The question of choosing between wheeled and tracked special equipment is not just a technical one, but a strategic one. It affects the cost of ownership, productivity, stability on difficult soils and even the service life of the equipment. Many companies, especially in the construction, agriculture and public works sectors, sooner or later come to the need to switch to tracked special equipment . When such a step is justified – we will figure it out below.

In which cases does tracked equipment win

There are a number of operating conditions in which the track base shows clear advantages:

  • Complex or unstable soils – marshy terrain, sandstone, clay. Wide tracks distribute the weight of the machine, reducing pressure on the soil and eliminating slippage.
  • Work on slopes and uneven terrain – special equipment crawler excavator maintains stability on slopes, which is especially important in quarries or during road works.
  • Continuous high load – a crawler excavator can work for 8-10 hours a day with lower risks for the undercarriage.

If such conditions prevail in a project, the transition to a tracked platform is not a question of prestige, but of economic efficiency.

When Wheeled Vehicles Lose

Wheeled vehicles are attractive due to their mobility and speed of movement on the highway. But:

  • They perform worse on soft soils.
  • Require frequent repairs of tires and shock absorber system.
  • May sink into loose soil when heavily loaded.

If your fleet already includes several wheeled vehicles that are unable to cope with the volume or are losing efficiency in difficult conditions, this is a signal to reconsider your strategy.

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How to choose the right type of tracked equipment

The transition does not necessarily mean replacing the entire fleet. In some cases, it is enough to introduce small tracked special equipment to perform specific tasks: planning, clearing, trenches in limited space conditions. Compact models provide:

  • Excellent maneuverability;
  • Minimal surface damage;
  • Ease of transportation between sites.

If the tasks are larger, consider used crawler excavators in good condition. They allow you to reduce investments while maintaining reliability, especially if the equipment undergoes pre-sale diagnostics and preparation.

Replacement Economics: When It Makes Sense

Switching to a tracked platform may make sense in the following scenarios:

  • The cost of repairing wheeled vehicles exceeds 30–40% of their residual value.
  • The scope of work requires a minimum of 1000 engine hours per year.
  • Productivity losses due to downtime become critical.
  • There is a need to expand the work area to less accessible areas.

It’s also important to consider cost of ownership: tracked vehicles can be cheaper to operate despite a higher initial price.

If you are thinking about switching to a tracked platform, it is important to choose the right equipment for the specifics of your business. At TAD Group, we select solutions based not only on catalog specifications, but also on the customer’s real tasks. With us you will find special equipment in excellent technical condition, tested and ready to work in any conditions. We will help make the transition strategically justified and economically advantageous.