Operating a skid steer during the winter possesses several challenges—namely, a lack of traction. The presence of snowy, icy, and otherwise slippery surfaces can impede both the safety and productivity of your fleet. Fortunately, using the right rubber tracks can make all the difference. Equipping your machine with these recommended skid steer tracks in winter conditions will help you stay safe and productive year-round.
Traditional Skid Steer Tracks Used in Snow
The C-pattern and block pattern tracks are more general-purpose tracks that perform adequately on most surfaces. Although most people equip their skid steer with tracks that have one of these popular tread patterns, they are not ideal for harsh winter driving conditions. Often, such general-purpose tracks will not provide ample traction when used on snowy terrain. Rather than gripping onto the snow, they tend to dig into the surface of the snow. In addition, they also do not provide the optimum traction necessary for skid steer operation on icy surfaces.
Best Skid Steer Tracks for Winter Conditions
To provide your skid steer with optimal traction on slippery or soft surfaces covered with snow or ice, consider using a TDF multibar track or a terrapin track. Rather than deep lugs, these tracks have more linear edges. In other words, they have a greater area of linear tread edges that grip the snow and ice.
Such linear edges grab the snow rather than dig into it and provide ample traction on icy surfaces for premium performance in winter weather conditions. It’s important to note that TDF multibar and terrapin tracks aren’t the only recommended skid steer tracks to use in winter conditions. Their special design allows them to perform impeccably well in a wide range of conditions for improved efficiency year-round.
To improve the productivity and efficiency of your skid steer during the coldest months of the year, consider replacing your general-purpose tracks with a pair of our specialty TDF or Terrapin tracks. McLaren Industries is a leading provider of exceptional quality rubber tracks designed to fit a wide range of brands—from Bobcat to Caterpillar. To learn more about our innovative skid steer tracks, contact us today at (800) 836-0040 or click here to request a quote.