What is the difference between skid steer tracks and compact track loader tracks?

Expert Answer

The two are often confused because the machines look similar. A wheeled skid steer runs on tires; if you want tracks on it, you fit over-the-tire (OTT) tracks — steel or rubber bands that wrap around the existing tires to add flotation and traction. A compact track loader (CTL) is built as a tracked machine from the factory: it has a dedicated undercarriage with rubber tracks, sprockets, idlers and rollers, giving lower ground pressure and better performance on mud, sand and finished surfaces. Dedicated CTL rubber tracks are sized width × pitch × number of links and are matched to the machine's undercarriage design — they are not interchangeable with OTT tracks. If your machine is a tracked model (Bobcat T-series, Cat 279/289/299, Case TR/TV, New Holland C-series and similar), you need dedicated rubber tracks. VANROCK manufactures rubber tracks for compact track loaders across all major brands, quoted on request through its dealer network.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 7/26/2026