Compact Track Loaders Vs. Mini Track Loaders

Working in tight spaces is only becoming more challenging as time goes on. With smaller yards, tinier construction sites and more fences, small worksites have limited the size of construction equipment that can access the area. Fortunately, the construction equipment industry has answered this issue by developing pieces of equipment, like small track loaders, that can get into those snug areas and get the job done in record time.

However, it’s important to determine which type of track loader will work best for the jobs you have to do before you lay down your cash for one. While both types of track loaders can accomplish the same basic tasks, including augering, trenching, digging and moving dirt or other loose materials, there are some differences between the two that are worth noting.

Below, we’ve provided a comparison between compact and mini track loaders to help you determine which one is the best option for your needs. If you have more questions, stop by Stribling Equipment in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee and chat with one of our experienced staff!

Compact Track Loaders

These sturdy machines are built to help the operator work more comfortably, and their heft can be a boon in certain situations.

Advantages

Compact track loaders have a higher lift capacity and are capable of supporting much heavier attachments and weightier bucket loads. Their weight also lends them more stability. But the biggest reason why a construction operation might consider getting a compact track loader is for its enclosed cab with rollover protection structure (ROPS), which helps to shield the operator and keep them safer. The climate control options in today’s compact track loaders help to ensure that the operator can work comfortably and more ergonomically, without having to contend with hot and cold weather, heavy precipitation or the hot sun beating down on them.

Drawbacks

While the cab can be a boon in difficult weather conditions, it also reduces visibility so that the operator doesn’t have as clear of a view of the work around them. The enclosed cab also makes it more challenging for the operator to swap out attachments since the cab must be mounted and dismounted each time. Compact track loaders are also taller and heavier, which can make them impractical for very tight spaces or for working on certain types of terrain that might bog them down.

Mini Track Loaders

Smaller, lighter and less complex than their compact cousins, mini track loaders are excellent for working in the tightest spaces where versatility is a virtue.

Advantages

Mini track loaders are easier to use and are operated by hand, so their control system is less complex. Without a cab to worry about, the machine can be mounted and dismounted much more easily, which helps to make swapping out attachments much simpler and less cumbersome. The lack of cab enclosure also improves the operator’s visibility. And the biggest selling point for mini track loaders may be their ability to fit through much smaller spaces without the need to dismantle fences or other structures. Mini track loaders also have a higher hydraulic flow rate, which can offer the same power in a smaller package, allowing for more efficient work.

Drawbacks

Mini track loaders don’t have an enclosure to protect the operator, so they will be exposed to the elements, including cold or hot temperatures, sun and rain. The operator will also not be protected from any material that may fall from the bucket. Mini track loaders are not able to lift as high as their compact counterparts, and they are limited in the attachments that they can carry, due to their smaller footprint and lighter weight.

We hope this comparison has proven useful to you in your quest to locate the right construction equipment for your needs. And regardless of which one you select, you’ll have a machine that helps to streamline your work operation and reduce the amount of time it takes for work to get done—no more manual labor! 

Ready to choose the track loader that will work for you? Stop by our dealership today to browse our full stock of new and used compact track loaders and mini track loaders for sale, among other pieces of construction equipment. Stribling Equipment proudly serves those in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.