FAQ - Frequented Ask and Answer

Rubber tracks for excavators and mini-excavators are an essential and expensive wear item required by your machine. Without properly maintained and functioning rubber tracks, your machine is unable to produce an income for you or perform the job function for which the machine was designed. Luckily, some common sense care and maintenance techniques can extend the life of your rubber tracks and keep you and your machine in business. Here are a few tips for care and maintenance of your rubber tracks:

1.　Make sure you order the right kind of rubber tracks for your excavator or mini-excavator and for the surface on which the machine will work- if working

on rough or jagged surfaces, for example, you may actually require steel tracks- if working on muddy slopes, you may require a different rubber track tread pattern than the OEM.

2.　Make sure you examine the rubber tracks as soon as you get them to check for manufacturer defects, incorrect sizing, shipping damage, or any other anomalies. Be sure to contact your dealer, distributor, or manufacturer immediately to report any issues.

3.　Make sure you put the rubber tracks on the machine and try the rubber tracks out as soon as you get them to test for any sizing, fitment, and/or compatibility issues and to "get a feel" for how the rubber tracks perform- it may take you a while to get used to the rubber tracks (if, for example, you change tread patterns).

4.　It is essential that you maintain the correct tension on your rubber tracks at all times- consult your owners manual, the track manufacturer, your dealer, or your distributor for more information.

5.　Know the weight capacity of your machine and rubber tracks- try not to overload the machine.

6.　When operating the machine, limit the amount of doughnuts as much as possible and try to avoid zero degree/zero radius turns- especially on concrete,pavement, asphalt, gravel, etc. Use wide angle turns when possible.

7.　Limit the use of your machine on sharp rocky surfaces, gravel, fields with crop stubble, or any other jagged or uneven surfaces.

8.　Avoid too many fast and sharp turns. Avoid hill-traversing turns or operating at high speeds.

9.　Keep rubber tracks clean in-between uses- wash off mud, debris, etc. (especially in and on undercarriage components) and then pat dry. If rubber tracks come into contact with oil or petroleum products, wipe off with a rag as soon as possible.

10.　Prevent large foreign objects from becoming entangled in your undercarriage components.

11.　Examine undercarriage components- sprockets, rollers, and idlers frequently and replace when necessary- wear and damage of undercarriage components can affect rubber track performance and longevity.

12.　Do not drive with rubber track sidewall edges pressing against hard walls (like brick), jagged surfaces (like stones), curbs, or other objects.

13.　Rotate rubber tracks (switch sides) periodically to even-out wear on tread.

14.　If not on the machine, store rubber tracks in a cool dry place- do not let rubber tracks sit unused in direct sunlight or in wet and/or damp areas.

15.　Use manufacturer approved industrial strength protectant (not Armor-All).

16.　Do not deliberately try to damage and/or destroy the rubber tracks to test them- you may injure yourself, the machine, and/or others and you will violate your rubber track warranty. Do not take the rubber tracks for granted- rubber tracks need to be properly cared for and maintained.

17.　Do not buy the least expensive rubber track that you can find. Rubber tracks are the most important wear item on your excavator- trusting a cheap excavator track will just not do. Invest a little more money up-front for a premium excavator track and you will be thankful later...less downtime, less undercarriage part replacements, and longer track life! Do not trust suppliers that claim that their track is the "best" and the "cheapest"- it is not possible to be both. Use common sense- a good track will cost a little more.

18.　Do not replace only one excavator track at a time. Running a new track with an old track is like running a new car tire with a bald car tire...it will lead to alignment problems. Do not ruin your undercarriage by trying to save a few hundred dollars on a single rubber track. You need to replace both excavator tracks at the same time- ensuring identical tread-wear, tread-pattern, and sprocket hole tightness.

19.　Buying new replacement rubber tracks for your Bobcat, Takeuchi, Kubota, Komatsu, Hitachi, John Deere, Caterpillar/CAT, or other brand of excavator is an important decision and requires research to find the best buy. Choose a company that supplies high-quality, premium excavator rubber track products and a company that provides high-quality customer service.

By following these simple care and maintenance techniques, you will sustain the quality and extend the life of your rubber tracks.

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