If you choose the wrong excavator tracks, you have to pay an arm and a leg for early replacements. And when you’re running an excavator on any project, your track choice becomes even more important because it affects surface protection and the working life of your machine.
The right track system also cuts down repair costs, extends your equipment’s working life, and keeps operators comfortable during long shifts. So you’ll spend less time dealing with broken components.
In this guide, we explain the differences between rubber tracks, steel tracks, and hybrid options. And, you’ll also learn how to measure tracks correctly so you don’t end up with parts that don’t fit and maintenance habits that can double your track’s lifespan.
Let’s get into what actually works for construction equipment in real-world conditions.
What Makes Excavator Tracks Right for Your Machine
The right track depends on your terrain type, surface protection needs, and operator comfort during long shifts. Different terrains require specific track types, from soft landscaping soil to rocky demolition sites.
Here, we explain which track systems give your operators a less fatiguing and smoother ride.
Rubber Tracks for Mini Excavator Projects
The best part about rubber tracks is that they let you work on finished surfaces without tearing them up. For instance, rubber protects asphalt, concrete, and landscaped yards without leaving marks.
They also produce less noise and vibration. So, if you’re working in residential areas or near offices, the quieter operation saves you from complaints.
It even takes less installation time compared to steel. Plus, you can swap out a worn rubber track faster than rebuilding a steel system. That means less downtime for your mini excavator.
Steel Tracks for Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment
Our investigation reveals, steel tracks last 30% to 40% longer in rocky conditions than rubber ones. They handle demolition sites and sharp debris smoothly, which tears rubber tracks apart in days.
They add hundreds of pounds to the machine’s weight, too. That vast mass improves stability when lifting heavy loads overhead or working on steep slopes by strategically lowering your centre of gravity.
For maintenance, you can repair individual steel track components instead of replacing the entire system. A broken shoe or worn bushing? Just swap that piece out. However, the heat-treated parts can handle heavy wear anyway since they become stronger through friction, pressure, and heavy impact.
Hybrid Track Options for Maximum Flexibility
Usually, hybrid tracks give you the toughness of steel with the versatility of rubber. These systems use steel tracks with bolt-on rubber pads that you can remove for different conditions later.
Here’s another thing: one machine can handle both demolition work and paving jobs by using removable pads. Just take the pads off for rocky ground, then bolt them back on when you need to work on finished surfaces.
Ever heard of companies like Bobcat and Kubota? They actually build hybrid models that handle varied construction work.
Measuring Your Excavator Tracks the Right Way
Measuring excavator tracks correctly means using the Width x Pitch x Links formula, where each number must be exact to avoid expensive misfits. But we’ve watched plenty of operators order tracks that didn’t fit their machine.
However, the industry always measured tracks in millimetres. Be careful when you’re measuring, because even a 5mm difference in pitch means the track won’t fit your sprocket teeth properly. For your information: new parts and used parts both need exact measurements.
To get those measurements right, start with the width. Measure it straight across the outside of the track from edge to edge. Then check the pitch, which is the distance from the centre of one drive lug to the centre of the next on the inside of the track. After that, count the links, which are simply the number of drive lugs all the way around.
Once you know what to measure, the next step is finding the size of your current track. Most tracks have the size stamped on the inside rubber, but it can be tough to read once it wears down (and yes, trying to peep at a faded stamp never feels fun).
That’s why check your owner’s manual for exact specs if the stamp is worn off. Takeuchi, John Deere, and Komatsu models often use different mini excavator track sizes even with similar machine weights, so double-checking is mandatory.
Keeping Your Rubber Track System Running Longer
Trust us! Simple daily habits can double your rubber track’s lifespan from 1,200 hours to over 2,000.
Although its life stage depends on the terrain, maintenance habits can make it more long-lasting. Here are a few more ways in which your rubber track can deliver exceptional service.
Daily Cleaning Saves Money on Repair Parts
Mud and debris buildup cause uneven wear patterns in your rubber tracks that you won’t usually notice. By the way, have you checked the dirt packs around your rollers and idlers? It’s creating pressure points that damage rubber and undercarriage components.
Don’t forget to remove rocks and sharp objects stuck in tracks. Because they puncture the rubber or damage the steel cables inside. Besides, when mud freezes overnight, make sure to remove it, since it grinds away at the track’s parts every time you start up.
Sometimes, just a quick walk around your machine at the end of each shift catches these problems. It takes two minutes and saves you from ordering new mini excavator tracks six months early.
Track Tension Adjustments for John Deere and Other Brands
After working with contractors for over 30 years, we’ve noticed the same tension mistake shows up everywhere. Because many operators skip basic checks. But you always make sure to inspect the track tension weekly by measuring the sag.
Proper tension distributes machine weight evenly across all rollers instead of concentrating on just two. If you keep it too loose, your tracks jump off during turns. On the flip side, too tight tension burns through roller bearings and other components faster.
Quick tip: Use a grease gun on the adjuster cylinder and follow the manufacturer’s specs for your exact brand and model.
Get Quality Excavator Tracks Without the Runaround
Choosing the right excavator tracks starts with your terrain. It also depends on surface protection and simple maintenance. For instance, you might need rubber tracks for mini excavator work or steel tracks for heavy equipment or hybrid systems with bolt-on rubber pads.
Looking for a place that offers all models for your convenience? At Bites Off Broadway, we stock an extensive inventory of tracks for most makes and models of construction equipment. Our team has supported contractors across New York for more than 30 years.
Here, we supply quality parts and repair parts at fair pricing, including both new parts and used parts for major brands. If you require a consultant, you can even search our large inventory or speak with our team about your machine.
Because we’re committed to getting you the right parts fast so your fleet stays running.
So, call us today to shop our full line of construction equipment parts and track loader supplies.