Skid steers and compact track loaders overlap in what they’re used for, but the difference between wheels and tracks changes how each one performs depending on the ground you’re working. Kelbe carries the entire New Holland line, so here’s how the two stack up.
Horsepower and Operating Weight
New Holland skid steers run 60 to 90 HP at 5,370 to 9,100 lb operating weight. The CTL line runs a bit higher across the board, 74 to 114 HP at 8,270 to 16,100 lb. The added weight on the CTL side comes largely from the track undercarriage, which also does the work of spreading the machine’s weight over a larger footprint.
Rated Operating Capacity: How Much Each Can Lift
Skid steers carry a rated operating capacity of 1,600 to 3,400 lb. CTLs run higher, 2,700 to 6,200 lb. If your work involves consistently heavier material handling, the CTL’s higher ROC ceiling gives you more room before you’re pushing the machine past its rated limits.
Wheels vs Tracks: Ground Pressure and Site Conditions
Tracks spread the machine’s weight over a larger contact area, which lowers ground pressure. That matters on soft, wet, or turf-sensitive ground, including the muddy conditions Wisconsin sites often see coming out of a wet spring. Skid steers, running on wheels, are often faster on hard surfaces like pavement or gravel and come with simpler tire maintenance compared to track upkeep.
Matching the Machine to Your Site
Hard-surface, faster-cycle work, like pavement or gravel yard jobs, tends to favor the skid steer. Soft ground, muddy conditions, or turf-sensitive sites, like landscaping work or wet-season sitework, tend to favor the CTL. If your jobs move between both conditions over the course of a season, it’s worth weighing which condition shows up more often in your typical workload.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between a skid steer and a compact track loader?
Skid steers ride on wheels, while compact track loaders ride on tracks. That difference matters more than it might seem: tracks spread the machine’s weight over a larger footprint, reducing ground pressure on soft ground, while wheels tend to be faster and simpler to maintain on hard surfaces like pavement or gravel.
Which has a higher rated operating capacity, New Holland skid steers or CTLs?
Compact track loaders have the higher ceiling, with a rated operating capacity of 2,700 to 6,200 lb, compared to 1,600 to 3,400 lb for skid steers. If your work regularly involves heavier material handling, that higher capacity range gives you more room before you’re pushing a machine past its rated limits.
Are New Holland CTLs better for wet or soft ground?
Generally yes. Track undercarriages spread the machine’s weight over a larger contact area than wheels do, which reduces ground pressure on soft, wet, or turf-sensitive ground. That’s particularly relevant in Wisconsin during wet spring conditions, when a wheeled machine might struggle for traction that a tracked one handles more easily.
Does Kelbe carry the full New Holland lineup?
Yes. Kelbe carries the entire New Holland construction equipment line, including skid steers, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, mini excavators, and tractor loader backhoes. That means you can compare the full range of New Holland options in one place rather than piecing together availability across multiple dealers.
Is financing available for New Holland equipment?
Yes, financing is available for New Holland equipment through Kelbe’s financing partners. The specific terms and current options can vary, so see Equipment Financing Options for an overview, or contact us directly to discuss financing or leasing for the particular skid steer or CTL model you’re considering.
Next Step
See the full New Holland construction equipment lineup, or contact us to talk through which machine fits your site conditions.