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How Do I Choose the Best Excavator Rubber Tracks?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated: May 17, 2024

In order to choose the best excavator rubber tracks, you will need to determine the construction method used to manufacture the rubber tracks. Often, steel cable is used to line the excavator rubber track. This ensures a long-lasting track system that will not stretch and come off of the machine easily while working. You may also wish to determine the ripping and chunking tendency of the excavator rubber tracks in order to avoid buying a set of rubber tracks that will become easily torn, ripped and damaged. When attempting to purchase the best excavator rubber tracks to go over a set of rubber tires on a mini-excavator, you should ensure that the steel shells used to prevent the tracks from sliding over the tires are forged and not cast iron units.

Many excavators are fitted with excavator rubber tracks in order to avoid damaging concrete, asphalt and grassy areas that are easily damaged by steel tracks. Other reasons to buy the best excavator rubber tracks are to create a long-lasting track system that is quiet while operating, as well as to provide a smoother ride while traveling. Some lesser-quality excavator rubber tracks will rip and actually come apart in large chunks when skidding on a hard surface while turning or steering the excavator.

You may also choose to examine the actual tread pattern on a set of excavator rubber tracks to ensure the best traction and floatation for your needs are met. While an aggressive tread pattern is occasionally required for very soft surfaces, a smoother tread is sometimes more universally helpful and can even aid in the loading and unloading of the excavator onto the trailer. The smoother track will often climb onto the trailer very easily, while a more aggressive tread will often create excessive bumps that cause the machine to slide off of the side of the trailer or the loading ramps.

When searching for the best excavator rubber tracks to fit over a set of rubber tires on an excavator, you will want to avoid the cast iron type of shell that the tires ride inside of. The shells are designed to prevent the tires from coming out of the excavator rubber tracks when turning, however, the cast iron units often break after minimal use. A forged steel shell will typically last the lifetime of the tracks and will commonly offer you the best performance for the cost.

About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
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