Track Loaders 101: A Comprehensive Guide

A track loader’s name does not leave much to the imagination—as it indicates, it is a machine that operates on a tracked chassis and is equipped with a loader, which can be used for digging or moving heavy materials as needed. 

While the original track loaders were primarily used in the same way as bulldozers, hydraulic systems and buckets were eventually added, followed by hydro-static drive systems. Today, modern track loaders are much more versatile and efficient. 

Track loaders are especially helpful to have on hand when you are dealing with a job site that has multiple ground conditions, ranging from soft sand and wet mud to hard clay.

In terms of what kinds of jobs you can use a track loader for, it actually might be easier to list the tasks in which you cannot employ this versatile machinery, as that list would be much shorter. The reality is that with the right attachment, a track loader can be used for any kind of work, from moving debris and digging to trenching and mulching.

What Are The Main Benefits Of A Track Loader?

If you add a track loader to your fleet, you will never regret it, as these mighty machines will bring you many advantages and quickly prove themselves to be incredibly valuable on every job site. The following are some of the main ways that you can benefit from having a track loader on hand:

1. Improved Safety

One of the main benefits of a track loader is the enhanced safety that it provides. Since track loaders feature tracks instead of wheels, they have a lower center of gravity, which makes them more stable and, therefore, more safe. This is especially useful when working on job sites with uneven surfaces, inclines, and other challenging terrains.

2. Reduced Turf Damage

Another advantage of track loaders is that, unlike some other machines, they do not cause turf damage due to their excellent float. When you do not have to worry about your machine digging in or ripping up the terrain on your job site, you can focus on more important things. This will also help you avoid having to deal with worksite repair costs.

3. Enhanced Maneuverability

With a track loader, you will never need to put more than minimal effort into maneuvering, no matter what the terrain is, from sand and mud to snow. While certain surfaces present challenges when moving around with a wheel loader, you will find it easy to tackle any kind of ground while operating a track loader.

4. Maximum Comfort

Since it is usually necessary for heavy equipment operators to work for many hours at a time, it is also important for machines to be comfortable to operate. A track loader will definitely provide that comfort, especially Bobcat’s new R-Series cabs. They are designed to deliver a smooth operating experience, and many models come equipped with air conditioning, heating, and suspension seats.

5. Complete Versatility

As mentioned earlier, track loaders can do many types of jobs, and their extreme versatility is truly one of their biggest advantages. Since they can be outfitted with a wide variety of attachments, they can tackle all kinds of different tasks. 

For example, installing a grapple can help with the handling of oddly shaped items. Adding an auger can help with digging post holes, and the addition of a hydraulic breaker can assist with breaking solid asphalt. These are just a few of the many things you can reliably use a track loader for.

How to Properly Maintain a Track Loader

Like any kind of heavy equipment, the key to getting the most out of your Bobcat track loader is staying on top of proper maintenance. There are a number of good practices that you should make part of your regular routine to sufficiently maintain your track loader to keep it performing well and extend its longevity. These include the following:

1. Take Advantage of the Machine’s Real-Time Data

Many newer models of track loaders use telematics systems that track your use of the machine over time. This system will prompt you when your next service is due to keep on top of routine maintenance, as well as tell you any error code that your track loader may experience to help diagnose issues. Use these features to your advantage, as it often helps to have reminders to ensure you never fall behind on servicing.

2. Use Quality Replacement Parts

If you use your track loader extensively, there will eventually come a time when you need to replace various parts, such as worn tracks, drive sprockets, drive systems, bottom rollers, and idlers and possibly other wear and tear items. 

When that time comes, make sure you use parts made or recommended by the machine’s manufacturer, as these parts will be precision-engineered for maximum performance.

With parts replacement, going outside these boundaries could hurt the performance of your track loader and could even result in costly or dangerous breakdowns.

3. Keep It Clean

Most of the time, the majority of cases involving undercarriage wear is the result of debris getting lodged between components. However, you can minimize such wear and tear if you wash your track loader’s tracks and undercarriage on a daily basis, especially when they are exposed to salt, chemicals, or oil. 

In addition to keeping your machine’s performance at optimum levels, this regular and thorough cleaning routine will help you identify potential problems as they arise so you can manage them before they escalate.

How Oaken Equipment Can Help You Find a High-Quality Track Loader

If you want to take advantage of the many benefits that a track loader can bring to your operation, Oaken Equipment can help you find one that will meet your needs. We carry a substantial stock of Bobcat track loaders that are industry-leading in terms of their power, comfort, versatility, and performance. 

Bobcat track loaders are especially impressive in terms of their pushing force, flotation, and ground disturbance, and they will certainly stand the test of any terrain, such as sand, mud, and snow.

We have plenty of Bobcat track loader models to choose from, so no matter what kind of projects you have ahead of you, we are sure that we can find you the perfect machine to get the job done. 

As Canada’s largest Bobcat equipment dealer network, our team of equipment experts certainly has the knowledge to guide you in the right direction if you are interested in a Bobcat track loader, but are unsure of exactly which model will best suit you. 

We stand behind all of our products, and if a new machine is not what you are in the market for, we also have a significant amount of used equipment available for you. Additionally, we offer plenty of flexible rental options and can set you up with a rental agreement that aligns with your budget and timeline. 

For more information about the Bobcat track loaders in our inventory or to learn about the wide range of other heavy equipment, like Bobcat skid steers, we have in stock for you to rent or buy, call Oaken Equipment at 1-888-861-1447 or contact us here.