Choosing a Loader by Undercarriage

When choosing a loader, you’ve got a lot of different things to consider. How much horsepower do you need for the job? How fast can each loader get the job done? Will this machine be comfortable for your workers to operate? There’s a lot to think about before selecting the right equipment, but one part of the loader that you should pay special attention to is the undercarriage. Different types of undercarriages are appropriate for different types of jobs, so you should be informed about which design works best for your specific jobs.

Rigid-Mount Undercarriage

If you need a stable machine to level effectively and make even grades, you’ll want to select a loader with a rigid-mount/solid-mount undercarriage. With this type of tread, the distance between each side of the carriage and each loader lift arm will remain constant. This means that the machine doesn’t adjust height while moving across uneven ground, so the arms remain at the same height and make a nice, even grade. Essentially, solid-mount undercarriages allow your loader to operate like a bulldozer that grades and pushes material.

Although not as good for navigating uneven ground quickly and comfortably, the rigid-mount undercarriage still gets enough traction to roll through mud, gravel, or other loose and soft surfaces. As an added benefit these loaders are often more durable, helping buyers save long term on maintenance expenses and fees.

Suspended Undercarriage

If your jobs require a lot of movement over long distances, and you don’t care as much about leveling and grading evenly, we recommend getting a loader with a suspended undercarriage. With this type of tread you get more pushing power and maneuverability than you ever could with a rigid-mount undercarriage, which only has one point of contact on certain surfaces. This extra tread not only improves performance and lifting capacity, but also makes for quicker movements over a long distance, which ultimately shortens your cycle times.

Another great benefit to the suspended undercarriage is operator comfort. Because the suspension absorbs the shock and vibrations that come with bumpy surfaces, the operator doesn’t have to worry about getting shaken up while transferring a load. Overall, this means less fatigue for your workers, and also gives them more confidence to maneuver long distances quickly.

To shop loaders of all types, stop by TTJ Equipment! We offer three convenient locations in Lufkin, Cleveland, and Jasper, Texas, and are proud to serve the nearby city of Jacksonville, TX, as well as the entire Lone Star state.