Tread on Me
Steel or Rubber — The Track Choice Is Yours
By Keith Gribbins
The canvas of an excavator artist includes a variety of landscapes. Pristine green grasses, muddy brown jobsites, broken white concretes — a mini ex digs and works in a rich mixture of colorful ground conditions. So in order to make sure your compact excavator stays on the right path, retaining the ability to finely sculpt earth, the precise set of rubber or steel tracks is essential for picture-perfect control, traction, flotation and success.
“Rubber is the most common type,” explains Chris Ono, Product Manager for McLaren Industries, an OEM and aftermarket manufacturer for rubber tracks, over-the-tire tracks and semi-pneumatic tires. “They can be used on various jobsites — dirt, mud, concrete, asphalt and sand. Steel is typically used on harsh terrains such as demolition sites and forests. And then there are hybrid tracks. These are steel tracks with bolt-on rubber pads, which provide the strength of steel and the advantages of a rubber track. They can be used on delicate surfaces like asphalt and then rubber pads can be removed so it can be used as a dedicated steel track.”
Most replacement tracks will cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000, noting that hybrids are unique ranging from $2,000 to $6,000. Rubber tracks are by far the most popular on compact excavators and feature continuous rubber belt tracks with steel or iron cores and cables embedded within. Rubber tracks are an all-around track, ideal for areas that are sensitive, but with the ability to traverse most grass, ground or concrete conditions. Rubber tracks work well in landscape applications when a crew must glide across both green space and concrete. They also work great on general construction and rental lots.
Steel tracks are recommended for use in harsher environments such as jobsites that feature rocks (demolition) and other debris (like forestry applications) that may harm the integrity of rubber tracks. Steel tracks can damage asphalt, grass and other landscaping, so roll with caution. The final alternative would be hybrid tracks, which are the combination of a steel track style with bolt-on rubber pads (like what you see in over-the-tire skid steer tracks). This type of track offers the strength of steel mixed with the flexibility of rubber — ensuring a smooth ride, less damage to surfaces, reduced downtime and all-around excavator operation.
 “When you have to decide which type of track is right for your machine and job application, it always pays to consult with the track manufacturer,” says George Zafirov, Marketing Manager at McLaren. “Even though sometimes the jobsite may appear too harsh for rubber tracks, they may still be the best option. Other times the terrain may appear easy, but it may still require steel or hybrid tracks. If you share with us some details about the job application, we may be able to recommend the best option.”
Portraits of Pattern, Pitch and Width
The great art of excavating takes the proper tools, engineered with purpose and used with precision. When purchasing replacement tracks for a mini excavator, a digging expert can choose from three track features: width; pitch; and tread pattern. First, the proper width of the track should be determined to best suit the machine. The width of tracks is measured in millimeters and wider tracks offer better flotation, while narrower tracks are typically less expensive and range from 180 to 500 mm.
The pitch of the track is the distance from one guide tooth on the inside of the track to the next. There are two types of pitches — long and short. Short pitch tracks engage every sprocket tooth on the track, ensuring a smoother ride and long pitch tracks engage every other sprocket tooth, resulting in a slightly rougher ride. However, long pitch tracks are generally less expensive.
Finally, the tread pattern of the new track should be determined. There are typically two main types of tread patterns to choose from — turf-friendly and aggressive. A turf-friendly track has more contact points with the ground ensuring less pressure for delicate landscapes. The lugs on the tracks are spaced more closely together, so the ground is less disturbed and the machine doesn’t have much impact on the ground, thereby avoiding scarring or markings. An aggressive tread pattern may feature a zigzag pattern with sharp, prominent lugs. With an aggressive pattern, an operator can expect better traction on loose, wet soil conditions, but also a bigger footprint.
A smart dig artist should work with a reputable manufacturer and dealer that will take the time to understand their unique needs as a professional excavator operator.
“Never underestimate good customer service and the power of a local dealership,” says Jared Steier, National Track Manager for Solideal USA, a manufacturer and OEM supplier of mini ex tracks for 10 years. “Local sales reps on the ground mean you know who you are buying from and who you will go to if you have a problem. If you buy them from an online auction site or someone over the telephone, be aware that most will not provide after-sales support if needed. Also, it is good to remember that most warranties are not transferable and do not apply if purchased from a non-authorized dealer; therefore, it never hurts to ask if you are buying from an authorized dealer.”
As important as buying the ideal set of work tracks is understanding the signs of replacement. Experienced excavators can maximize track life while optimizing operations.
Keith Gribbins is Managing Editor of Utility Contractor.
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