Wheels or Tracks: Which is Better for Snow Removal?

Skid steer loaders (SSLs) and compact track loaders (CTLs) are two extremely popular pieces of equipment for snow removal. Both machines are super maneuverable, allowing them to operate in areas like tight parking lots, and are able to move snow in a variety of different ways—such as pushing, piling, and lifting. Both these machines excel at tough jobs and work in harsh conditions, but the question remains: is a skid steer or a track loader better for snow removal?

Tire Damage Detective Work 

Tires keep valuable construction machinery moving, contribute significantly to their productivity, and represent one of the most costly consumables in relation to both compact and heavy equipment alike. One way you can make the most of this investment is to routinely check your equipment’s tires, understand what signs of wear or damage are saying about their use, and use that knowledge to extend tire life (maximizing performance and minimizing cost) or find the best replacement tire possible (forestalling future problems).

As of Jan 1, 2021, Alliance Tire Group and Alliance Tire Americas, Inc. changed their names to Yokohama Off-Highway Tires and Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc respectively. The Alliance, Galaxy and Primex brands and product names remain unchanged. Product information is available at www.yokohama-oht.com.

Launching a new brand of truck tires is a huge task, even for a company with a global reputation for the quality of its Galaxy, Alliance and Primex off-highway tire (OHT) brands. Truckers want to know that the new line of Galaxy truck tires have proven themselves on the road.

As of Jan 1, 2021, Alliance Tire Group and Alliance Tire Americas, Inc. changed their names to Yokohama Off-Highway Tires and Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc respectively. The Alliance, Galaxy and Primex brands and product names remain unchanged. Product information is available at www.yokohama-oht.com.

Alliance Tire Americas has launched a new line of truck and bus radial (TBR) tires under its Galaxy brand. The new Galaxy TBR line includes 10 designs and more than 40 sizes of 16-ply, all-steel radials, with plans for continued expansion. The new Galaxy family of truck and bus radials includes long-haul, regional and long/short hybrid tires for steer, drive and trailer positions.

Bringing Radial Tires to Backhoes 

Though it’s not yet a common sight to see backhoes and other construction equipment riding on radial tires in North America, in places like Europe they’re becoming increasingly popular thanks to the many benefits they provide, including:

• Longer tire life
• Better suited to travel long distances 
• Greater puncture resistance in the tread area 
• More traction 
• Increased equipment productivity 
• Superior ride and improved operator comfort