skid loader tracks or tires

I've got customers that have both. Based on what I have seen working on their equipment, etc, the cost of ownership will be higher on the tracked machines in the long run. If you need low ground pressure/flotation, than tracks are definitely the way to go. Too, tracks are more stable if your operating on a slope. Other than that, if your operating on hard, relatively flat ground, tires will be your best bet. Not to mention you can buy a wheeled machine for way less than a similar sized track machine.
 
(quoted from post at 07:07:05 11/09/13) what is best for a small wood lot owner ?

Wayne covered it pretty well.

My mature hardwood woodlot is on a mountain. I've had two crawlers here, now only rubbertire. Very unlikely I'll ever have track again. I am delighted with my older straight frame (non-articulated) large tire loader and see no reason to ever want track again.

Good luck with your choice.
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I think a skid loader is the wrong tool for any woodlot. Not enough ground clearance at all. But if you have to have one, get it tracked. You're going to be far better off with a loader on floatation tires for stacking and loading, with a skidder or cat for skidding or even an farm tractor and with an excavator for stumping.
 
Yeah - I'd have a hard time finding much use for a skid-steer in the woods.

While there's a lot of specialized equipment if you have the pockets for it, for a relatively small operation on a budget, a TLB is "jack of all trades, master of one" in the woodlot. With a few grab hooks and some chain, it can pick a load of logs on the front end when you have room to drive. With a hook on the bucket (I replace a tooth - you also see them welded to the back) and a long chain you can twitch (in 20 foot chunks, or whatever your hoe range is) where you can't drive, and you can also load logs that way (with a shorter chain) or with a thumb. Nothing better for stumping.
 
I have been more than completely satisfied with my Bobcat T250 in moderate/heavy farm use and for pulling logs, clearing and stacking. I have about 1500 hours on my current set of tracks and it is nice not having to worry about the locust tree thorns or running over stick-ups. I figure about $4/hr for track/undercarriage replacement into my budget so I have admit I am fairly conservative on how I treat my tracks to stretch their lifespan.
 

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