Questions on Bobcat loaders

[KD57]

I have an S250 Bobcat wheel loader. I found I am in need of a couple of things, more traction and stability in rough terrain. I was thinking of going to a track loader, but I have never ran a Bobcat track loader. They make rubber and steel dedicated loaders, and also have the add-on tracks, but these look kinda cheesy to me.

The terrain goes from sand to hard clay and rocks, not much mud.
The steel tracks look to be the best for my situation, but they also offer rubber and a suspension rubber set-up. I use it mostly for land clearing and keeping the pasture roads cleaned up.

I figure traction would be better, but what about stability in rough terrain?
Can anybody give me some advice that has had experience with these?

 

[tawilson]

I got an S250 last fall. I think it is more stable with the steel tracks on. Just the added weight must count for something. For the conditions you are talking it should work fine. I know they are helpless on ice. They do have a set of square holes in each bar so maybe studs can be added.

 

[VA-Sawyer]

The difference between running a rubber track T series Bobcat and the same size S series on steep terrian is like night and day.

The Over the Tire steel tracks do add some stability due to weight, but they can really tear stuff up in a hurry, even warm asphalt !

The T series rubber tracks cost more to run than S series tires, and I don't feel they will last as long either with the same driver in each.

Everything is a trade off. Cost vs Traction/stability vs tearing up the yard. Try renting a T-250 for a couple of days or see if your dealer will arrange a demo at your place. The T's can be nice if the added cost isn't a problem.
Rick

 

[KD57]

Thanks, I am going to get to demo a T as soon as my sales guy gets back in town.

 

[tawilson]

I've been doing a little clearing with mine the last few days with the steel tracks on. It's rocky ground and it would be nice to have a smoother ride, but I gotta believe it would have been pretty rough on rubber tracks, or tires for that matter. It's just a small area I am setting up for parking of trailers or equipment. The soil is so shallow I am able to push the trees over with the bucket. I debated the tire/track thing myself before I bought, and I still have no regrets. I just have to get used to feeling like I spent the day on a rollercoaster. The steel tracks do tear things up tho. If I get serious enough about this maybe a set of OTT rubber tracks too.

 

[VA-Sawyer]

That is kinda what I'm talking about, there is a big difference in ride between the T series and S series. The T series has a much longer wheel base( if you can call it that ) and there is a pivot suspension that tends to smooth out the ride some. Under some conditions, I think the ride with OTT tracks can be worse than tires only. OTT does help with traction and the added weight can help stability, but it is nowhere near the improvement of true T series tracks.
In dry semi-level yards I prefer tires so as to do as little damage as possible and operate as cheaply as possible. The further I get away from dry level grass or dirt, the more I start wishing for a T.
I run a 753 on tires here in western NC for my sawmill and tree business. There are many days I wished it was a T due to steepness of terrian or rocky ground. I have a set of OTT steel tracks, but don't feel they are worth the time and trouble for the small gain on those few jobs where I can use them. I may add a T someday , but don't need the expense right now.
Rick

 

[komatsuvarna]

I've been doing a little clearing with mine the last few days with the steel tracks on. It's rocky ground and it would be nice to have a smoother ride, but I gotta believe it would have been pretty rough on rubber tracks, or tires for that matter. It's just a small area I am setting up for parking of trailers or equipment. The soil is so shallow I am able to push the trees over with the bucket. I debated the tire/track thing myself before I bought, and I still have no regrets. I just have to get used to feeling like I spent the day on a rollercoaster. The steel tracks do tear things up tho. If I get serious enough about this maybe a set of OTT rubber tracks too.

Yep, your right. Rocks is pretty hard on the rubber tracks. The rubber tracks don't tear up as much as the steel, but they will still peel the grass up pretty good on a heavier machine.

I own a CT332, and a regular 332 Deere. The rubber tracks gives stability, floatation, and a ride that cant be coppied by a tire machine. They also cost more up front, and cost a little more to maintaine.

 

[KD57]

The only way I will know for sure will be to try one. Talked to my rep yesterday and he is setting me up with a demo machine to use for a few days, a T320 with steel tracks.
I seldom use one over any ground I need to preserve, so tearing up anything won't be an issue. Those OTT tracks look gnarly tho...

 

[komatsuvarna]

The only way I will know for sure will be to try one. Talked to my rep yesterday and he is setting me up with a demo machine to use for a few days, a T320 with steel tracks.
I seldom use one over any ground I need to preserve, so tearing up anything won't be an issue. Those OTT tracks look gnarly tho...

IMO, the steel tracks bite harder than the rubber. If the tracks is fairly tight and the tires have good tread so they don't spin in the tracks, you'll have all the traction you need. Take a look at Loegering steel tracks. They're easy to take on and off, and wont hurt asphalt or concrete. They white mark it a little, but it's gone in a few days.

 

[TRISTATEFORESTRYEQUIPMENT]

i have a set of vts rubber bolt on tracks that will fit your machine. there great , i can sell them for 5000 shipped.

then theres over the tire metal tracks, they bite in harder then rubber tracks. its hard to get stuck with the metal track set up and with the weight of the tracks it gives your machine alot more lifting capability i have a metal set of grouser tracks for 1900 shipped