Wheeled Skid Steer vs. Tracked Skid Steer: Which One is Right for You?

Introduction

Why This Comparison Matters

If you are in the process of deciding which mini-loader is best for your project, choosing between one with wheels and the other which is categorized under the compact track loader type (also known as tracked or multi-terrain) will be one of the first things that you will have to tackle. This choice, however, goes beyond mere preference or logo— there are implications for performance, cost, efficiency, and job quality as a whole.

Regardless of whether you are dealing with a leveled area in your backyard, a muddy construction site, or in the snow, the undercarriage of your skid steer machine makes all the difference in the world. A tracked skid steer provides grip and flotation, the wheels facilitate speed and at a lower cost. But, which one do you really need that suits your requirements best?

Throughout the course of this article (which will last from parameters of features such as terrain handling, lifting power, maintenance costs, to many others), we will try to get you familiar with every little fact about each of them, which we hope will help you find a solution on which you can benefit more, economically and functionally, and also which one can deal better with the situation you are faced with.

Overview of Core Differences

Before we turn to the detailed comparison of all the features of both a tracked skid steer and a wheeled skid steer, here is an initial indication of the major differences:

• Mobility: Wheeled skid steers are faster on solid, paved surfaces, whereas tracked skid steers are able to navigate soft, slippery areas much more effectively.
• Ground Pressure: A tracked skid steer, dispersing more weight, causes less damage to the surface of the site.
• Maintenance: Wheels are more cost-effective and simpler to change as opposed to rubber tracks in the case of skid steers.

Cost: Tradition units have a reasonable price initially, but over the years they use more fuel and therefore cost more than the tracked units.

Versatility: The tools are common to both types of machines, but the effectiveness of the tools is determined by the surface over which they are used.

Even though manual labor is necessary for both machines, the difference in their performances and expenditures rest on the specific prevailing conditions of a certain location. Getting the wrong machine type would result in time losses, increased operational costs, or even property damage.

Shall we now progress and discuss in very specific terms what each machine can or can’t do?

What is a Wheeled Skid Steer?

Design and Mobility

The simplest design of a skid steer that is driven by rubber-tired wheels can be cited as an example of a wheeled skid steer. It consists of four wheels (one pair on each side of the vehicle) that are independent of each other, which makes it possible for the vehicle to turn spin on the spot (this is where the term “skid” comes from). The machine’s structure is rigid, moving only in the same manner as a backhoe or a larger loader, but this is what makes the skid steers very attractive to end-users—they can make very tight turns.

Weel skid steers are most effective on firm, dry, or flat surfaces such as:

• Concrete and asphalt
• Compacted dirt and grave
• Indoor flooring (for demo or warehouse work)

Wheeled units are faster and can cover longer-sustained distances as the absence of friction acting on the wheels increases machine speed and fuel efficiency. Such machines are the best choice for projects where quick displacement has to be made or larger sites have to be navigated around.

Furthermore, the average ones are lighter, and therefore, can be transported more easily, ensuring trailers have lower levels of breakdown and trailers are less stressfully transported. The majority of the general-use trailers are capable of transporting the wheeled unit without the necessity of a CDL or being pulled by a heavy-duty truck.

In terms of design, wheeled models generally have:

• Smaller footprints
• Less complex undercarriages
• Faster travel speeds (7-12 mph depending on the model)

On the whole, wheeled skid steers are not only compact but also agile, thus being best suited for tasks of mobility and efficiency such as those of landscapers, utility crews, and indoor demolition contractors.

Common Applications

Wheeled skid steers are usually employed in the industries where the territory is hard to predict and accessible and speed is a crucial factor. Regular scenarios are:

• Landscaping: Fairing lawns, moving mulch or stone, and site prep on dry turf.
• Indoor demolition: Enter through a building’s door and then maneuvering inside to carry down or remove the material.
• Paving and roadwork: Asphalt hauling, street sweeping, and trenching at streets or driveways.
• Snow removal: Even with the right tires and attachments, they still can handle snow removal with grace in mild to moderate conditions.

A lot of companies opt for wheeled skid steers operating in a daily routine, mainly because they are faster, more cost-effective, and more adaptable in dry environments. If, say, your work is mostly based on solid basic ground, a wheeled model is what you should go for.

What is a Tracked Skid Steer?

Design and Terrain Adaptability

The tracked skid steer or compact track loader, upgrades the normal wheels with a substantial rubber track system. Quite logically, this dramatically changes the machine’s ground interaction in one step. Rather than pressing four contact points against the ground (wheels), the tracks spread the weight over a large surface area.

And the outcome? A decreased ground pressure, improved grip, and more stability, particularly on difficult terrains such as:

• Mud
• Snow
• Sand
• Loose gravel
• Steep or uneven slopes

Tracked units are also inherently built to be heavier. The combination of the extra machine weight and track traction helps them exert, hoist, or support a load better while executing pull or push actions with force or performing heavy tasks.

Tracked skid steers are a little bit slower than the wheel ones; however, they can basically go anywhere while still ensuring the surface is not damaged and the machine is not stuck.

Their undercarriages are further strengthened, they have suspension systems, and they, becoming mainly stable, are characterized by better load-carrying capacity as well.

Professional Sectors That Utilize Tracked Units

Tracked skid steers are the primary tool for builders and teams that encounter the following challenges on a regular basis:

• Dirty job sites
• Snow and ice
• Forest work
• Heavy material handling
• Land clearing and grading
• New construction on raw ground

Furthermore, tradesmen who specialize in construction and landscaping in areas with varying climate conditions like one day it can rain, and the next day it can be hot, and still prefer tracked machines because of their consistent high performance notwithstanding the uncertain weather.

Furthermore, a wide variety of worker’s e.g., city personnel, utility workers, and general contractors are among the users that quite often would like to have tracked machines not only as a weather-proof source, fully, but also for other important reasons. The availability of a considerable number of the workers for work and their lighter impact on the surroundings facilitate machine tracking.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Main Gutters

Traction and Terrain Performance

The tracked skid steers are much ahead of the wheeled skid steers in the field of traction. The rubberized belts of the former greatly extend the surface area of contact with the ground and, thereby, increase the grip force between the vehicle and the road.

On the other hand, the wheeled skid steers are still a choice; however, they are just not as good when the road surface does not provide enough adhesion, snow, and mud being the most typical ones.

Although rubber wheels perform well on tarmac, they push the machine’s weight into a limited area, thereby can cause sinking or rutting in soft grounds.

Conversely, they can work efficiently and effectively on well-compacted surfaces such as asphalt, high-quality concrete, or dry, loose gravel. They are more optimized for maneuvering faster and more easily on hard soils and cause fewer damages like pavement or driveways digging.

The comparison of the two types looks like this:

• Tracked: Most suitable for areas with mud, snow, hills, and turf in general
• Wheeled: Most suitable for dry, solid, and indoor spaces

In the event of your application sites being different and including the softer type of ground, the tracked machine would certainly be the more adaptable choice. In contrast, wheels are sufficient for easy, clean street surfaces and, moreover, they are the lesser time-consuming choice.

Stability and Lifting Power

The use of tracked skid steers provides the operator the stability that he needs especially when lifting heavy loads to maximum reach and also during the operation on inclined ground.

Their reduced level of that can better cope with narrow paths and the observed footprint signalizes the machine’s good balance. This way, the loads will not pose the risk of overturning the machine, even if they are large high load attachments or meshes that are mismatched with the machine.

On the other hand, skid steers with wheels may be quite shaky while lifting heavy loads, especially on uneven ground. Thus, it is more likely that they encounter an upward or backward tilt when doing the uphill carrying work or passing through obstacles.

This problem does not only include load carrying capacity. Due to the fact that the crawler machines ensure a steady grounding, they have a possibility of lifting and carrying more bulky weights certainly with vertical-lift type setup. Moreover, the traction effects of the tracks are also of great help not only as a preventive measure against the slide-back movement but also as an aid in pushing the machine up, e.g., when performing ground grading and digging.

For raising heavy objects, it’s undeniable that tracked machines have a leading edge. However, if your job is concerning thin materials or working on flat ground no matter the weight, wheeled models too, are still the top favorite.

Speed and Maneuverability

Your first choice in terms of speed and maneuvering should be wheeled skid steers, as they outperform tracked vehicles in these categories. Their wheels are an excellent way of making long distances and switching between tasks very quickly. When many wheeled models make a trip at speeds of 10-12 mph, there is a high probability that this leads to a visible decrease in the time of (travelling) proposed to be completed on big-scale projects.

Their weight is a big plus since it helps the wheeled skid steers to have the best possible response to the driver and thus they are the right option for tasks that are in need of plenty of turns or for work that cannot wait for the truck to be repositioned.

Tracked machines are though flexible, slow as they are. The fastest of them will go about 6, 8 or at most 9 mph, and hence, they will require more effort to move. Practically, there is no need for panic about directions as this equipment can turn without going around any subject.

The main demerit of tracked machines is that they can cause scuffing or even tearing off the surface when sharp turns are made on a paved road. In case the drive has a high grip on the surface and is operated inconsiderately the excavator can damage driveways or grass easily too.

In short:

• If you’re in a hurry and need nimbleness, wheels will be optimal.
• If you require traction and directed force, tracks will be the most suitable alternative.

Investment Options

Factors on the Purchasing Side

The majority of the time, tire-type skid-steers are more affordable to buy first off. The basic models come in at about $30,000–$40,000 and depending on the brand and features are available. It is easier in design and with the undercarriage made of less material then tire-type steers are less expensive to produce.

On the other side, tracked skid steers usually cost $10,000 to $20,000 more than wheeled skid steers of equal capacity. The price difference comes from the following:

• Robust undercarriages
• Rubber tracks and suspension systems
• Extra lifting forces and weight

However, the hiked initial costs due to these features may result in the added flexibility being worth the price, if off-road driving is your usual thing and when wheel-based machines fail.

Costs Related to Maintenance and Repair

The most apparent area in which tracked skid steers are more costly is in the area of continuous maintenance. It is a well-known fact that rubber tracks lose their initial quality if used for years, and especially when they are driven on hard surfaces, the quality of the track gets poor thus they become expensive to replace. Purchasing bands that range from $2,500 to $4,000, in accordance with the tire model and the size of the machine, would be the way to go.

Instead, wheeled skid steers with tires that are cheaper and easier to swap out, generally cost anywhere from $200 to $400 a tire. Furthermore, they do not require as much undercarriage maintenance, checking the functioning and the condition of the system being all that is left to do, and also requiring fewer components to inspect and repair.

However, tracks provide extended functioning if used and properly maintained on the right surface. The sealing of the units protects the inside elements more from mud and other particles making the system durable.

Summary of maintenance:

• Wheeled machinery = cheap spare parts and easy maintenance.
• Track machinery = higher cost, but comes with more sustainable characteristics if used correctly.

Ground Disturbance and Surface Impact

Lawn and Soft Surface Damage

Tracked skid steers are the absolute winner when it comes to the maintenance of the turf, land, and soft ground. Their tracks carry load uniformly, as a result, that distributing force on the ground becomes less significant and the surface doesn’t break deeply to leave potholes.

That’s the main reason why landscape artists, pool men, and builders of residential buildings opt for CTL machines – removal of even debris is done with taste and in a professional looking manner.

On the other hand, wheeled skid steers impose the force on smaller contact points. Such contact on soft surfaces could scarify the surface and compress the soil, or cause the grass to be cut. To ensure that you are only going to work on a job that requires wheels, unless you have tracks made of tire-friendly materials or temporary ground protection mats at your disposal.

Impact on Paved Surfaces

Wheeled machines have the most impact on concrete and asphalt. Their rubber tires allow for smoother contact with the surface and are not as fatal in terms of wear when handling sharp turns and repetitive driving.

Here is a potential threat lay track machines who if not carefully handled by drivers causing scuffs or even deep scratches during a turn. Their grips are strong, but their disadvantage lies in the fact that this grip makes the surface rough and unattractive if not used and controlled properly.

In urban, driveway or warehouse situations, wheels are a better choice as they are safer, and do not damage the surface as tracks may.

Operating Conditions and Weather Suitability

Snow, Mud, and Wet Environments

Tracked skid steers are by far the best option in the event that the weather is poor or the ground conditions are challenging. Their wide tracks distribute the machine’s weight evenly, thus, the ground pressure decreases and the traction increases, features that are specially important in mud, snow, or waterlogged soil.

The snow and mud are more suitable for the majority of the models that are tracked, as they have a large operating capacity and enable tasks to be performed with flexibility.

Tracked models are ideal for:

• Snow removal in parking lots, roads, or residential areas.
• Muddy construction sites where tires would sink or spin.
• Wet or rainy weather, allowing work to continue with fewer delays.

In the meantime, wheeled skid steer machines are far from coping well in such weather. Their wheels circle and move the soil, besides, they can also get stuck in the soft ground. Even though tire chains or aggressive treads are used, they almost never have the same level of stability and efficiency as tracks.

If you are working in areas that are hit by frequent rain, melting snow or soft terrain is a common stage, choose tracked models to keep the work smooth and prevent the weather changes to interrupt it.

Dry, Hard Terrain

Wheeled skid steers are in their element in dry and hard-packed ground conditions for example, urban lots, fully paved job sites, or well-compacted gravel are the best places they can work. They are light, fast, and flexible as they move around. They are hardly worn out when compared to the tracked models.

In arid regions or regions dominated by summer, wheels prove to be the economic and viable choice. It becomes reasonable if most of your work involves moving materials over paved surfaces or vehicles that are working on-site.

The tracked vehicles operate in such environments but the tread of their rubber is used up quickly and besides they do not carry any advantage.

Additionally, driving tracks that have the steel cleats on the hard ground may cause marks or, what is more, they can even wear out the sensitive surfaces such as finishes, driveways, etc.

If your journey lays over one and the same hot and hard track, for an effective choice, going for the wheels will save you time and money yet maintain high productivity simultaneously.

Strength and Expectancy

Track vs. Tire Life Expectancy

The tracks are tough and they can be resisted the wear, but this cannot last for the long-term especially if they are misused. Traversing the soft ground, a set of treads can be used between 1,200 and 2,000 hours. But, once these tracks are operated on a road, rough ground, and dry gravel, it is apparent that their life will be much shorter than in the former case.

The fact that rubber tracks are more expensive needs to be repeated, they cost $2,500 to $4,000 each and the frequency of their replacement also varies with the model, usage, and the way they were preserved.

Meanwhile, the rubber tyres that are a more economical haulage and can be exchanged with ease, a good batch of them could last 600 to 1,200 hours as long as it’s not the type of surface that gets worn out quickly and it is not as much used. Let’s not forget that they are less expensive, around $800 to $1,200 for four tyres, and one-at-a-time changes are common.

Thus, wheels prove to be more affordable in a number of job scenarios during the entire duration they need to be used, while the tracks seem more expensive in what appears to be the initial stage but they provide better durability to cope with the circumstances with a very aggressive nature.

Operational Life Expectation

The total extent of service of a skid steer, no matter if it is tracked or wheeled, relies on multiple factors, such as the quality of the machine, its specific job, and how cautious you are handling it. Nonetheless, the ones with tracks are usually made heavier, so they have a chance for a longer life given proper and regular maintenance.

Suppose:

• Wheeled skid steers, if well maintained, can function 3,000 to 5,000 hours
• Tracked skid steers are expected to have a lifetime of 4,000 to 6,000 hours in perfect conditions.

Each type of machine can achieve the indicated ranges and better if they are regularly cared for, operated in a clean manner, and used in such a way as to avoid unnecessary wear and tear, e.g., by not turning on hard pavements with tracks.

Jobsite Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency and Productivity

Wheeled skid steers use fuel slightly more sparingly than the tracked ones, mainly because of their lower weight, and thus, less resistance. They also have a more extended travel distance, which not only saves time but also makes the speediest contribution in some tasks such as carrying or transferring between zones.

In situations where the fuel efficiency is lower, tracked machinery, by having their grip under control in difficult environments, compensate this inconvenience. Consequently, quite a few benefits follow that are fewer delays, less downtime, and a more regular workflow, particularly in muddy or hilly areas.

By the way, the typical productivity level will be:

• Wheeled units are the best in tasks that are not only strong and fast but also have high mobility.
• Tracked units can perform better in locations where the task is long and there’re challenges related to soil and/or terrain

The final thing to note is that the two machines are indeed effective for different workflows. Thus, none of them can be said to be less efficient than the other regarding the specific situation.

Attachment Compatibility

Both wheeled and tracked skid steer loaders are designed using the same universal quick-attach systems, providing the customer with a wide range of interchangeable attachment options. Whether you are running a bucket, grapple, trencher, or snow blower, most tools will fit both machines.

However, it is normally tracked machines that are compatible with more powerful tools because of their higher stability and sounder hydraulic flow capabilities.

E.g., probably, you will find mulchers, stump grinders, and cold planers on tracked units because those attachments are robust, and less slip allows for more traction.

Wheeled skid steers can still operate a wide range of attachments, but some of the things they may find it hard to do are:

• Augers in hard soil
• Graders on slopes
• Heavy forks or pallet loads over rough terrain

The choice between the two types depends on not only which tools you are using but also the manner and location of the usage.

Pros and Cons Summary Table

 

 

This table serves as an evaluation tool to quickly perceive your workflow priorities, like budget, terrain, or, perhaps, a durable machine.

How to Choose Based on Your Work Needs

Landscaping and Residential Jobs

In case you are in the architectural, tree care, or residential site prep sectors, the dilemma of whether to go for/with a wheeled or a tracked skid steer is related to the type of surface where the work is being done.

• Wheeled skid steers are one of the most suitable machines for use on dry, compact lawns, mulch beds
• While that is the case, tracked skid steers are perfect for wet or small lawns and are also very good for newly seeded areas as well as for tasks that include grading with a soft topsoil. Their low ground pressure minimizes the damage to the landscape and avoids the formation of ugly grooves on the ground, especially after a rainfall.

If, on the other hand, your work demands changing machine attachments, such as, for example, using only wet weather drive or if the work is too heavy and wet, a tracked skid steer will be a winner. But the faster and more mobile nature of wheel skid steers remain the choice to move through the job site seamlessly.

Construction and Heavy-Duty Work

Contractors, especially in construction, usually prefer to use tracked skid steer loaders as their primary workhorse. The reasons are very obvious – their lifting capacity is much higher, they have more stable traction on different terrains.

• Do you have to dig?
• Do you have to smooth out the dust?
• Do you have to fill in the groundwork?
• Are you shifting a large amount of soil, rocks, or cement?

Then a tracked machine is your best option.

Wheeled skid steers, nevertheless, are also used in construction. They are swifter in transporting things such as materials, carrying light tools like sweepers, and are more flexible when moving from one building to another in commercial construction. They are very versatile and can be used for cleaning, demolition, and support activities.

However, when it comes to the actual heavy-duty jobs, a tracked machine can do the job with better strength and reliability.

Indoor or Urban Projects

For inside and tight-access type of works, it is better to use wheeled skid steers since they can be of great help in such situations. Wheeled skid steers are smaller, faster, and do not affect the ground that much, thus, they are mostly suitable for the following:

• Storage house destruction
• Basement digging (with proper ventilation)
• Urban infill construction
• Municipal maintenance

Tracked machines should be kept out from delicate floors since their weight may cause damage by the heavy load and the rank and hence are more prone to surface scuffing in these environments. They are also slower and heavier than wheeled ones, which makes their maneuverability indoors very difficult.

In case you have to handle your projects in small places or within the city, wheels provide the ideal mobility for you and at the same time, they give you the exact control you need.

Operator Experience and Comfort

Ride Quality and Control Layouts

One of the leading factors contributing to the skid steer’s ride comfort is the undercarriage system. The rubber tracks of track units tend to offer a higher level of comfort when driving, especially in rough terrains where the irregularities can be well absorbed by the tracks.

With the current models, the ride has taken a notch higher with the inclusion of vibration-reducing suspension and track tensioning devices.

Wheeled skid steers can be the better alternative where the working terrain is friendly; thus, the same comfort can be expected. However, on off-road, bumping and bumpy surfaces, the argument may not hold water.

Despite this, hard-surface in the flat places that does not provide enough traction for the wheels can still be comfortable using foam-filled or air-cushioned tires if the vehicle is to be wheeled.

Both can also boast of some high-end specifications such as:

• Joystick controls
• Adjustable seats
• Heated/AC cabs
• Bluetooth radios
• Backup cameras and LED lighting

Comfort tip: No matter if it has wheels or tracks, investing in a mid- or high-tier cab will make your perception of fatigue a world different during working hours.

Fatigue Over Long Shifts

From the point of operator fatigue, the irritation of being exposed to fatigue decreases in the case of track skid steers. Notably, they have the advantage of providing an operator that much-needed calmness and stability when treading on uneven, tough terrains.

These machines thus bring an observable reduction of the number of times the entire body may get shaken, so the operator is likely to be more focused and efficient in the performance of his or her tasks.

Conversely, for short-term or quick tasks wheeled machines are likely to be more manageable. The lighter steering and the larger speed will make you think that the machines are easier to control and quicker in response on the condition that solid ground is assured.

Regardless, cab designs and layouts that are ergonomic and newer have made the difference in comfort between these machines even more minuscule.

Even so, on the unpredictable and uneven terrain where operators work 8–10 hours daily, tracks can reduce the physical stress caused by the body.

Transportation and Storage Factors

Hauling Weight and Trailer Requirements

Wheeled skid steers are usually lighter and more portable, thus easier to be transported. Most of the modeled ones are transported on a 10,000–12,000 lb GVWR trailer by a three-quarter ton pickup truck, so no CDL is required in many places.

On On the other hand, tracked skid steers have a weight difference of 1,000 to 3,000 lbs, depending on the model. This additional load may require:

• A trailer that is more resistant to weight
• A larger tow vehicle (1-ton or higher)
• CDL or special hauling permits (in some states)

ThHere are some aspects to consider before making a purchase:

• You use the trailer that you have for wheeled machines?
• Do you feel comfortable towing 12,000 lbs?

WhEels offer additional advantages because they tend to be more flexible and less troublesome for transportation, especially for owner-operators and small crews.

Footprint and Garage Space

WhBoth types of machines come in compact sizes; however, the wheeled ones are more upright in their storage condition and wear level.

• Basement
• House garages
• Utility sheds
• Small job site trailers

Tracks, by nature of their construction and the extra size, might also suggest a necessity for the acquisition of a larger door and more clearance – especially in the case of the unit being equipped with a cab or the presence of an addition like a brush cutter.

If Since space is at a premium and you are frequently moving from one job site to another, the best solution is a mobile unit on wheels that meets your basic storage and transport needs.

Resale Value and Market Trends

What Holds Value Better?

In In general, rubber-tracked skid steers are considered to retain more value, especially if they have been carefully serviced and not subjected to heavy abuse on hard surfaces. Heavy-duty applications prefer tracked versions, so resale customers are willing to pay more to ensure that the tracked unit they purchase will remain reliable.

Compared to the rubber tracked ones, the initial price of the wheeled ones is lower. Still, these models, due to their lower price and more straightforwardness give an impression to the new buyers, therefore most of them are eager for the lower price and a more straightforward machine.

Nonetheless, when it comes to the main things—the condition and hours of usage as well as the brand—it’s obvious that tracked machines win the race of creating greater long-term value.

What Buyers are Looking for Today

The current inclination is towards tracked units as the market is primarily leaning towards construction and other multi-seasonal sectors. Hence, the purchase behavior of the customers is mainly aggravated by the need for:

• Universal functionality
• Terrain adaptability
• More lifting weight

Nevertheless, the demand for wheeled units is still being regulated to a great extent by the activities of the yard, such as gardening, demolishing, community, and general municipality. Due to the lower price of this equipment and the convenience of operation, these machines are best suited for new or part-time entrepreneurs.

If You’re thinking of selling them later;, consider these points:

• Track condition and wear level
• Maintenance history
• Attachments included

An offer for either a well-maintained tracked or wheeled machine will always be available, but the demand for tracked machines is expected to grow the fastest.

Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

Summary Recommendations Based on Use Case

The problem of going for a wheeled or tracked skid steer isn’t about deciding which one is better than the other one in general but about figuring out what’s best in your case. Here’s a brief summary of the pros and cons of a skid steer:

• Choose Wheeled Skid Steer if:
• You are the one who mostly works on paved or compacted surfaces.
• You are the one who prioritizes speed and maneuverability.
• You are the one who needs less maintenance and lower upfront costs.
• YoYou’re the one who frequently transports your machine with lighter-duty trucks.

Choose Tracked Skid Steer if:

• YoOur work involves operating in mud, snow, hills, or soft ground.
• You’re the one who needs greater lifting stability and better traction.
• You are the one who works year-round in variable conditions.
• You are the one who wants long-term value and maximum versatility.

If you are still uncertain, the best solution is to use each type for a week and then test them at your actual job sites. Nothing can replace your own experience in making a choice.choice.