FAQs Rubber Tracks

What Types of Rubber Tracks Do You Offer?

Tires4That carries rubber tracks for:

• Carriers and dumpers
• Compact track loaders
• Mini excavators
• Utility equipment

We also carry tracks in a variety of tread patterns:

• Standard block treads
• C-lug treads
• Zig-zag treads
• V-pattern treads

You will also see tires marked with letters, such as E, Y, T, S, N, and D. These letters correspond to the manufacturer of the machine and the specific track guide system they use.

How Do I Choose the Right Rubber Track for My Machine?

If you plan on using your machine for more than a year, you need to buy the highest quality, longest-lasting rubber tracks that will fit. For more sparing use over a shorter period, you don’t need to buy premium tracks and will instead be well served by a set of standard-duty tracks.

Choose your track pattern according to your machine’s working environment. For grass and turf, you will want relatively smooth treads in a V-pattern.

If you’ll be operating on loose soil and dirt, choose a more aggressive set of treads with grippier zig-zag patterns.

For a good all-around set of tracks that can handle a wide variety of terrain, C-pattern treads provide excellent grip and are self-cleaning.

Are Your Rubber Tracks Compatible With All Brands?

Tires4That carries rubber tracks for most major brands, such as John Deere, Kubota, and Bobcat. While each manufacturer has its own set of specifications for track length, width, number of sprocket teeth, etc., first check whether a set of tracks fits your machine.

Reference the sizing information printed on the side of the tracks, which looks like this: 400mm x 90mm x 55. This size tells you the pitch, or the distance between the links, is 400mm, the width is 90mm, and the number of links is 55.

You’ll also need to know the type of guide system and whether you have center or flange rollers. Even if you have tracks that are the right size, if the guide system or roller types are mismatched, the tracks can pop off the machine.

How Long Do Rubber Tracks Typically Last?

The typical lifespan for rubber tracks is between 1,200 and 1,600 hours, though they can last up to 2,000 hours under gentle use. Factors that affect the longevity of your rubber tracks are operator skill, the abrasiveness of the terrain, how much the machine is used, and whether the tracks are well-maintained.

You’ll know it’s time to replace your rubber tracks when you notice:

• The steel cords are showing through the rubber
• There are cracks in the rubber
• The sprockets are worn out
• The tracks are making strange noises

Just like tires, rubber tracks will wear out and lose traction over time.

Can I Install Rubber Tracks Myself, or Do I Need a Professional?

Installing rubber tracks is by no means simple. While it’s possible to install them yourself, professional installation will result in safer and smoother operation.

Do Rubber Tracks Offer Better Traction Than Steel Tracks?

In mud, snow, and sand, steel provides superior traction. Steel’s stiffness and weight allow tracks to consistently transfer their weight on a given surface. On pavement and hard-packed surfaces, rubber tracks have better ride quality than steel, thanks to rubber’s flexibility.

How Do I Maintain My Rubber Tracks?

The first step is installing the correct tracks for your machine. You should perform an inspection every time you operate the vehicle, too, so that you can catch any damage before you start your workday. Perform a more thorough inspection every two months. During these inspections, check that the tension and alignment are correct.

To prevent excessive wear, don’t drive sideways on a slope — only ever drive up and down. Otherwise, you could accidentally de-track and risk severely damaging your equipment and injuring yourself and others.

Also, maintain the components that drive the tracks, such as the sprockets and idlers, lest they pull the links right off your tracks. Avoid driving over curbs, which places stress on the tracks. Rotate your tracks, as well, just as you rotate your car’s tires.

When storing your tracks, keep them out of direct sunlight. UV rays will cause the tracks’ rubber to harden and crack over time.