The Big Question: Bobcat Wheels or Tracks?

Before diving into specs, horsepower, or machine size, it’s worth stepping back and asking a simpler question:
Where will this machine spend most of its time working?

Terrain, weather, surface conditions, and daily jobsite demands all play a role in how a machine performs. A loader that feels perfect on one job can feel like the wrong fit on another—simply because of what’s under it.

That’s where the wheels vs. tracks conversation really matters. Let’s break it down in practical, real-world terms.

Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders: Built for Speed and Hard Surfaces

Bobcat skid steer loaders run on traditional rubber tires, making them a popular choice across construction, landscaping, snow removal, and material-handling jobs. If your work involves moving quickly, covering ground, or operating on firm surfaces, wheels often make the most sense.

Why customers choose wheeled skid steers:

• Faster travel speeds – Great for jobs that require moving across a site frequently
• Lower upfront and maintenance costs – Tires are generally less expensive to replace than tracks
• Excellent on hard, stable surfaces – Asphalt, concrete, gravel, and packed ground
• Easy to maneuver in tight spaces – Ideal for warehouses or urban job sites

Wheeled skid steers are often favored by customers who value speed, simplicity, and cost efficiency. If your work keeps you on pavement, finished surfaces, or dry, compact ground, a Bobcat skid steer can be a dependable, budget-friendly workhorse.

Now let's talk about tracks. 

Bobcat Track Loaders: Traction Where It Counts

Bobcat compact track loaders replace tires with rubber tracks, changing how the machine distributes weight and grips the ground. This design gives track loaders a major advantage when conditions get challenging.

Why customers choose track loaders:

• Superior traction – Especially in mud, snow, sand, or loose soil
• Lower ground pressure – Reduces surface damage and sinking
• More stability on slopes and uneven terrain
• Year-round productivity – Keeps working when conditions aren’t ideal

Track loaders are often the machine of choice for customers who deal with unpredictable weather, soft ground, or changing terrain. Instead of working around the conditions, tracks allow you to work through them—often with fewer delays and fewer passes.

Long-Term Ownership: Maintenance and Costs

It’s important to think beyond the initial purchase. Here’s what customers usually see:

Wheeled Skid Steers:

• Tires are cheaper and easier to replace than tracks
• Less undercarriage maintenance
• Slightly lower fuel usage on hard surfaces

Track Loaders:

• Higher upfront cost, but improved productivity in challenging conditions
• Undercarriage and track maintenance is more involved, but prevents downtime in soft terrain
• Tracks protect finished surfaces better, potentially saving on landscaping or paving repair costs

The right choice here isn’t about which is “better”—it’s about which fits your jobsite, your workflow, and your budget.

Bobcat skid steers and track loaders are both incredibly versatile machines, but the choice between wheels and trackscan make a huge difference in productivity, operating costs, and jobsite efficiency.

The key takeaway? Let the terrain and your work style guide your decision, not just the specs on paper. Choosing the right machine for your conditions ensures you get the most out of your investment, reduces downtime, and keeps your projects running smoothly—whatever the ground throws at you.

For more information, reach out to your local Bobcat sales representative today! https://www.bestline.com/map-and-directions-dealership--locations