Is Wheeled or Track Skid Steer Better? A Guide to Improving Worker Safety and Efficiency

When it comes to skid steers, choosing between wheeled and tracked options can significantly impact your job site’s safety and worker efficiency. This decision goes beyond just the features of the machine; it’s about understanding how these different skid steer types can improve productivity, reduce laborious tasks, and enhance worker safety. Whether you're working on an indoor project or handling rugged outdoor terrain, selecting the right equipment is essential to keeping your workforce efficient and your job site running smoothly.

At Cratos Equipment, we specialize in helping contractors and construction companies make informed decisions about their equipment. By comparing the benefits of wheeled and tracked skid steers, we can help you determine the best choice for your specific needs. This article will focus on how each type of skid steer can boost worker efficiency and safety on the job site.

How Skid Steers Impact Worker Efficiency

Skid steers are highly versatile machines that can perform a variety of tasks, from lifting heavy materials to digging and grading. Their compact size and maneuverability make them essential on job sites where space is limited or where frequent repositioning is required. More importantly, skid steers reduce the amount of manual labor necessary for many tasks, allowing workers to focus on more critical aspects of the project.

But choosing the right skid steer—whether wheeled or tracked—can mean the difference between a smooth operation and one where workers are bogged down by inefficiencies or safety risks. The key is to select the machine that best matches the job site conditions and tasks at hand.

Benefits of Wheeled Skid Steers for Worker Safety and Efficiency

1. Ideal for Indoor and Hard Surface Projects

Wheeled skid steers, like the Sherpa 100ECO and Sherpa 2Speed offered by Cratos Equipment, are best suited for firm, stable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. These machines excel in environments where speed and agility are critical, especially indoors or on tightly-packed job sites. With their ability to quickly maneuver in small areas, wheeled skid steers allow workers to complete tasks faster and with less physical strain.

For indoor projects, wheeled skid steers provide a significant advantage by enabling quick transitions between work areas without the risk of damaging floors or structures. This saves time and minimizes the risk of accidents caused by cumbersome, slow-moving equipment.

2. Increased Worker Comfort

Wheeled skid steers tend to provide a smoother ride on hard surfaces, which helps reduce operator fatigue over long shifts. This is especially true for Cratos’s 100ECO and 2Speed, which are designed to be lightweight yet durable. When operators are comfortable, they can maintain high levels of productivity throughout the day, without the risk of becoming fatigued or making costly mistakes due to exhaustion.

Operator fatigue can lead to safety risks on the job site. With a smoother, less strenuous operation, wheeled skid steers make it easier for workers to stay focused on their tasks and avoid accidents caused by a lack of attention or energy.

3. Faster Movement and Task Completion

Speed is another key benefit of wheeled skid steers. On firm surfaces, they travel faster than tracked versions, allowing workers to complete tasks quickly. This is crucial in environments where time is of the essence, such as indoor renovations or on construction sites with tight deadlines. With faster cycle times, wheeled skid steers reduce the amount of time workers spend moving materials or repositioning equipment.

The 2Speed offers the added advantage of adjustable speeds, allowing operators to quickly switch between high-speed travel for moving between tasks and slower, more precise handling when necessary. This versatility directly translates into increased worker productivity and more efficient task management.

4. Minimal Machine Downtime

Although maintenance costs aren’t the primary focus, it’s important to mention that wheeled skid steers typically experience less wear and tear on solid surfaces compared to tracked machines. With less frequent maintenance required, your team can keep moving without delays. When machines are in good working order, your workers can rely on them to get the job done efficiently, without interruptions caused by equipment failure.

Benefits of Tracked Skid Steers for Worker Safety and Efficiency

1. Better Stability on Uneven Terrain

For outdoor construction projects where the ground is soft, uneven, or muddy, tracked skid steers provide greater stability. The THR2000, Cratos Equipment’s premier tracked skid steer, offers exceptional traction on difficult surfaces, ensuring that your workers can operate safely and efficiently even in the toughest conditions. This stability is particularly important for projects on sloped or slippery surfaces where the risk of tipping or sliding is higher.

A stable machine not only boosts worker safety but also improves overall job site efficiency. Workers can focus on their tasks without worrying about equipment mishaps, which reduces the time spent repositioning or fixing errors caused by poor machine control.

2. Reduced Ground Pressure

Tracked skid steers like the THR2000 distribute weight more evenly than wheeled models, which makes them less likely to damage delicate surfaces. This is especially useful on job sites where protecting the ground is a priority, or working on elevated slabs where there is a lower load bearing floor. The lower ground pressure minimizes the risk of causing compaction, which can slow down progress and create additional work.

For workers, this means they can get more done without having to worry about damaging the ground beneath them. The result is a more efficient work environment where progress continues smoothly without unnecessary rework or delays.

3. Tackling Tough Conditions

In muddy, wet, or snowy conditions, tracked skid steers outperform their wheeled counterparts. The THR2000 is designed to handle the elements, allowing workers to stay productive in conditions that would otherwise halt progress. This ability to continue working regardless of the weather means fewer weather-related shutdowns, keeping your project on schedule even in challenging environments.

For contractors operating in regions with unpredictable weather, having a tracked skid steer ensures that your team can work safely and efficiently without waiting for ideal conditions. This versatility is key to maintaining a steady workflow and avoiding costly delays.

4. Improved Control on Slopes

The THR2000 also excels on sloped terrain, where control is critical for worker safety. The machine’s wide tracks provide better traction, reducing the risk of slips and ensuring that operators can move confidently even on inclines. For workers, this means less time spent adjusting the machine and more time focused on the task at hand.

On hilly or uneven job sites, this level of control reduces physical strain on the operator, keeping them safe and efficient throughout the day. With fewer adjustments needed to maintain stability, workers can complete tasks more quickly and safely.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Wheeled and Tracked Skid Steers

When deciding between a wheeled or tracked skid steer, contractors should consider the following:

1. Job Site Terrain: If you’re working primarily indoors or on hard, level ground, wheeled skid steers like the 100ECO or 2Speed will be more efficient. For rough outdoor terrain or lower floor loads, the THR2000 tracked skid steer provides better safety and control.
2. Task Requirements: For fast-moving tasks, such as transporting materials or loading/unloading in confined spaces, the speed and maneuverability of a wheeled skid steer will save time. If the work involves rugged conditions where stability is key, a tracked skid steer offers better performance.
3. Worker Safety and Comfort: Wheeled skid steers generally provide a smoother ride, which reduces operator fatigue and increases safety in firm conditions. Tracked skid steers, however, offer superior control in challenging environments, making them safer for outdoor use.
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Wheeled skid steers like the 100ECO and 2Speed are ideal for indoor use and projects that require quick movement in small spaces. The THR2000 tracked skid steer, on the other hand, is perfect for outdoor projects that require working in unpredictable conditions.
   
   

Cratos Equipment: The Right Skid Steer for Every Job

At Cratos Equipment, we offer a range of skid steers to fit your specific job site needs. For indoor or hard surface projects, we provide the 100ECO and 2Speed, both of which are designed to maximize worker efficiency and safety on firm ground. If your project requires stability and performance in rough outdoor conditions, our THR2000 tracked skid steer is built to handle the toughest environments while keeping your workers safe and productive.