Are you struggling to decide whether to choose a track-style or tire-style CASE construction machine for your team? It’s a big decision, after all, the machines are not cheap. Each machine has its own advantages depending on the terrain, type of operation, and working conditions. If you’re not sure which chassis construction is best for your project, this guide will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Case Construction Parts and Chassis
Whether it’s a crane or an excavator, the world’s construction machines can be divided into two types, track-style and tire-style, depending on the chassis. To understand which one is better for your job, you must first understand the role of the equipment’s chassis. The chassis of the machine plays a key role in stability, traction, and maneuverability. Case construction parts include high-quality tracks, tires, rollers, idlers, sprockets, etc., some of which need to be inspected and replaced frequently. Whether you have a Case skid steer, compact track loader, or bulldozer, FridayParts can meet your CASE parts needs. Tracks and tires have different characteristics, and it is important to understand which model of CASE is right for you before choosing one.
When to Choose Tracks for Your Case Equipment?
Tracked machines often remind us of wartime military machines, tanks. Like tanks, tracked construction machines in Singapore can easily handle very soft or uneven ground. Because the tracks increase the area of the machine in contact with the ground, it is expected that the machine will exert less pressure on the ground and will be less likely to collapse when working on soft ground. It can prevent your machine from sinking into sand, mud, or snow. Case compact track loaders (CTLs) and excavators can handle challenges more calmly than tires in the following situations:
Steep slopes: Rubber or steel tracks provide additional grip compared to tires, thus providing more stability on slopes and other rough terrain.
Landscaping: In short, tracks cause less damage to the ground and minimize soil compaction, making them an ideal choice for landscaping and agricultural projects where the ground needs to be protected.
Heavy-duty applications: Tracks are often used in medium-to-large construction projects, and generally tracked machines have higher loads and operating levels (of course there are exceptions, such as some small CASE tracked machines). Because they are tracks, steering is not as flexible as tires, so tracks are more popular in heavy-duty applications.
Although tracks show excellent versatility in changing ground environments, they do require more maintenance due to their complex structure. Rubber tracks wear faster on hard surfaces and replacement costs can be high. In addition, tracks will face complex problems such as track derailment and loosening that tires will not encounter, which may not be easy to solve by DIY. So if your project mainly operates on asphalt or concrete, wheeled machines may be a better choice.
When to Choose Tires for Your Case Equipment?
A big feature of tire-based machines is that they are more flexible and easier to repair if the chassis breaks down. Wheeled Case equipment, such as skid steers and wheel loaders, are better suited for hard surfaces, speed, and maneuverability. Here are some scenarios where tires are more suitable for your reference:
Higher travel speeds are needed: Wheeled machines move faster than tracked machines, reducing the number of jobs that need to be done. If your machine needs to be rotated across multiple sites in a day, a tire-based chassis structure is definitely a better choice for you.
Lower maintenance costs: Tires are generally easier and cheaper to replace than tracks, and the difficulty of DIY is also lower.
Compact construction sites: Wheeled Case skid steers have better maneuverability in confined spaces, which is ideal for warehouse operations and small construction areas.
Which is Better for Your Job Site?
The best undercarriage option depends on your specific job site conditions, budget, and operational needs. If your job site is heavy and cumbersome, and the working environment is relatively harsh, it is perfect to equip your team with a crawler machine; on the other hand, if your machine needs to be flexible and operates in urban scenes with smooth roads, tires are more cost-effective and more suitable for your needs. No matter which method you choose, it is important to maintain your undercarriage with high-quality CASE structural parts. On this point, trust FridayParts and purchase high-quality aftermarket solutions at FridayParts, designed to keep your Case equipment running at optimal efficiency.
