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Skid steers v. track loaders: Which one is right for you?

Feb. 14 2025 Buying Guide By TEG

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Choosing the right equipment can make all the difference in getting the job done efficiently. Our construction and landscaping customers work in a wide variety of conditions across the Carolinas. That’s why Triangle Equipment Group offers both Bobcat skid steers and Bobcat track loaders in our equipment lineup. While both machines are tough, reliable, and built to perform, each one shines in different conditions. Let’s break down what makes them unique so you can find the best fit for your needs.


What skid steers and track loaders have in common

No matter which one you choose, both Bobcat skid steers and track loaders come packed with features that make them workhorses on any job site:

  • Compact and maneuverable – Great for getting around in tight spaces.
  • Strong and efficient – Impressive lifting power and hydraulic performance.
  • Attachment-ready – Compatible with tons of Bobcat attachments to handle any task.
  • Comfortable to operate – Ergonomic controls and optional enclosed cabs with heat and A/C for year-round use.


Key differences: skid steers or track loaders

While they share a lot of the same great features, skid steers and track loaders each have their own strengths depending on where and how you’ll be working.


Bobcat skid steers

Best for hard, paved, or firm ground – Perfect for concrete, asphalt, and compacted soil.

Fast and agile – Wheels make them quick and highly maneuverable.

Lower maintenance – Tires are easier and cheaper to replace than tracks.

Great for:

  • Construction on firmer surfaces
  • Asphalt and concrete work
  • Snow removal
  • Material handling in warehouses and yards


Bobcat track loaders

Best for soft, muddy or uneven terrain – Tracks provide more stability and prevent sinking.

Superior traction – Great for working on slopes or loose ground.

Easier on the ground – Ideal for landscaping where you want to minimize surface damage.

Perfect for:

  • Digging in wet or loose soil
  • Forestry and land clearing
  • Grading and leveling
  • Heavy lifting on rough terrain


Which one is best for you?

If your work involves a lot of paved or firm surfaces and you need a machine that moves fast and turns on a dime, a Bobcat skid steer might be a better bet. But if you’re often dealing with soft or uneven terrain, need extra stability, or want to avoid tearing up the ground, a Bobcat track loader is the way to go.


Let’s find the right Bobcat loader for your business! 

Our experienced Bobcat Specialists can help. Give us a call or stop by one of our four Triangle Equipment Group locations in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Triangle Equipment Company in Raleigh, NC: 919.596.1995

Bobcat of Johnston County in Garner, NC: 919.661.1833

Bobcat of Wilmington in Wilmington, NC: 910.395.1995

Bobcat of Myrtle Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC: 843.236.4499