A wheeled skid steer (Bobcat S550 class) is faster on hard, dry ground and cheaper on rubber. A compact track loader (Bobcat T550, Cat 249D3 class) floats on mud, snow, and lawns that wheels would destroy. Same attachment idea, different undercarriage. Rent the undercarriage that matches the ground you actually have this week — not the ground you had in July.
In This Guide
- 1.Quick comparison
- 2.Wheels when the site is hard
- 3.Tracks when the site is soft or finished turf
- 4.Rated operating capacity
- 5.Who should rent which
- 6.FAQ
Quick comparison
Wheeled skid steer
S550 class: speed on hard surfaces.
Strengths
- Faster travel
- Lower typical rate
- Fine on packed pads
Watch-outs
- Ruts turf and mud
- Less flotation
- Lower ROC in our S550 class
Best for
- • Hard yards
- • Loading trucks on gravel
- • Dry summer pads
Compact track loader
T550 / 249D3 class: flotation and winter/mud work.
Strengths
- Floats on soft ground
- Higher ROC in our T550 class
- Less lawn damage when used sanely
Watch-outs
- Higher rate
- Slower on hard pavement
- Tracks still tear if you spin
Best for
- • Landscaping
- • Spring and winter sites
- • Soft pads
| Spec | Wheeled skid steer | Compact track loader |
|---|---|---|
| Example machines | Bobcat S550 class | Bobcat T550, Cat 249D3 |
| ROC (typical here) | ~1,750 lb | ~2,200 lb (T550 class) |
| Ground pressure | Higher on tires | Lower on tracks |
| Best season | Dry | Mud, snow, turf |
| Attachments | Same idea | Same idea |
Figures below are typical ranges for this equipment class — not a spec sheet for one serial-numbered unit. Used rental inventory rotates; we confirm height, capacity, width, and weight on your quote.
Wheels when the site is hard
Parking lots, packed pads, and warehouse yards. Wheels turn tighter in some situations and travel faster between piles. They rut lawns and sink in spring mud along the Wasatch Front. If the HOA cares about the side yard, do not take the S550 across it.
Tracks when the site is soft or finished turf
CTLs spread the weight. They climb better, they mark less, and they keep working after a storm. They cost more to rent and you still should not spin-turn on a new lawn. Tracks are not a license to be careless; they are a flotation tool.
Rated operating capacity
Our S550 class is about 1,750 lb ROC; T550 class about 2,200 lb. That is why the track machine often feels “stronger” even before flotation. If you are lifting pallets of pavers, the number on the ROC plate matters as much as the tracks.
Who should rent which
Wheels for hard, dry, fast work. Tracks for mud, snow, and lawns. Call (801) 880-8800 if the week includes both — we will pick for the worst ground.
FAQ
Will tracks not damage a lawn?
They damage less than wheels. Turning in place still scars turf. Plan your path.
Can I use the same buckets?
Often yes if the coupler matches. Confirm — do not assume a skid bucket hits a CTL the same way.
Is a CTL the same as a mini excavator?
No. See skid steer vs mini excavator. Tracks on a loader still do not replace digging geometry.
Machines on the lot
Live inventory rotates. These are current machines in the related rental collections — not a promise that a specific used unit is still here.
