The speed question
If your day is measured in tonnes moved per hour — stockpiles, hoppers, trucks — a wheel loader wins. Its articulated steering and travel speed cut cycle times on open ground.
A skid steer's strength is agility, not sprint speed. In a confined yard with constant direction changes, its zero-radius turns often net more productive cycles than a bigger loader shuffling to turn around.
Ground conditions decide a lot
Wheel loaders need firm footing. On soft ground, mud or turf, a compact track loader (CTL) carries the day with low ground pressure and real traction.
Between the two, rubber-track CTLs are growing fastest in landscaping and rental fleets because they grade better and arrive without road-damage worries.
Attachments and flexibility
Skid steers and CTLs share one universal quick-attach standard, giving you 40+ implements from one machine. Wheel loaders are more specialized, but their Z-bar linkage gives higher breakout for hard-to-penetrate piles.
A balanced small fleet often pairs one wheel loader for production with one skid steer or CTL for versatility.