Talking Tracks

Detailing the Major Manufacturers of Over-the-Tire Tracks Systems for Skid Steers

By Pam Stask

Given its low operating cost and wide variety of attachments, a skid steer can spearhead or provide backup on most jobsites in the construction and landscape industry. However in soft, soggy work conditions, the skid steer’s four wheels have a reputation for losing traction, hampering its effectiveness to move quickly, create pushing power and leave a small footprint. When extra traction and flotation is needed (especially during the wet spring season), skid steer operators can pull out a set of over-the-tire tracks (OTTs), fasten them around the tires and give their wheeled tool carrier added oomph in sloppy conditions (similar to a dedicated track loader).

With tracks, operators can utilize their skid steers in situations where a track loader would work best (mud, sand and clay) and still retain the versatility of wheels when working on hard surfaces where skid steers excel (concrete, asphalt and curbs). Since over-the-tire tracks can be put on and removed easily and quickly, an operator can run his or her skid steer in a variety of applications, without having the hassle or expense of owning two different machines. More

Rules of Replacement

Pick the Perfect Pair of New Tracks for Your Mini Excavator and Applications

By Pam Stask

In rough jobsites around the country, the vulcanized rubber tracks on a mini excavator certainly take a beating. Whether it’s working through harsh weather conditions or maneuvering over aggressive grounds, good tracks will continue to roll through obstacles to dig, backfill, break, pick and place and handle every task faced by a hardworking mini digger.

There are three types of tracks available for mini excavators: rubber, steel and hybrid tracks. Rubber tracks are by far the most popular on compact excavators and feature continuous rubber belt tracks with steel or iron cores embedded within. The tracks are held together by cables which are also embedded inside. Rubber tracks are an all around track, ideal for areas that are sensitive, but with the ability to traverse most grass, ground or concrete jobsites. For example, rubber tracks work well in landscape applications when they must move across both green space and concrete. The cost of rubber tracks can vary significantly, says Chris Ono, customer relations manager for McLaren Industries. More

Holey Attachments!

Auger Implements Make Skid Steers Hole-Digging Heroes

By Greg Thompson

A skid steer is the Batman of the construction force, mighty in its own right but with a special strength found in its ability to use an array of tools to tackle nearly every task. One of the best matches of machine and tool are in skid steers and auger attachments. A skid steer offers stability and reach, along with power and line-of-sight visibility, enabling the auger to do what it does best — dig holes.

Auger attachments come in an assortment of styles to handle myriad hole-digging projects. From fence posts and tree and shrub planting to poles and piers, augers pop holes in the ground neatly and precisely. With the proper understanding of auger attachment capabilities and the demands of a particular project, matching tool and task is a snap. More