Do You Already Own / Maintain Tracked Skid Steers?
As most people know, tracked machines are costlier to operate. Replacement of tracks, bogey wheels, sprockets and idler wheels is a cost of operation that wheeled machines just don’t have. However, there is a reason why more and more people are utilizing tracked machines in their day to day operation. Less damage to the work-site, more traction, less likely to become buried, more control, less bouncy, and greater weight capacity are just a few of the reasons that summer work is more profitable using a tracked skid steer. If you are used to this additional cost, and are not afraid of it because you know what you are getting, tracked machines for snow removal is probably second nature to you.
Snow Plowing with Tracks Vs. Tires (wheels) On Skid steers
Often times you can decide what is the best solution for your business by asking yourself the previous list of questions. Ask yourself the list of questions in that order, and you should feel confident about your direction as a result.
Pushing Snow Back Beyond the Curb?
Do your snow contracts require you to haul piles of snow from the parking lot? Is there space to store the snow in the turf adjacent to the parking lot? Many times there is room to push snow right off the lot and into the adjacent grass. If you had a machine that could do this at the same time that it is pushing the snow off the lot, why wouldn’t you? Of course you need to have a machine that will not cause damage to the landscape, and will not get stuck in the process. Skid steers with a suspension snow track are a perfect fit for this type of operation. Not only can you take the snow right off the lot and shove it back, you can jump the curb with a snow-ramp you create, and even ramp up massive piles over many different snow events. This approach might save your customer money by not having to haul snow, and will create good repertoire between you and your customer.
Snow Pushing with The Right Type of Tracks:
If you answered yes to the first question, then you are already familiar with the fact that tracks can be more efficient than tires at many tasks in the summertime work. Before you decide to bid your first snow contract using all of your summer tracked machines, please note that there are many different versions of tracks out there. Dirt tracks are often very stiff and have large flat surfaces that increase their wear life in the dirt and over asphalt. This type of track does not lend itself well to snow removal since it tends to slip and slide. I recommend the sort of track that is specifically designed for snow. Some of the track systems on certain brands even equip the machine with a suspension so that you can drive right up and over curbs; pushing snow back as far as you want without getting stuck or having to jump hard over curbs to get there. If all you have are dirt tracks on your machines, you may want to consider switching to snow tracks during the winter months, or re-evaluate what you need your skid steers for in the summertime. Read on to the next question.
Have You Considered Snow Tires for Your Wheeled Skid Steer?
Tracked machines are good for most jobs. Like tracked machines, some tires are good in snow and others not. Just like your favorite muscle car is equipped with the right tires for the right application, you must consider what you are trying to accomplish and use the right equipment for the job. In this case you are trying to get as much speed and traction from your wheel skid loader as possible. Typically, contractors get by with the R4 type dirt tires that come standard on many machines. They use them “because they work”. Now that can be a problem. They work well enough to trick you into thinking that there is not much to be gained by using real snow tires. Consider these possible advantages comparing dirt tires to snow tires.
- Snow Tires for Skid Steers Offer More Traction While Pushing
- Snow Tires Offer More Traction While Turning
- Snow Tires Are Often Taller – Increasing Speed
- Snow Tires Stop the Machine Faster – Decreases Accidents
Snow Tire Kit (A.K.A Kage Klawz)
What is a Snow Tire Kit? A snow tire kit is the tire and rim for all four corners of the machine. The tire has a gripper tread with a wavy pattern and open edges. This allows more weight per square inch which means more weight on the rubber. The rim is a heavy duty rim with a full steel plate completely welded around the entire rim. This rim could very well be the last rim you will ever need to purchase for your snow tires. Most popular skid steer models utilize our standard 245 or 255 snow tire kits. However, if you have a special application that requires maximum traction, give us a call! We have the capability to build any rim for any machine and put snow tires on it.
Please call 844-314-Kage or email: info@kageinnovation.com to learn more!
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