When winter blankets the world in white, does your skid steer turn into a giant paperweight? Deep snow and icy conditions can bring even the toughest machines to a grinding halt. Choosing the right tracks for snow is more than just a purchase; it’s the key to keeping your winter work moving smoothly.
Many operators face the frustrating puzzle of selecting tracks. Do you need aggressive treads for deep powder, or something smoother for packed ice? Wrong choices mean wasted time, poor traction, and maybe even getting stuck when you least expect it. The market offers a confusing mix of rubber, steel, and specialized patterns, making the decision-making process a real headache.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a track excellent in snowy environments. By the end of this post, you will know which track type offers the best grip, durability, and value for your specific winter tasks. Let’s explore how to transform your skid steer into a true snow-conquering machine.
Top Skid Steer Tracks For Snow Recommendations
- Fits Bobcat 700 series, S130, S150, S175, S185 and S205
- Fits 10in. x 16.5in. tire size
- Compact and Flexible: MMS skid steer loader, with a maximum bucket width of only 46 inches, can easily work in narrow construction environments such as courtyards, warehouses, and roads, with strong maneuverability
- High Traction and Adhesion: Skid steer loader triangular track is in contact with the ground through continuous track plates, with a large friction area and uniform pressure distribution, reducing slippage and avoiding local sinking
- Foldable Foot Pedal: fast folding, the operator can fold/unfold with one foot, improving space utilization and maneuverability, durability and maintenance convenience
- High Performance Walking Motor: The left and right walking motors are independently controlled, achieving zero radius steering through differential speed. It adopts a closed circuit, with high control accuracy and optimized energy efficiency
- Multi Functional: MMS 380T sliding loader supports quick replacement of sliding accessories such as snow sweepers, forks, and spiral drills, meeting various working conditions and reducing equipment procurement and maintenance costs
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a reliable RATO 740 engine (22-25Hp), this mini skid steer offers a robust 840 lbs lifting capacity and 3600 RPM motor speed, ensuring efficient handling of heavy loads in various work scenarios(Hydraulic flow rate 25 liters/minute).
- Optimal Design for Versatility: With a 60" dumping height and 17.8" discharge distance, it's ideal for Daily heavy duty work, The hydraulic guided drive system enables smooth maneuvering even in tight spaces.
- Durable & Low-Maintenance: Air-cooled engine eliminates the need for coolant, reducing maintenance hassle. Its 18.2 lbs fuel tank capacity and 20-gallon hydraulic oil tank ensure long working hours without frequent refueling or oil changes.
- Safety & Stability: Travels at a controlled 6 Km/h speed for enhanced safety. The 7x28 In. tires provide excellent traction on different terrains, while the 12V electrical system powers essential functions reliably.
- Quick Operation: Completes a full lift-dump-return cycle in just 9 seconds, significantly boosting productivity. The 770 Lbs standard lifting capacity meets most daily operation requirements with ease.
- Advantages of tracked skid steer loader: MMS skid steer adopts a triangular track design, which increases the ground contact area on rocks or uneven surfaces. This enhances the anti slip grip, making it more suitable for rough terrain
- Powerful Travel Motor: Mini skid steer is equipped with a robust travel motor, delivering exceptional traction and mobility across various terrains. Its compact design makes it ideal for operating in tight spaces while maintaining high efficiency and productivity
- Easy to Operate: Our small skid steer loader features intuitive and responsive control levers, along with foldable foot pedals designed for comfortable and ergonomic operation. The front hood opens easily, providing convenient access for maintenance and refueling
- Multi Functional: Farm skid steer loader supports quick replacement of sliding accessories such as snow sweepers, forks, and spiral drills, meeting various working conditions and reducing equipment procurement and maintenance costs
- US Stock: MS360T Mini skid steer loader will be arranged for transportation by truck, including transportation and unloading
- Wide Application: This powerful mini skid steer loader equipped with a front bucket for material handling, loading, and transportation. Ideal for construction sites, yards, and docks
- Powerful performance: Powered by high performance 22 hp EPA engine. The loader machine hydraulic system provides smooth and precise control. Chassis features ventilation patterns for optimal cooling performance
- Compact Structure: This compact loader machine can steer in place. Allows excellent material handling, lifting and loading tasks in tight spaces. Perfect for residential construction, landscaping projects and building sites
- Crawler Walking: Small loader's rubber tracks provide superior traction and stability. Able to walk on a variety of terrain while minimizing ground pressure. Suitable for work on undulating ground
- Thoughtful Design: Skid loader front cover plate can be opened, double rod support. Convenient for inside inspection and maintenance. Ergonomic operating platform for comfortable and efficient operation
- Customization:Please note that the prices listed are not final. This mini skid steer loader offers a range of customisable styles and accessories. For more details or inquiries, we recommend that you contact us via Whatsapp+86 152 4966 3981 or leave us a message before place an order.
- Heavy-Duty Construction and Power Performance: Featuring a robust frame and a powerful engine, this mini skid steer loader is built to handle heavy-duty tasks such as excavation, trenching, and material loading effortlessly.
- Easy to Operate & Maintain: Intuitive control panel with clear labels, even beginners can master it in 10 minutes. Detachable engine cover and centralized maintenance points make daily inspection and oil change more convenient.
- Walk Behind Design for Barn Convenience: The walk behind skid steer loader features a slim body that can move freely in narrow barn aisles and chicken coops. The operator can walk alongside to observe the working area, avoiding blind spots during manure cleaning.
- Thoughtful Design: Skid loader front cover plate can be opened, double rod support. Convenient for inside inspection and maintenance. Ergonomic operating platform for comfortable and efficient operation
- Multi Functional Cleaning Tool: The sturdy 43 inch heavy-duty bulldozer is capable of efficiently pushing snow and soil on construction sites, leveling the ground, and other tasks. It is versatile with one shovel, improving equipment utilization
- 30 ° Flexible Operation: Hydraulic cylinder control, easily achieve left and right 30 degree angle adjustment. Directly control the direction without getting off the car, greatly improving work efficiency and handling convenience
- Replaceable Blade: Replaceable blade fixed with bolts and made of high hardness wear-resistant steel. By replacing worn parts instead of the entire shovel body, the adaptability life of the bulldozer shovel can be extended and costs can be reduced
- Optimized Arc-shaped Shovel Plate Design: Adopting an efficient arc-shaped shovel plate contour, actively rolling materials forward during snow/soil pushing process. Reduce material overflow and rollback, saving effort and minimizing repetitive tasks
- Link Size: In order to be compatible with your mini skid steer loader, please carefully check if the link size is consistent
- Please Note: This product has multiple models and supports customization. The prices listed are not final. We provide excellent service support and can recommend the most suitable products for you according to your needs to ensure your satisfaction. For more details, you can contact us via WhatsApp +86 13938509952.
- High-Lift Capacity & Reach: This powerful mini skid steer offers a vertical lift path, providing greater dump height and reach. This allows you to easily load trucks, place materials on scaffolding, and handle pallets with improved precision and safety on active construction sites.
- Versatile Attachments Compatibility: Small crawler excavator supports multiple attachments (buckets, breakers, augers, etc.) for digging, breaking, and more. (Bucket & mechanical thumb included. Other attachments sold separately.)
- Compact & Agile Desing: Engineered for tight spaces, Mini excavator machine boasts a compact footprint and a stable, 360-degree rotating undercarriage for superior maneuverability. Ideal for residential projects and confined job sites.
- Highly Maneuverable for Tight Access: The compact footprint and responsive steering of this mini loader allow it to access confined areas like gate sides, backyard pathways, and storage sheds. Tackle cleanup and transport jobs in spaces that are off-limits to larger equipment.
Choosing the Right Skid Steer Tracks for Snow
When winter hits, your skid steer needs the right shoes to keep working. Snow and ice can stop regular tires in their tracks. Heavy-duty rubber tracks designed for snow are the answer. This guide helps you pick the best set for your machine and the tough winter jobs ahead.
Key Features to Look For
Aggressive Tread Pattern
The most important feature is the tread. You need deep, aggressive treads. These act like big snow tires. They dig into the snow and ice. This gives you maximum traction. Look for patterns that look like deep V-shapes or large blocks. These patterns push snow away effectively.
Track Width and Length
Wider tracks spread the weight of your skid steer over a larger area. This is called ground pressure. Lower ground pressure helps you float over deep, soft snow instead of sinking. Check your machine’s specifications. You must match the track width and length exactly to your undercarriage. Wrong sizes cause damage.
Tread Depth and Openings
Deeper treads last longer. They also offer better grip over many seasons. Tracks with larger openings between the lugs (the rubber blocks) shed snow easily. If snow packs into small gaps, it turns into a slick, useless surface. Good snow tracks self-clean.
Important Materials Matter
Skid steer tracks face extreme cold and sharp ice. The material must handle this abuse.
- Natural Rubber Compounds: High-quality tracks use premium natural rubber. This rubber stays flexible even when it is freezing cold. Stiff rubber cracks easily.
- Steel Cords: Inside the rubber are strong steel cables. These cords give the track its strength and prevent stretching. Look for tracks with high-tensile steel cords.
- Cut-Resistant Additives: Good manufacturers mix in special chemicals. These additives fight off cuts and chunks from sharp ice or hidden debris under the snow.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters
Tracks with reinforced internal structures last longer. Tracks built by companies that specialize only in undercarriage parts often perform better. Better quality means you spend less time replacing tracks.
Quality Reducers
Cheap tracks often use lower-grade rubber. This rubber gets brittle fast when temperatures drop below zero. Also, tracks made with uneven rubber thickness will wear out quickly on one side. Always check warranty length; a longer warranty shows manufacturer confidence.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your machine changes what track you need.
Heavy Plowing and Moving Slush
If you are constantly pushing heavy, wet snow or deep drifts, you need the absolute best traction. Prioritize wide tracks with the deepest, most aggressive treads. These might be slightly slower but they will not get stuck.
Ice and Light Snow Management
For jobs mainly involving packed snow or icy driveways, some users add metal studs or chains over their rubber tracks. However, if you mostly deal with ice, look for tracks specifically designed with small biting edges built into the rubber pattern itself. These offer better grip without needing extra hardware.
Remember, tracks are an investment. Choosing the right snow tracks keeps your work moving safely all winter long.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Skid Steer Snow Tracks
Q: How often should I check my snow tracks?
A: You should inspect your tracks before every major snow removal job. Look for deep cuts, missing lugs, or loose steel cords.
Q: Can I use my regular all-terrain tracks in the snow?
A: You can use them, but they will not perform well. Regular tracks lack the deep, aggressive tread needed to grip deep or icy snow effectively.
Q: Do snow tracks wear out faster than regular tracks?
A: In pure snow, no. However, if you use aggressive snow tracks on bare pavement frequently, the sharp lugs will wear down very quickly.
Q: What is the main benefit of wide tracks in snow?
A: Wide tracks lower the ground pressure. This stops your machine from sinking deep into soft, fluffy snow.
Q: Are snow tracks much more expensive than tires?
A: Yes, quality track systems cost more upfront. However, they offer much better performance and often last longer than tires in tough conditions.
Q: How do I know what size track to order?
A: You must check the model number and size specifications stamped on your existing undercarriage frame or consult your machine’s owner manual.
Q: Should I remove my tracks in the spring?
A: Yes. Running aggressive rubber tracks on hot asphalt causes fast, unnecessary wear and tear on the rubber.
Q: Can I install steel studs on rubber snow tracks?
A: Many manufacturers sell tracks ready for studs. Always check if your specific track model supports stud installation before drilling.
Q: What is ‘track float’?
A: Track float describes how well the machine stays on top of the snow instead of digging down. Wider tracks provide better float.
Q: How do I clean packed snow out of the treads?
A: The best way is usually by running the machine forward and backward a few times on a rough, cleared surface. Sometimes, a stiff brush or light pressure washing helps after the initial run.