crawler loader vs compact track loader

[howardjohn]

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone had some thoughts and opinions on how a traditional ccrawler compares to a newer style compact track loader. Such as a jd350c vs a jdct332. I know the ct has more horsepower and would be faster. When a ct has a breakout force of equal or greater power than a 350c does that mean they will perform the same when it comes to digging and stumping? I find it hard to believe that a ctl could knock over tree as big as what a 350c could. I know they do not have the lifting ability that a regular crawler has. Thanks Howard

[JWB Contracting]

Well, I use both a skidsteer and 3 450C loaders around the yard. The skidsteer is used for light duty stuff and the crawlers for more heavy duty.

Strenghts of the crawler loader:

- steel tracks, you don't need to worry about running them over stumps or sticks.
- crawler loader has much heavier loader and bucket, not likely to bend it up pushing over trees
- traction - crawler loader has more track on the ground and you can well on some ice lugs if you need increased traction
- ROPS canopy - I am guess that a crawler loader ROPS can handle alot more punishment than a compact track loader canopy
- Breakout force - I would have a hard time believing that a CTT has similar breakout force, the loader assembly and cylinders are much smaller
- Lifting Capacity - not even close, with a hoe or other rear mounted equipment on the 350C you could pack the CTT around very easily.

Case in point - we used our 450C loader with backhoe to remove a the stick and bucket from a non-running 690ELC excavator this weekend, and then were able to push on the track to get it straight enought for a winch tractor to winch it on (very limited loading access and in a mud hole). We actual put the bucket under the track and lifted it up slightly and then pushed in about 8 feet. This was absolute maximum capibilites of our track loader, but it got the job done for us.

[Lavoy]

Customer of mine has one, and the stories he tells of what it will push are amazing. I still find it hard to believe that any of them will dig with a crawler loader, at least in difficult conditions.
Lavoy

[JWB Contracting]

Ive sold 1 of my 2 1845C skidsteers and may sell the other one a get a CTT. Next Ritchie's sale here in Edmonton is on the 5th if there cheap I may pick one up anyway.

Today I seen 4 of them doing finishing dirt work around some newly constructed overpasses. Large cat machines with smooth buckets and doing some very nice work. I am guessing much quicker and cheaper to run vs. a 450 dozer. When they are pushing 100 horse power and lighter than a Dozer the should outperform them. That is why nobody builds small dozers and loaders anymore.

[kedorland]

We own a 1975 450C loader and can vouch for the POPS... after today... Was moving a tree 10" in diameter and about 25' tall.

In short order I dropped the tree across the top of the canopy.

It was all my doing.

Kevin from Iowa.

[MarkW]

Well at least now you know what not to do next time!

Glad you are OK.

[kedorland]

Was a tall elm with litttle canopy. Didn't have a leaf touch me. Guessing the tree weighed in at just over 1/2 US Ton. Crawler didn't have a clue it happened.

Worst thing.....I had witnesses.

[77 Ford]

I think comparing dozers to CTL is apples and oranges. They serve different functions and have different strengths and weaknesses. The CTL will be fast, agile, and do amazing finish work. The dozer will be durable, stronger, and able to do the heavy pushing without breaking down. The best example I can give is my little ford diesel tractor is rated at 28hp and my cub cadet lawn mower is rated at 26hp. From a HP standpoint they should be able to do the same work right? Which obviously they cannot. Apples and oranges.

In an ideal world a person would have both but in the real world most people only get to pick one. You have to decide what your going to be doing with the machine most of the time and pick one. I had this same debate with myself last fall, I started on the CTL side of the fence but ended up buying a 450c.

[digitup2]

We have two ASV's a 50 and a 60 these aren't in the crawler loader league they can be hauled with a half ton and weigh less than 1/3 of the weight of my old 555A they sure can't take the beating the crawler loader can but they will do clean up jobs fast and more accurate than you can do with a crawler loader by it's self they can drive across a side walk all day and leave no damage .But at 2000 hours you may be on your third or even your 4th set of tracks and these seem to be rather expensive they are just a different machine They have there place but with 4x4 backhoes and tracked skid steers the old crawler loaders have a hard time selling come to think about it you wouldn't get 2000 hours on a set of crawler loader tracks some places in Ontario either .Digitup.