machine’s weight and balance, engine horsepower, ground clearance and machine widths are best suited for the types of applications for which tracked machines are intended.
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