Choosing the Right Equipment for the Job
Landscaping, a realm of entrepreneurship where freedom and hard work intersect, demands savvy decision-making – especially regarding equipment purchases. In the dynamic world of small landscape businesses, choosing between a skid steer and a track loader can significantly impact success.
There are two types of landscapers: the large fleet companies and the newcomers with limited resources. While the latter may be eager to dive into business with a truck, trailer, and financed skid steer or track loader, hasty decisions can prove detrimental.
The first crucial decision involves choosing between a skid steer (wheels) and a compact track loader (tracks). Skid steers excel on hard surfaces like concrete, offering higher ground speeds. They are preferred in snow applications due to their speed and ground pressure. On the other hand, compact track loaders, with their dedicated rubber track undercarriage, provide superior flotation and less ground pressure, making them ideal for muddy and wet conditions.
Snow removal, a secondary or seasonal job for many landscapers, introduces a factor favoring skid steers. The rubber tracks and undercarriage of compact track loaders add cost and maintenance complexities. However, the rising popularity of track loaders among landscapers suggests a shift in industry demand.
Size and brand considerations play a pivotal role in selecting a suitable machine. With 13 prominent brands in North America, including ASV, Bobcat, CASE Construction Equipment, Caterpillar, Gehl, JCB, John Deere, Kubota, LiuGong, Mustang by Manitou, New Holland, Takeuchi, and Wacker Neuson, landscapers have a plethora of options. Factors such as project size, terrain, and attachments needed influence the choice between skid steers and track loaders.
Supply houses, pivotal in loading and unloading tasks, emphasize features like boom kick outs. The boom performance package, offering memory settings for repetitive tasks, enhances efficiency for tasks such as loading and unloading pallets.
Beyond the choice between skid steers and track loaders, landscapers must delve into the many options available. Hydraulic flow, lift configurations, controls, tires or tracks, and additional features like backup cameras and telematics systems all contribute to the overall efficiency and productivity of the chosen equipment.
Attachments are the tools that transform skid steers and track loaders into versatile workhorses. From buckets and forks to trenchers, tillers, and snow blowers, landscapers can customize their machines based on project requirements. Matching the implement's hydraulic pressure and flow rate to the host machine is crucial for seamless operation. For those exploring new equipment, renting provides a practical avenue for experimentation.
In the dynamic landscape business, the right choice between a skid steer and a track loader, combined with thoughtful consideration of size, brand, options, and attachments, can make or break a business. Landscapers, as the unsung heroes of entrepreneurship, deserve equipment that empowers their vision and drives success.
