Mar 17, 2021 This discussion will help you gain a solid estimate of a compact track loader's O&O costs -- one you can use to evaluate your anticipated hourly costs over the life of a machine. Caterpillar What goes into calculating the owning and operating costs of a compact track loader? We’ll be delving into that question, but first you should know this will not be a plug-and-play discussion. The variables around each machine purchase are considerable, and the end number can differ significantly from owner to owner. These variables include the machine options you select, the severity of your application, how long you intend to keep the machine, interest rates and local labor and fuel costs.