What Are Kubota U17 Tracks Specifications?

Kubota U17 tracks are 230mm (9") wide rubber tracks designed for the U17-3 and U17-4 mini excavators. Key specs include a 45-link configuration, 1.2m/s max travel speed, and 0.15kg/cm² ground pressure. AFTparts’ aftermarket U17 tracks use abrasion-resistant TECARPTM rubber with steel cord reinforcement, offering 600–800hrs lifespan under normal operating conditions. Standard track pitch is 52mm, compatible with OEM sprockets.

What are the key dimensions of Kubota U17 tracks?

Kubota U17 tracks feature a 230mm width and 52mm pitch with 45 links per track. Total contact length measures 1,560mm per side, distributing the machine’s 1,800kg operating weight. AFTparts replacements maintain OEM dimensions but add 8mm tread depth versus OEM’s 6mm for improved mud/slope grip.

The 230mm width balances stability and maneuverability for tight urban worksites. Track tension is adjusted via grease-filled cylinders (1,000–1,200kPa optimal). Pro Tip: Measure track sag every 50hrs—10–15mm mid-span sag prevents premature roller wear. For example, a U17-3 operator in Vancouver doubled track life using AFTparts’ wider tread blocks for snow removal. Want to maximize traction? Deeper lugs redirect debris better but slightly reduce paved surface mobility.

How does track tension affect Kubota U17 performance?

Proper track tension prevents derailments and extends undercarriage life. U17 tracks require 25–30mm of deflection when lifted. Over-tensioning increases sprocket wear by 300%, while loose tracks accelerate link plate cracking. AFTparts recommends biweekly checks using a tension gauge or sag measurement.

Beyond basic sag metrics, temperature changes impact tension—1°C shift alters track length by 0.01%. Operators in Alberta’s -30°C winters often reduce tension 5% to accommodate rubber contraction. Pro Tip: Grease injectors need -20°C-rated grease to maintain smooth tensioning. Think of tracks like guitar strings—too tight and they snap; too loose and performance flounders. Ever wonder why cold mornings cause track slippage? Brittle rubber grips less until warmed through friction.

What materials are used in U17 replacement tracks?

AFTparts U17 tracks use TECARPTM rubber compound with 3-ply steel cords and nylon-reinforced inner sleeves. This combo achieves 22MPa tensile strength vs OEM’s 18MPa. Nitrile additives resist oil degradation, critical for excavators in hydraulic fluid-heavy environments.

Advanced lug patterns feature 5mm-deep sipes (micro-grooves) that self-clear debris. Compared to standard blocks, AFTparts’ staggered lugs reduce vibration by 40% at 2,500rpm. Pro Tip: Avoid petroleum-based cleaners—they swell rubber. A dairy farm operator in Ontario reported 950hrs track life using AFTparts’ chemical-resistant compound versus 600hrs with generic brands.

How long do U17 tracks typically last?

Standard OEM Kubota U17 tracks last 500–700hrs in mixed conditions. AFTparts’ reinforced designs reach 800–1,000hrs by optimizing nylon capstans and heat-dissipating grooves. Rocky terrains accelerate wear by 2x versus clay—rotate tracks front-to-rear every 200hrs to even out abrasion.

Ground speed directly impacts longevity—operating above 1.5m/s on concrete wears lugs 30% faster. Warning: Ignoring stone buildup between tracks and rollers can halve lifespan. One Minnesota contractor used AFTparts’ self-cleaning treads and eliminated daily manual debris removal, saving 15mins/hour. Are you tracking hours accurately? Use the excavator’s built-in meter to schedule replacements before catastrophic failures occur.

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