Whether they’re damaged, aging or just not performing like they used to, there comes a time when you need to replace your rubber excavator tracks.
When that time comes, you want to make sure you purchase the right ones the first time around. But with the vast array of different types, sizes, tread patterns and manufacturers out there, knowing how to buy rubber excavator tracks correctly can quickly become overwhelming.
Getting it right saves you unnecessary costs and pointless downtime, and avoids potential damage to the undercarriage of your excavator.
What should you be looking for when buying rubber excavator tracks?
When you really get down to it, you’re looking at two key things: the quality of the rubber compound and the strength of the internal steel construction. It comes down to the engineering of the product, and unless you’re a chemist or have studied the art of rubber products, sometimes you just have to trust what you’re being told is correct. But not anymore!
The good news is that learning how to buy rubber excavator tracks doesn’t require specialist knowledge. There are clear signs that help you identify a high-quality track from an inferior one.
Not all rubber excavator tracks are created equally
Having boomed in popularity for small to mid-sized excavators, manufacturers of rubber tracks have appeared rapidly over recent years, leaving buyers spoilt for choice.
At first, this was seen as a good thing with competitive pricing and more variations suiting different excavators and projects, giving customers more options than ever before. However, it also introduced a wave of lower-quality tracks made from inferior materials.
To an untrained eye, the difference between premium rubber excavator tracks and cheaper alternatives can be difficult to spot. That’s why understanding what to look for is so important.
That’s why we’re here to help. Here’s all the crucial information to consider when it’s time to buy the right excavator track for your equipment.
Get the right rubber density - not too hard and not too soft
So whilst a lot has changed, and we could go on all day about rubber compounds – but very simply, rubber excavator tracks are made from a rubber compound that consists of base elastic polymers, fillers, and various other chemicals, all of which impact the amount of stress and strain an excavator track can withstand before failure.
The rubber compound must strike the right balance. Too hard, and it becomes brittle and prone to cracking. Too soft, and it stretches, wears quickly and loses shape.
High-quality rubber tracks are designed to resist:
- Cutting and tearing
- Stretching under load
- Puncturing in abrasive conditions
The result is better tread life, improved reliability and less maintenance over the life of your excavator.
How do you know if it’s the best rubber out there?
The simplest answer is this: look for tracks made from 100% all-natural virgin rubber.
When compared with recycled rubber (commonly the type of rubber used in those inferior cousins we mentioned above), 100% virgin rubber is well-known for its:
- Higher durability
- Better resistance to extreme temperatures
- Reduced risk of splitting and cracking
- Longer service life
Recycled rubber, commonly found in cheaper tracks, is far more prone to premature failure.
How can you tell if the track is made from 100% virgin rubber?
- The smell test: Recycled rubber often smells like an old tyre. Virgin rubber does not.
- The appearance test: Quality tracks have a consistent, deep colour throughout. Patchy colouring often indicates recycled material.
A bonus tip is to have a conversation with your supplier of excavator pads, tracks and buffers. If they’re worth their salt, their reputation and relationship with you are more important than simply getting stock out the door. So, when it comes to rubber, don’t be afraid to chat about your specific needs and uses as part of the selection process because it’s the rubber that protects and holds everything else together.
And remember, you get what you pay for.
Always look to buy rubber excavator tracks with steel belts & metal inserts.
High-quality rubber is only part of the equation. The steel components inside the track are just as critical to performance and longevity.
Rubber excavator tracks are built in layers, with internal components designed to handle load, movement and engagement with the sprocket.
These include:
- Metal inserts: the primary purpose of the metal inserts is to engage with the sprocket, resulting in movement.
- Steel core wires: the core wires provide strength and rigidity throughout the length of the track.
When inspecting tracks, always check that the metal inserts are one-piece forged components. Multiple joined inserts create weak points and significantly increase the risk of failure.
Similarly, continuous steel cables running the full length of the track provide far greater durability than cables joined in sections. Fewer joins mean fewer weak points and better resistance to harsh operating conditions like rock and abrasive ground.
Get the right size and the right tread pattern
An area that is often overlooked when people buy rubber excavator tracks is getting the correct track size and tread pattern.
Purchasing the right size sounds simple enough, right? However, with the growing complexity of track systems and sizes available across a wide range of excavators, purchasing the wrong size track is common, and not always apparent immediately.
As tracks stretch and wear over time, a minor measurement error can result in premature failure of the track. It can also cause potential damage to the undercarriage, including your sprockets, which becomes quite a costly affair. So when it comes to size, it’s not simply how big or small the rubber track is – it needs to be the right length, width, links and pitch to match the machine’s sprockets to ensure the correct tension when fitted.
Even small measurement errors can lead to:
- Premature track wear
- Incorrect tension
- Damage to sprockets and undercarriage
Here’s a quick breakdown to understand what to look for when measuring the size of a rubber excavator track:
- Width/length: this is the overall width and length of the track
- Pitch: the spacing between the centre of the metal inserts (Long or Short)
- Links: the number of metal inserts or links in the track
Once fitted, avoid overtightening. Over-tensioned tracks wear faster and increase fuel consumption. Too loose, and the track may derail.
If you’re unsure, a knowledgeable supplier has all the information you need to make sure your excavator is well-equipped for the task at hand.
Choosing the right tread pattern for your terrain
You also need to ensure you select the right tread pattern. Tread pattern, like a car tyre, can be the difference between a smooth or rough ride, overall traction, and ground disturbance. When considering the tread, it’s important to buy rubber excavator tracks for the surface the machine will be used on the most.
Like tyres on a vehicle, the wrong tread pattern will result in:
- Excessive vibration
- Increased noise
- Reduced performance
- Faster wear on both track and machine
Always select rubber excavator tracks based on the surface the machine operates on most often, whether that’s soft ground, mud, concrete, gravel or turf.
Matching tread to terrain ensures smoother operation, reduced wear and better overall machine performance.
In summary: how to buy rubber excavator tracks with confidence
When buying rubber excavator tracks, every detail matters. Long-term performance depends on selecting the right materials, construction and fit.
By ensuring:
- The correct tread pattern for your application
- Accurate sizing for your machine
- High-quality materials including 100% virgin rubber
- One-piece forged metal inserts and continuous steel cables
You’ll avoid unnecessary downtime and operate with confidence knowing your excavator is properly supported from the ground up.
Need advice on how to buy rubber excavator tracks for your machine?
Have a chat with the team at TrackPads Australia. They stock a wide range of tracks, pads and buffers and can size your machine accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions: Buying Rubber Excavator Tracks
To buy the right rubber excavator tracks, you need to confirm three things: the correct track size for your machine, a tread pattern suited to your primary working surface, and high-quality construction materials. Look for tracks made from 100% virgin rubber with one-piece forged metal inserts and continuous steel cables to ensure durability and long service life.
The lifespan of rubber excavator tracks depends on operating conditions, terrain, machine weight and maintenance. High-quality tracks used on suitable surfaces and correctly tensioned can last several thousand operating hours. Poor quality tracks or incorrect sizing can fail much earlier.
Rubber excavator tracks are ideal for urban, residential and finished surfaces because they reduce ground damage, vibration and noise. Steel tracks are better suited to extreme rock or demolition work. The best choice depends on where and how your excavator operates most often.
100% virgin rubber means the track is manufactured entirely from new, natural rubber rather than recycled material. Virgin rubber provides greater flexibility, better resistance to cracking and tearing, and improved performance in extreme temperatures compared to recycled rubber compounds.
Common signs of poor quality tracks include strong tyre-like odours, inconsistent colouring, visible joins in metal inserts, and steel cables made from multiple joined sections. These indicators often point to recycled rubber or inferior internal construction, which increases the risk of premature failure.
Installing the wrong track size can cause excessive wear, incorrect tension, derailment and damage to undercarriage components such as sprockets and rollers. Even small sizing errors can shorten track life and increase operating costs. Always confirm width, pitch and number of links before purchase.
Rubber excavator tracks should be tensioned according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Over-tightening causes accelerated wear and increased fuel consumption, while under-tightening can lead to track derailment. Correct tension helps maximise track life and machine efficiency.
Yes. Tread pattern affects traction, vibration, noise levels and ground disturbance. Selecting a tread pattern suited to your primary surface, such as turf, mud, gravel or concrete, improves performance and reduces wear on both the track and the excavator.
Poor quality or incorrectly sized tracks can damage the undercarriage over time. High-quality tracks with proper steel reinforcement distribute load evenly and reduce stress on sprockets, rollers and idlers, helping protect the undercarriage.
Yes. Replacing both tracks at the same time ensures even wear, balanced machine operation and correct tensioning. Installing a single new track alongside a worn one can lead to uneven loading and reduced performance.
