Wed November 08, 2023 - National Edition #23 Brett Hart – SPECIAL TO CEG
Getting the best traction for skid steers in the winter is dependent on multiple factors such as: Excavator Tracks For Sale
Those conditions affect which type of vehicle propulsion will work best such as wheels or tracks. The three most common ways to gain traction on snowy surfaces for skid steers are to use:
Tracked skid steers, called compact track loaders, are a solid solution for plowing snow when there is no need or desire for the propulsion system to get all the way down to bare ground or pavement.
The wide tracks offer a stable surface that disperses weight over larger areas, allowing the compact track loader to drive across the top of thick snow and get more points of contact with icy surfaces.
Think of it like a snowmobile, which uses tracks to crawl and skim across the top of the snow.
Compact track loaders (CTLs) also will provide the smoothest ride for the operator as they generally offer some suspension. They also climb over large bumps and divots with ease.
If plowing snow on paved surfaces which are frequently cleared, and the snow is fairly loose, wheeled skid steers with snow tires are the best solution.
Skid steer snow tires are designed to be narrower than standard skid steer tires. This allows the tires to work their way through the snow more easily to reach that paved surface below — where the traction lies. The snow tires will gain traction from the friction between the tires and the pavement rather than crawling across the top of the snow.
Wheeled skid steers generally are able to travel at higher speeds than CTLs. This is only amplified as tire diameter increases. Skid steer snow tires, such as KAGE Klawz are often larger in diameter than skid steer tires designed for dirt.
The ability to travel at higher speeds is important not only for clearing snow faster, but for transporting a plow/machine to different plowing locations.
Since most wheeled skid steers do not offer much in the form of suspension, having the right tires can help. While bias ply snow tires generally offer a lower price tag, radial snow tires will generate a more comfortable ride with better handling — especially for sharp turns.
Snow chains are another great way to gain extra traction in the snow. If you've ever driven through the mountains in the winter, you may have noticed the "chains required" signs. This is because chains are proven to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions.
Chains can be hard on paved surfaces and may not be allowed in many residential areas or commercial parking lots. However, if plowing gravel roads, parking lots or driveways, this may be a great option.
Chains are more aggressive than snow tires and rubber tracks, which is great for traction — especially on ice. Just be sure you're not causing damage in the process.
For more information, visit kageinnovation.com.
(This article was reprinted with the permission of KAGE Innovation. https://kageinnovation.com/skid-steer-snow-tires-vs-chains-and-tracks-for-traction/)
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise Widens SR 91
More Than a Loader: Four Big Jobs for Your Compact Track Loader
ABC: Half of State Construction Unemployment Rates Down in December 2023 From a Year Prior
Volvo Completes Acquisition of Battery Business From Proterra Inc., Proterra Operating Company
JV Cuts Timeline On $160M Michigan Bridge
University of Alabama Closes in On New Premier Golf Complex
VIDEO: Caterpillar Reports Fourth-Quarter, Full-Year 2023 Results
Chevron Introduces New Rykon Formula to Grease Product Line
Construction Equipment Guide 470 Maryland Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034 800-523-2200
Construction Equipment Guide covers the nation with its four regional newspapers, offering construction and industry news and information along with new and used construction equipment for sale from dealers in your area. Now we extend those services and information to the internet. Making it as easy as possible to find the news and equipment that you need and want.
Excavator tracks Contents Copyrighted 2024, by Construction Equipment Guide, which is a Registered Trademark, registered in the U.S. Patent Office. Registration number 0957323. All rights reserved, nothing may be reprinted or reproduced (including framing) in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. All editorial material, photographs, drawings, letters, and other material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Construction Equipment Guide’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Contributor articles do not necessarily reflect the policy or opinions of this publication. Read our privacy policy here. Mastodon