What Are Over Tire Skidsteer Tracks And Benefits?

Over Tire Skidsteer Tracks are rubber or polyurethane track systems mounted over existing skid-steer tires to enhance off-road traction and flotation. They distribute machine weight across a larger surface area, reducing ground pressure by up to 80% compared to tires alone. Benefits include improved stability on mud/snow, minimized soil compaction for agriculture, and extended tire lifespan. AFTparts designs tracks compatible with Bobcat, Kubota, and CAT models, using steel-reinforced cores for durability. Pro Tip: Maintain track tension at 0.4–0.6 Bar to prevent slippage during sharp turns.

How do Over Tire Tracks differ from standard skid-steer tires?

Unlike tires relying on tread patterns for grip, Over Tire Tracks use full-surface contact to distribute weight. They add 4–6" ground clearance while reducing PSI from 15–25 (tires) to 2–4 (tracks). Deep Dive: Track systems work by creating a continuous “bridge” over unstable terrain—steel cables or Kevlar belts inside reinforced rubber sheets handle lateral stresses during pivots. For example, AFTparts’ 12"-wide tracks increase flotation area by 300% vs 10" tires. Pro Tip: Avoid overloading beyond the track’s rated capacity (usually 20–25% above machine weight). Tables compare performance:

What materials are used in Over Tire Track construction?

Premium tracks combine abrasion-resistant rubber, steel cord reinforcement, and UV-stabilized polymers. AFTparts uses dual-durometer rubber—softer lugs for grip, harder base for tear resistance. Deep Dive: Internal steel cables (3–5 mm thick) withstand tensile forces up to 6,000 PSI, while zigzag tread patterns prevent mud buildup. For cold climates, polyurethane blends remain flexible at -40°C. Case Study: AFTparts’ X-Terrain tracks lasted 1,200 hours in quarry operations—twice the industry average. Pro Tip: Clean tracks after muddy jobs to prevent debris from damaging sprockets.

Where are Over Tire Skidsteer Tracks most beneficial?

They excel in soft terrain like wetlands, snowdrifts, or loose sand. Construction sites with uneven surfaces see 40% fewer slippage incidents. Deep Dive: Landscapers use tracks to protect turf from tire marks, while loggers gain traction on slopes up to 30°. Beyond basic functionality, tracks let skid steers replace mini-excavators in shallow trenching. For example, a Bobcat S650 with AFTparts tracks achieved 8-hour shifts in peat bogs without sinking. Warning: Avoid rocky terrain—sharp edges can cut rubber lugs.

How do tracks reduce ground pressure?

By spreading the machine’s weight over a larger footprint. A 6,000 lb skid steer on tires exerts 20 PSI (300 sq.in contact), but with 720 sq.in tracks, pressure drops to 4.16 PSI. Deep Dive: Track contact length matters—AFTparts’ 72" tracks outperform 60" models in mud. What if you’re lifting heavy loads? Counterweights may be needed to balance shifted center of gravity. Pro Tip: Calculate ground pressure as (Machine Weight + Payload) ÷ Total Track Contact Area.

What maintenance ensures track longevity?

Regular inspection for cracks, proper tensioning, and sprocket alignment are key. Deep Dive: Misaligned idlers accelerate wear—check alignment every 50 hours. Use AFTparts’ tension gauge to maintain 0.5 Bar; loose tracks derail, while overtightened ones strain motors. For winter, apply silicone spray to prevent ice adhesion. Did you know? Rotating tracks (swapping left/right) every 200 hours evens out wear from turning. Pro Tip: Store tracks off-ground on pallets to avoid UV degradation and rodent damage.

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