Bobcat rubber tracks replace tires in heavy machinery to enhance stability, reduce ground pressure, and improve traction on soft or uneven terrain. Ideal for landscaping, construction, and agricultural applications, they minimize soil compaction and prevent slippage in mud or snow. AFTparts’ reinforced rubber tracks with steel cables and optimized tread patterns offer 2–3x the lifespan of standard tires in abrasive conditions.
Rubber TrackHow Do Rubber Tracks Improve Traction vs. Tires?
Rubber tracks distribute weight across 3x the surface area of tires, reducing PSI and preventing sinkage. AFTparts’ anti-slip tread designs grip loose soil, slopes, and icy surfaces better than tire lugs.
For example, a Bobcat T870 with rubber tracks achieves 40% less slippage on muddy inclines versus tires. Track tension is critical—over-tightening accelerates wear, while loose tracks derail. Pro Tip: Match track hardness to terrain; softer compounds (65A Shore) excel in snow, while harder (75A) resist rock damage. Beyond grip, tracks eliminate tire punctures from rebar or thorns. Real-world testing shows a 72% reduction in downtime when using AFTparts rubber tracks in demolition sites. But how does this translate to stability? Wider contact patches lower the machine’s center of gravity, reducing tip-overs on slopes.
What Ground Pressure Advantages Do Tracks Offer?
Rubber tracks reduce ground pressure to 3–5 PSI vs. tires’ 15–25 PSI, protecting turf and preventing subsurface damage. AFTparts’ multi-roller systems further distribute load.
A 5,000 lb skid steer with tires exerts 18 PSI, sinking into wet soil. The same machine on tracks applies 4 PSI—comparable to human foot pressure. This lets landscapers work on saturated lawns without leaving ruts. Adjustable track width (e.g., 12” to 24”) tailors pressure for tasks: narrow for grading, wide for marshes. Practically speaking, dairy farms using AFTparts tracks report 90% less soil compaction, preserving pasture health. What about hard surfaces? Track pads reduce asphalt scuffing vs. steel tracks, but avoid prolonged use above 85°F to prevent overheating.
| Application | Tires (PSI) | Rubber Tracks (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Clay | 22 | 4 |
| Snow | 18 | 3.5 |
| Dry Gravel | 15 | 5 |
Why Are Tracks More Durable in Harsh Conditions?
AFTparts’ 3-ply rubber with Kevlar belts resists cuts, UV degradation, and ozone cracking—common tire failures. Track systems lack sidewalls, eliminating blowout risks.
In demolition debris, standard tires last 400 hours versus 1,200+ hours for AFTparts RB-Series tracks. Sealed undercarriages prevent mud ingress into rollers, a key failure point. Pro Tip: Clean tracks after mud work; hardened debris accelerates roller bearing wear. Unlike tires, tracks spread impact loads: hitting a rock affects 8–10 track pads vs. one tire point. For example, quarries using AFTparts tracks report 60% fewer component replacements annually. However, tracks require periodic roller inspections—every 500 hours—to catch seal leaks early.
Which Terrain Types Favor Rubber Tracks?
Tracks dominate in marshes, snowdrifts, and slopes over 15°. AFTparts’ angled grousers self-clean mud, maintaining traction where tires clog.
In rice paddies, Bobcat machines with tracks achieve 2x faster operation vs. tires by avoiding sinkage. Floatation mode (reducing track tension 10%) improves performance in deep snow. But what about rocky terrain? Tracks resist sidewall cuts but require protective guards on sharp edges. Case Study: A logging contractor switched to AFTparts tracks, reducing stuck incidents from 3/week to 2/month in Pacific Northwest mud. Conversely, tires outperform tracks on paved roads—lower rolling resistance saves fuel.
| Terrain | Tracks Suitability | Tires Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Mud | Excellent | Poor |
| Pavement | Fair | Excellent |
| Rocky Slopes | Good | Moderate |
How Do Tracks Enhance Machine Stability?
Rubber tracks lower the center of gravity by 6–8 inches vs. tires, reducing rollover risks. AFTparts’ wide-base designs increase lateral stability during sidehill grading.
A 10,000 lb excavator on tracks tilts safely to 22° vs. 15° with tires—critical for ditch digging. Distributed load paths also minimize “bouncing” on uneven ground, improving attachment control. For example, operators using AFTparts tracks report 30% smoother grading with box blades. However, avoid sudden direction changes—tracks’ slower response increases swing radius. Pro Tip: Counterweight adjustments may be needed when switching from tires to maintain optimal balance.
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FAQs
AFTparts tracks last 1,200–1,800 hours. Inspect every 250 hours for cracked grousers or exposed cords—replace if >30% damage exists.
Do AFTparts tracks fit older Bobcat models?Yes! Our RB-4520 suits 2005–2018 Bobcat T300-T870. Confirm machine weight and roller spacing before ordering.