Skid Steers and Track Loaders vs. Tractors – Which is Best for Your Farm?

Whether you call it a skid steer or a track loader, it’s not just my dad who sees the benefits of such a machine on the farm – more farmers are realizing how versatile and helpful compact equipment can be. Let’s dig in to the differences between skid steer loaders and compact track loaders vs. tractors.

Skid Steers Offer Versatility

While tractors are often used for things like moving hay, skid steer loaders and compact track loaders offer increased versatility that makes them a good option for a wide variety of jobs on the farm. An array of attachments can be used with skid loaders and track loaders, some of which aren’t available for tractors.  For things like digging, land clearing, or property maintenance, a skid steer or track loader can be outfitted with backhoe, brushcutter, mulcher, and rake attachments, among others, to help get the job done.

Other Cat customers like Keith Ergle of Premier Angus Genetics in Phil Campbell, Alabama, have also found the versatility of skid steer loaders and track loaders to be a boon. Ergle has used his track loader for everything from post hole drilling to tree clearing, and has found it invaluable for tasks his old tractor just wasn’t meant to perform.

“This machine is like a mini bulldozer,” said Ergle. “We have literally been pushing up trees and flipping them out of the ground like it’s nothing.”

Additionally, these skid steer attachments are much easier to get on and off than those on a tractor and don’t require assistance to switch out, which is important as the average age of the American farmer climbs to 58 years old.  As more farmers like my father age (and don’t necessarily have someone to help them change tractor attachments), this feature is key.

And for those like my father who live in mountainous regions, a machine with tracks is especially vital – there are areas of his land that you simply can’t navigate with a wheeled machine.