Skid steers and compact track loaders have great snow removal capabilities and can effortlessly remove large quantities of snow. However, you need to know which one will suit your needs to ensure maximum efficiency and project completion on time and within budget. This is why it helps to understand how skid steers are different from compact track loaders, which skid steer attachments are perfect for the winter months, and what they can do. Read on to learn more about the machines to make an informed choice.
Skid Steer Loaders & Compact Track Loaders for Winters
Skid steer loaders are widely used during winter for snow removal because they are less expensive, lightweight, and travel relatively fast. They can quickly move from one location to another or smoothly traverse the area they are working in. Moreover, you can clear the snow easily with the proper usage of skid steer attachments such as snow blades, snow wings, buckets, grapples, and more.
Using a compact track loader during the winter months helps to deliver lower ground pressure because of the long rubber belt. Moreover, the long undercarriage of a CTL helps to enhance the equipment’s stability while loading and unloading the snow. Equipping rubber tracks with bar-style tread can help you deal with the lower ground pressure. This tread pattern helps to enhance the grip in the snow, allowing the operator to push and turn the compact track loader and maneuver easily, much like a skid steer.
Compact Track Loader & Skid Steer Attachments for Winter
Snow Pushers
When it comes to snow removal, the most common method is to scrape, push, or clear the snow. A snow pusher is a wide attachment and can help you do this efficiently. This CTL and skid steer attachment is typically used to clear parking lots. However, you cannot use it to carry, lift, or dump the snow.
Snow Blades
These compact track loader and skid steer attachments can make the snow clearing job from driveways, walkways, and parking lots easy. They are ideal for residential and commercial snow removal and plow through light to moderate amounts of snow. They are available in different sizes to suit varied needs. You can effortlessly mount them to a machine using a universal mounting plate.
Snow Wings
They are available with box blades and straight blades to facilitate extra snow clearing. They allow the operator to get closer to buildings and other structures without damaging them. They are ideal for clearing the built-up snow around the building edges and snow removal in tight spaces.
Salt Spreaders
This CTL and skid steer attachment is an excellent choice to remove the built-up snow from parking lots, driveways, and walkways. Once you remove all the ice and snow, you can use the spreader to apply sand or salt. This will make it less slippery and safer to walk on. This attachment allows you to treat the area to avoid refreezing in the future. You can also use it to apply seed and fertilizer in spring and summer.
See also: Difference Between Snow Pushers, Snow Blades, & Snow Buckets
Choosing Between Wheels & Tracks
Picking between tracks and wheels for the equipment depends on many factors, including ground pressure, traction, and steering.
- Depending on the terrain, you may use tracks instead of wheels for greater traction.
- If you want less ground pressure, choosing the tracks is a wise decision. This is because they have a lower ground pressure than wheels and are more suited to operate on soft surfaces, resulting in less sinking in the snow.
When deciding between a skid steer and compact track loader for winter, you also need to consider how you will use the machine when it’s not snowing.
Tips for SSL and CTL Users
Once you decide the right equipment, attachment, and tires for your machine to operate in the winter months, you may require some planning when transitioning from one season to another. Keep in mind the following for the best results:
Prep & Maintenance: Winter Fluids
Engine Oil – Make sure the oil has a viscosity that matches the temperature outside. For better cold-weather lubrication, you may use 5W-40 synthetic oil.
Engine Coolant – Antifreeze is essential for your skid steer and compact track loader. Be sure to test it and top it off before the winter begins.
Hydraulic Oil – You may need a high-performance hydraulic lubricant to ensure a hassle-free experience when operating a skid steer or CTL. Synthetic blends are ideal for cold weather. They are customized to give peak flow in sub-zero temperatures.
Fuel – Minimize condensation buildup in the tank by ensuring the fuel tank is topped off and removing water from the fuel filter regularly. In addition to this, use only clean, high-quality diesel fuel.
Operation & Safety
Familiarize yourself with the area you will be operating the equipment in so you know the locations of holes, raised curbs and maintenance holes, and fire hydrants. Identify all obstacles and hazards in the area and mark any that may require identification after the snowfall. Remember that crew training is of the utmost importance for operating a skid steer or compact track loader in winter.
Best Range of CTL & Skid Steer Attachments for Winter
Tag Equipment is a prominent name when it comes to distributing compact track loader and skid steer attachments in Ontario. We offer a wide range of accessories at a fair price. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in choosing the right products that suit your needs. We have a massive inventory of high-quality attachments and offer quick shipping to ensure customer satisfaction.
Our inventory includes the top options by HLA attachments, including the following:
- Snow Pusher
- Snow Wing
- Snow Blade
- Snow Spreader
We also have skid steer attachments available for most makes and models including Bobcat, Case, Cat, JCB, John Deere, Kubota, and New Holland.
Whether you need skid steer snow blades, Bobcat buckets, or any other attachment for the winter months, we can help you find the best option for your machine’s make and model. Give us a call at 416-716-5850 or fill out our online form if you have any questions about our products.
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