Wheeled vehicle vs tracked vehicle

Wheels or tracks on slopes? Make the choice for maximum profitability.

The latest generation of rubber-tyred technology overcomes the limitations of traditional tracked vehicles by combining high performance, lower fuel consumption and soil protection.
Compare the advantages
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More than tracks: the engineering solution to working on slopes

Tracks were long considered the only viable option for tackling steep terrain. However, their limitations in terms of wear and tear, running costs and restrictions on public roads have always affected day-to-day working.

Thanks to advances in mechanical engineering and tyre technology, WM technics now offers a viable alternative: rubber-tyred solutions capable of tackling the steepest gradients while ensuring maximum stability, yet with significantly lower operating costs and unprecedented efficiency.
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Benefits of wheeled vehicles

Productivity and speed
Rapid movement and larger areas covered in a single day.
Real cost savings
Reduced fuel consumption and operating costs.
Soil protection
Less compaction and reduced risk of erosion on slopes and grassed areas.
Total safety and comfort
No risk of sudden tracks throwing, guaranteed stability.

Technical comparison: wheeled vehicle vs tracked vehicle

Compare the operating characteristics of the two technologies and assess the advantages of wheeled vehicles in terms of productivity, wear and fuel consumption.

Wheeled vehicle

Tracked vehicle
Working speed

Higher travel speed

 

Reduced and limited working speed

Road journeys

Faster road journeys

 

Extremely slow journeys subject to severe restrictions

Transport logistics

No transport trailer required

 

Almost always requires a tractor unit and trailer/flatbed trailer

Energy efficiency

Lower fuel consumption

 

High fuel consumption due to continuous track friction

Workshop servicing

Lower maintenance costs

 

Frequent, complex maintenance

Costs of wear and tear

Lower wear and tear costs

 

High mechanical wear of components, costly replacement parts

Driving ergonomics

Greater driving comfort

 

Hard ride with adverse effects on operator health

Smoothness of travel

Tyres mean smooth operation

 

Hard ride with constant jolting on uneven terrain

Mechanical stresses

Less vibration

 

High vibration levels continuously transmitted to chassis and driver

Integrity of yard surfaces

No damage to yard areas

 

Risk of damage to asphalt, interlocking paving or farmyard surfaces

Soil protection

Gentler on grass surfaces

 

Tendency to sink into or scrape surface layers

Steering on grassed areas

No cutting effect when manoeuvring on grassed areas

 

Aggressive “scissor/tearing” effect during steering manoeuvres

Erosion prevention

Lower risk of erosion when turning

 

Significant soil displacement with risk of run-off and erosion

Transmission efficiency

Greater transmission efficiency

 

Power loss due to track system inertia

Operational versatility

Greater flexibility

 

Limited mainly to steep gradients and extreme terrain

Scope of application

Wide range of uses

 

Limited to specific sectors, restricted versatility for other uses

Ease of cleaning

Easier to clean

 

Significant accumulation of mud, soil or stones

Maintainability

Easier to maintain

 

Complex maintenance often requiring specialist equipment

Costs of spare parts

Lower spare part costs

 

Expensive spare parts (tracks, chains, pins, drive wheels)

Noise levels

Lower noise emissions

 

Constant mechanical noise

Soil compaction

Reduced unladen weight

 

High overall weight of mechanical drive system

Steering accuracy

Greater steering accuracy

 

Less precise steering susceptible to drifting, particularly at higher speed

Agility

Greater manoeuvrability

 

Limited turning radius, rigid manoeuvring

Economic performance

Greater profitability

 

High hourly costs impacting business balance sheets

Resale value

Higher resale value

 

Rapid depreciation due to wear and tear of mechanical parts

Versatility on flat terrain

Suitable for use on flat terrain

 

Inefficient, slow and uneconomical

Wheel configuration

Option to fit twin tyres

 

Fixed track width, cannot be adjusted with additional wheels

Traction reliability

No risk of track throwing

 

Risk of tracks coming off on rocks or steep lateral slopes

Seasonal usage

All-year-round usage possible

 

Mainly seasonal usage linked to specific tasks

Designed for slopes

Our rubber-tyred solutions, such as our Vitrac and Viroc models, are designed to combine the grip of a tracked vehicle with the versatility and cost-effectiveness of a wheeled vehicle. Every component is designed and manufactured in-house to ensure absolute safety, even on the most challenging contours.

Vitrac

With Vitrac, we introduce a new generation of tool carriers for viticulture designed for terraced vineyards, steep slopes, and confined spaces.

Compact agricultural vehicle with open cab and 4-wheel drive.

Viroc

Viroc is the innovative, high-tech multifunction tractor designed with a focus on the driver and their safety.

This machine is a true game-changer in agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Thanks to all-wheel drive, optimal weight distribution, and specially developed slope tires, Viroc and Vitrac provide excellent traction even in demanding steep locations. If needed, the contact area can be further increased using dual tires.

The maximum permissible slope gradient depends on the model, tires, mounted implement, and ground conditions. Viroc and Vitrac were developed specifically for professional use on steep slopes and deliver maximum stability even under challenging conditions.

Viroc and Vitrac combine the slope capability of a tracked vehicle with the advantages of modern wheel technology: higher driving speed, lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and full road suitability.

Yes. Tires generally incur significantly lower maintenance and spare part costs than track systems. Additionally, typical tasks such as retensioning, aligning, or replacing track components are eliminated.

Yes. Viroc and Vitrac enable fast road transport between different operation sites. This saves time and often eliminates the need for an additional transport trailer.

Yes. Modern tires, optimized weight distribution, and a large contact area reduce soil compaction. At the same time, the turf remains protected as best as possible, even during turning maneuvers.

Thanks to modern tire options and permanent all-wheel drive, Viroc and Vitrac maintain high operational and driving safety even in difficult ground conditions.

Yes. Both vehicle concepts were specifically engineered for working along contour lines. The low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution ensure high lateral stability.

In most applications, yes. Lower fuel consumption, reduced wear, lower maintenance costs, and higher area performance lead to significantly lower operating costs per working hour.

Viroc and Vitrac are ideally suited for fruit growing, viticulture, grassland management, municipal services, as well as all applications in steep and challenging terrain where safety, productivity, and soil protection are required.

Dual tires increase the contact area, improve lateral stability on slopes, boost traction, and reduce ground pressure.

Because modern agriculture requires more than just maximum traction. Today, productivity, operating costs, flexibility, and soil protection are key. Viroc and Vitrac deliver the essential safety required on steep slopes while simultaneously ensuring faster workflows, reduced wear and tear, and superior cost-effectiveness over their entire service life.