Your Guide to Buying a Loader

Whether you are a landscaper, construction project manager, or farm owner, investing in a versatile and heavy-duty machine can help you boost productivity on your work site. Loaders are useful machines that help excavate, dig, and lift heavy payloads and improve your worksite operations. We often recommend our customers buy a loader because these robust and multi-purpose machines can handle various labor-intensive tasks with minimal effort.

However, before you start exploring loaders, understand the different types available in the market. Read on to learn more about loaders, then swing by Bobcat of Cape Cod to explore a few models in person!

Skid Steer Loaders

First, you can peruse skid steer loaders. These compact and versatile machines are ideal for tight areas and narrow workspaces. Their small size makes them highly maneuverable and perfect for snow removal, construction, and landscaping projects.

Skid steer loaders have four independently driven wheels that make them very responsive. These machines can handle various attachments, such as buckets, forks, and backhoes, which allow them to tackle a wide range of tasks without difficulty. However, skid steer loaders aren’t as stable as other similar models, which can make them more prone to tipping over.

Track Loaders

Next, you have track loaders, also known as compact track loaders. These are similar in size and capacity to skid steer loaders but have a superior traction system that allows them to operate on challenging terrain, such as mud, sand, or snow.

The unique design of these machines enables them to move on tracks instead of wheels. This offers them better stability by distributing the weight evenly and reducing their impact on the ground. Track loaders are ideal for heavy-duty digging jobs, as they have higher pushing power than skid steer loaders. However, remember that tracks can wear out faster and require more maintenance than the wheels.

Wheel Loaders

Finally, you have wheel loaders, which are larger machines with four massive tires. These are used for mining, construction, and other industrial applications. Wheel loaders are stable and can handle heavy payloads at high speeds and on rough terrain.

Unlike track and skid steer loaders, wheel loaders come with a wide variety of lifting attachments that make them more versatile than others. Their huge tires may cause soil compaction and lower stability on soft terrains. That's why they are best suited for handling hard materials like rocks or gravel.

Now that you are familiar with the three common types of loaders, you are ready to explore a few models in person. Visit Bobcat of Cape Cod to peruse our extensive collection of loaders for sale. We can give you a complete tour of the options and help you select a model that fits your budget and unique requirements. We proudly serve Bourne, Brockton, and Wrentham, MA, so reach out today!