Difference Between Tracked and Wheeled Excavators
What are the differences between tracked and wheeled excavators?
- Tracked excavators are for soft land, while wheeled excavators work for urban land
- Tracked excavators are for digging applications, while wheeled excavators can be equipped with attachments
- Tracked excavators need more care compared to wheeled excavators.
- Wheeled excavators are much easier to maneuver
- Tracked excavators perform better on muddy surfaces, while wheeled excavators are better on the concrete
- Tracked excavators are more affordable.
It’s critical to know the right heavy equipment you need for a project before you can start since it saves you money, time, and effort. When the job requires digging trenches and foundations, then you’ll need to know the difference between tracked and wheeled excavators. Keep reading to learn more!
Tracked excavators are for soft land, while wheeled excavators work for urban land
Tracked excavators are much better for soft or uneven land since the vehicle offers even weight distribution while driving it. Compared to their wheeled counterpart, they have lower gravity centers which make them better for steep terrain or hills.
Wheeled excavators are equipped with stability arms and a dozer to ensure stability while in operation. This makes them ideal for urban, road, or bridge projects, as they offer reliable transportation and are a road-friendly alternative to traditional excavators.
Both excavators have similar features. Both vehicles are easy to drive between different sites. They are also safe to use on finished roads without causing damage. On top of that, operators can use a variety of attachments that are capable of providing another level of lifting and digging capacity.
Tracked excavators are for digging applications, while wheeled excavators can be equipped with attachments
In general, both tracked and wheeled excavators are versatile heavy-duty machines. However, tracked excavators are manufactured for digging applications. They can also be used for quarrying or demolition works when equipped with the right attachment, such as a crusher or hammer.
Unfortunately, wheeled excavators don’t have the same digging depth as their tracked counterparts, but they can be furnished with attachments as well. They are also useful for hard surfaces, including parking lots and urban environments where tracked excavators may destroy the land.
Tracked excavators need more care compared to wheeled excavators.
Next, tracked excavators require the utmost care and additional equipment to move them to another site. However, you can still use them for your long-term projects guaranteed that it only requires them to move less off-site. Meanwhile, wheeled excavators work well between sites, which reduces downtime, especially if the equipment is required to drive over rural roads.
Wheeled excavators are much easier to maneuver
Operators need to know that wheeled excavators are easier to maneuver compared to their tracked counterparts thanks to their speed, making them easier to drive even on hard surfaces. Specifically, wheeled excavators can get around the site at speeds of 35 kph.
On the other hand, tracked excavators are slower at 6-10km/h. However, it’s not their slower speeds that slow them, but the ability to drive the vehicle smoothly to various sites.
Tracked excavators perform better on muddy surfaces, while wheeled excavators are better on the concrete
The fuel efficiency of excavators depends on the type of soil they are operating on. For instance, tracked excavators perform better on muddy or wet surfaces. while wheeled excavators work best when you’re using them on hard surfaces, such as concrete.
One of the easiest ways to determine if your project requires tracked or wheeled excavators is to determine the type of soil your site has.
Tracked excavators are more affordable
When considering the budget for your project, it’s worth noting that wheeled excavators may be more costly than tracked ones. However, they offer long-term value. Renting wheeled excavators can be more difficult due to their lower popularity, but if you do find one, it can usually be rented for around 30-40% of the cost.
Tracked excavators offer more affordable prices and lower maintenance costs for construction projects. This is due to many factors including their undercarriage being less prone to damage and parts being easier to assemble.
Despite this, the price of both vehicles still relies on their availability on the market.
Key Takeaway
Understanding the difference between the two excavators helps projects determine which vehicle to use for their project’s specific depends on specific needs. You can either go for tracked and wheeled excavators since they are both safe, efficient, and easy to use. Whether you choose a tracked or wheeled excavator, be sure to take time to make an informed decision in mind.
If you have further questions about excavators, don’t hesitate to contact Multico today. We can supply you with heavy-duty equipment for your project needs. We’re also the authorized distributors of Clark Forklifts here in the Philippines!
