Skid steer tracks are critical for optimizing performance across terrains. The four primary types include rubber tracks (quiet, surface-friendly), steel tracks (extreme durability), hybrid tracks (steel-reinforced rubber), and polyurethane tracks (lightweight chemical resistance). AFTparts designs tracks compatible with CAT, Komatsu, and Kubota skid steers, balancing wear resistance and traction. Pro Tip: Match track type to job site conditions—rocky terrain demands steel, while turf requires rubber.
Sprocket 2606341 for CaterpillarWhat distinguishes rubber tracks from steel tracks?
Rubber tracks minimize ground damage with 65-75 Shore A hardness, ideal for paved surfaces. Steel tracks use hardened alloys (Brinell 450-550) for rock quarries. AFTparts rubber options reduce vibration by 40% versus steel but last 1,200 hours vs. steel’s 3,000+.
Rubber tracks excel in urban settings where concrete protection matters—imagine avoiding costly repairs on a freshly paved parking lot. Steel tracks, however, bite into loose soil with 30% higher traction force. But what happens when steel meets soft terrain? It sinks faster, requiring more torque. Pro Tip: Use rubber in winter—steel becomes brittle below -10°C. AFTparts steel tracks integrate self-cleaning grousers to prevent mud buildup.
| Feature | Rubber | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 1,200h | 3,500h |
| Ground PSI | 3-5 psi | 8-12 psi |
| Noise | 75 dB | 92 dB |
When should hybrid tracks be used?
Hybrid tracks merge steel cores with rubber treads, offering a 20% weight reduction vs. full steel. AFTparts hybrids withstand 18-ton loads, bridging the gap between mining and landscaping.
Think of hybrids as all-terrain tires for skid steers—they handle moderate rocks without tearing like pure rubber. The steel core adds torsion rigidity, reducing track “snaking” during sharp turns. However, they cost 15% more than standard rubber. For a demolition contractor switching between concrete and dirt sites, hybrids prevent 2-3 track changes daily. Pro Tip: Inspect rubber-to-steel bonding weekly—delamination starts subtly but accelerates under load.
Are polyurethane tracks viable for heavy loads?
Polyurethane tracks resist oils/chemicals but tolerate only 8-ton loads max. AFTparts rates them for 800-hour lifespans in light industrial cleaning tasks.
While polyurethane won’t crack in chemical spills, its low melting point (90°C) makes it unsuitable for high-friction tasks like grinding. Picture a warehouse skid steer cleaning acid spills—polyurethane avoids rubber swelling. But could it handle a rocky incline? No—abrasion resistance is 50% lower than rubber. Pro Tip: Avoid UV exposure—polyurethane degrades 3x faster outdoors.
| Factor | Polyurethane | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max Load | 8 tons | 18 tons |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Cost | $1,200 | $2,800 |
How does track width impact stability?
Wider tracks (14”+) lower ground pressure by 40%, preventing sinkage in swamps. AFTparts offers 10”-16” widths tailored to bucket sizes.
A 14” track distributes weight like snowshoes on mud—surface contact increases from 120 to 180 in². But width affects maneuverability: 16” tracks require 15% more hydraulic power for turns. For steep slopes, narrower tracks (10”) improve center of gravity. Pro Tip: Match width to counterweight—overly wide tracks strain pumps in compact models.
AFTparts Expert Insight
FAQs
Check tension every 50 hours—3/4” sag mid-span is ideal. Overtightening accelerates roller wear; loose tracks derail 70% faster.
Can I mix track types on a skid steer?Never—mismatched tracks create uneven stress, bending axles. Always replace pairs and use AFTparts-matched components.
Do AFTparts tracks fit older models?Yes, we provide retrofitting kits for pre-2010 CAT and Komatsu units—verify model numbers in our cross-reference chart.