What Is a Skid Steer With Tracks Called?

A skid steer with tracks is commonly called a Compact Track Loader (CTL). In the construction, landscaping, and agricultural industries, this term is widely used to describe a skid steer–style machine that runs on rubber tracks instead of wheels. Compact track loaders are designed to deliver better traction, lower ground pressure, and improved stability on soft or uneven terrain.

Compact Track Loader (CTL): The Official Name

The most accurate and industry-accepted name for a tracked skid steer is Compact Track Loader, often abbreviated as CTL. While CTLs share a similar frame, lift arms, and attachment system with traditional skid steer loaders, the key difference lies in the undercarriage.

Skid Steer Loader (SSL):

• ●Uses four wheels

• ●Best for hard, flat surfaces

• ●Faster travel speed

• ●Lower upfront cost

Compact Track Loader (CTL):

• ●Uses rubber tracks

• ●Ideal for mud, sand, snow, and soft ground

• ●Better stability and pushing power

• ●Reduced ground disturbance

Because of these advantages, CTLs are often preferred for demanding job sites where wheeled skid steers may struggle.

Why Not Just Call It a Tracked Skid Steer?

You may hear terms like “tracked skid steer” or “track skid loader” in casual conversation or online searches. While these phrases are understandable, Compact Track Loader is the correct technical and commercial term used by manufacturers, dealers, and rental companies.

Using the proper term is important when:

• ●Searching for equipment specifications

• ●Comparing machine performance

• ●Requesting quotes or parts

Key Benefits of a Compact Track Loader

A skid steer with tracks (CTL) offers several performance advantages:

1. Superior Traction

Rubber tracks provide a larger contact area with the ground, allowing CTLs to work efficiently in slippery or loose conditions.

2. Lower Ground Pressure

CTLs distribute weight more evenly, reducing soil compaction and surface damage—especially important for landscaping and turf work.

3. Enhanced Stability

Tracks improve balance on slopes and uneven terrain, making operations safer and more precise.

4. Strong Attachment Compatibility

Like skid steers, CTLs support a wide range of attachments, including buckets, augers, trenchers, grapples, and forks.

Common Applications for Skid Steers With Tracks

Compact track loaders are widely used in:

• ●Construction sites

• ●Landscaping and hardscaping projects

• ●Agriculture and farming

• ●Snow removal

• ●Forestry and land clearing

Their versatility makes them a popular choice for contractors who work in varied ground conditions throughout the year.

Skid Steer vs. Compact Track Loader: Which Should You Choose?

If you mainly operate on paved or solid surfaces, a wheeled skid steer may be more cost-effective. However, if your work involves soft soil, mud, slopes, or wet conditions, a compact track loader is often the better long-term investment.

Conclusion

So, what is a skid steer with tracks called? The correct and widely recognized term is Compact Track Loader (CTL). While it shares many similarities with a traditional skid steer, the tracked design delivers superior traction, stability, and performance in challenging environments.

For buyers, contractors, and equipment dealers, understanding this terminology helps ensure better purchasing decisions, clearer communication, and more accurate online searches.