It’s common to choose a track loader to assist with various tasks when working on construction sites. Useful for many construction professionals, a track loader helps move significant loads of materials such as wood, gravel, stones, or demolition debris.
There are many models on the market, differing in size, mobility, and capacity. This wide range of options can make it difficult to choose the right one for your needs.
The experts at Excavation Chanthier, a demolition company in Montreal, reveal all the criteria to consider when choosing a track loader.
CHOOSING A TRACK LOADER BASED ON YOUR NEEDS
You have demolition, construction, or renovation projects and have obtained a demolition permit. However, you’re looking for equipment, particularly a good track loader. Before choosing your track loader, it’s crucial to know what you intend to use it for.
THE VOLUME TO MOVE
Whether you need a track loader for residential demolition, pool demolition, or residential excavation, it’s important to assess the volume of materials to move. This allows you to narrow your choices and select only the models suited to your needs.
This step helps determine the volume of materials to be moved on your site. In turn, you can estimate the time required for the project based on the machine’s capacity.
THE WORK CYCLE
Once you’ve calculated the volume to be transported, it’s easy to determine how many times you’ll need to fill your track loader to move your materials.
WORK DURATION
Choosing your track loader also involves selecting its performance and speed. These factors will significantly impact the total duration of your project. Moreover, for short-term needs, it’s often more cost-effective to rent a track loader and excavator rather than purchase them. You may also consider choosing a mini-excavator, which can be advantageous for projects with tight deadlines.
THE TYPE OF TERRAIN
The type of terrain you’re working on can influence your track loader choice. For example, on paved or concrete surfaces, a wheel model is preferable. Conversely, for earthmoving work on muddy or rocky terrain, a track model will be more efficient.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The demolition method can guide your choice. When following the steps to demolish a building in an urban environment, there comes a time when a track loader will be useful. However, if you plan to maneuver in a confined space, a compact model may be more suitable.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRACK LOADERS?
For all your projects, many types of excavators and buckets are available to meet your needs, and track loaders are no exception.
WHEEL LOADERS
Wheel loaders are among the most popular models on the market. Their wheels allow them to adapt to hard and dry ground. The transmission system is generally powerful, providing good mobility on a site without damaging the ground due to the wheel composition. These models are also preferred when work cycles are long.
TRACK LOADERS
Track loaders are the perfect substitute for wheel loaders. They are effective on terrains where wheel loaders struggle: muddy, soft, uneven, or even chaotic terrain (for example, on a post-disaster demolition site).
One of the main disadvantages of this model is its mobility, as it is usually very slow.
Track loaders offer better traction than their wheeled counterparts, thanks to their chassis, which rests on two steel tracks. However, they are not permitted on paved or concrete surfaces, as they damage public roads.
ARTICULATED LOADERS
Articulated loaders are typically wheel loaders, mainly used in agriculture. The difference is the addition of a pivoting and oscillating joint between the cab and the loader arm. One of its main advantages is its cab, surrounded by 360° glazing. The articulation is ideal for work requiring both power and agility.
RIGID LOADERS
Rigid loaders feature a single-piece chassis, unlike articulated loaders. Available on both wheels and tracks, these models stand out for their stability, especially during lifting maneuvers.
TELESCOPIC LOADERS
Telescopic loaders, also called telehandlers, are equipped with a telescopic lifting arm that can extend up to 10 meters. Although designed primarily for agricultural use, their low cab height makes these models versatile for various construction sites.
MINING LOADERS
Specifically used in mining operations, mining loaders help reduce the cost per ton during loading and unloading activities. These models typically share the same advantages and features as articulated wheel loaders.
COMPACT LOADERS
Compact loaders are defined as loaders with an operating weight of less than 4,500 kg. They can be equipped with wheels or tracks but all have a single-piece chassis. Their size allows them to work in tight spaces, with various applications such as loading, earthmoving, snow removal, or material handling, making them very effective for installing a semi-inground pool or demolishing an in-ground pool.
HOW MUCH DOES A TRACK LOADER COST?
BUYING A TRACK LOADER
Many variables can affect the price of a track loader when purchasing, such as weight, brand, equipment, and bucket capacity. Prices generally range between $55,000 and $230,000 depending on the desired model, with capacities ranging from 800 to 4,000 liters.
Compact loaders remain the least expensive models. For the same model, track loaders are more costly than their wheeled equivalents.
RENTING A TRACK LOADER
When carrying out work, it’s generally advisable to rent heavy equipment rather than buy it. The main factor affecting the rental price is size. Of course, the rental rate decreases as the rental duration increases.
TRUST EXCAVATION CHANTHIER FOR YOUR HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS
For your projects, trust the expertise of Excavation Chanthier. You have several options: from renting excavators to having our experts carry out demolition, excavation, and earthmoving work for you. Contact us today to share your project details. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and assist you to the best of our abilities.