The Cat Rental Store Guide: The Different Types of Loaders

Loaders are among the most widely used machines in earthmoving. They allow contractors to move, lift, and transport large amounts of soil, rock, and debris quickly. With many types of loaders available, choosing the right one depends on your project size, terrain, and materials. This guide explains the most common types of loaders, their uses, and the benefits of renting construction loaders for your jobsite.

Backhoe Loaders

Backhoe loaders are versatile machines found on most construction sites. They feature two key components: a front loading bucket and a rear hoe attachment. The bucket handles loading, transporting, and dumping; the hoe digs and breaks apart tough materials.

Because they use wheels instead of tracks, backhoe loaders move quickly across sites and even between work locations without requiring a trailer.

Uses for Backhoe Loaders

• Construction: Digging trenches or breaking up concrete
• Landscaping: Digging holes and moving debris 
• Excavating: Combining digging with loading and hauling materials

Skid Steer Loaders

Skid steer loaders are four-wheeled machines known for their maneuverability. Their tight-turn capability makes them excellent for work in confined areas.

The Cat Rental Store offers skid steers with a wide range of attachments, expanding their use across multiple tasks.

Uses for Skid Steer Loaders

• Move material, grade surfaces, and clear debris on compact construction sites.
• Handle feed, hay, and soil in barns, pens, and open fields.
• Mulch brush, cut roots, and clear undergrowth for land management.

Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loaders work where underfoot conditions are not ideal for wheeled skid steers. They work best in soft conditions such as snow and sand, and they excel on slopes.

Uses for Compact Track Loaders

• Spread soil, mulch, or gravel while protecting turf and soft ground.
• Break up concrete, haul debris, and lift loads on uneven or muddy terrain.
• Load, transport, and unload materials efficiently across large or sloped jobsites.

Wheel Loaders

Wheel loaders are front-end machines designed for moving large volumes of material quickly. They come in compact, small, medium, and large models, ensuring there’s a machine for every jobsite.

Wheel loaders also support a variety of Cat work tool attachments, increasing their versatility.

Uses for Wheel Loaders

• Transporting materials in quarries, sand pits, and waste facilities.
• General construction tasks such as moving raw materials and debris.
• Digging and reloading material into other equipment.

Track Loaders

Track loaders use tracks instead of wheels, giving them excellent stability on rough or uneven terrain. They are reliable in waste handling, demolition, and general construction where traction is critical.

Uses for Track Loaders

• Material handling like moving and loading waste 
• Transporting heavy materials across construction sites
• Earthmoving tasks in demolition, agriculture, and site preparation

Cat Work Tool Attachments for Loaders

Attachments expand the capabilities of loaders, turning them into multi-use machines. Popular options include augers, blades, compactors, grapples, hammers, rakes, and brushcutters.

With the right attachment, your loader can trench, drill, sweep, cut brush, compact soil, or even rip pavement, making it one of the most versatile types of construction loaders available.

Benefits of Renting Loaders From The Cat Rental Store

• No upfront cash outlay, keeping your capital available for other expenses
• Reliable, well-maintained equipment available when you need it
• Flexible options to choose the right machine size and type for every project

Visit The Cat Rental Store for Your Loader Needs

The Cat Rental Store is your go-to source for different types of loaders and other earthmoving equipment. With over 1,300 locations worldwide, you’ll find reliable machines, flexible terms, and expert support to keep your projects moving forward.

Choosing the Right Skid Loader for Your Operation

Not sure what style or size skid steer loader you need? Read on to learn which skid loader is best for your job today.

Large Wheel Loaders and Their Different Uses

Large wheel loaders are durable, high-capacity and versatile, making them a great machine for many jobs. Learn more about their uses and rent from a Cat dealer.

Skid Steer or Compact Track Loader — Which Do I Choose?

A skid steer and compact track loader have designs that suit them to certain applications. Learn to choose with The Cat Rental Store.

What Is a Front-End Loader?

The Cat Rental Store is your headquarters for a front-end loader rental that will add value to your projects. Contact us to learn more today.