Buying replacement rubber tracks for your skid steer, compact track loader (CTL) or mini excavator is a big decision. Rubber tracks keep excavators, CTLs, skid steers, walk-behind equipment and track dumpers moving, and the wrong track can mean early wear, derailing and costly downtime. Before you buy, you need two things: your machine's correct OEM track size, and a track that's built to last.
Why Quality Rubber Tracks Matter
A well-made, properly fitted rubber track pays for itself. The right track will:
- Reduce equipment downtime
- Protect your sprockets, rollers, idlers and other undercarriage parts
- Lower your cost per hour of operation
- Give a smoother, more stable ride with less vibration
- Keep your operator safe and comfortable
5 Quality Features to Check Before Buying Aftermarket Rubber Tracks
Many aftermarket rubber tracks look alike, but they aren't all built the same. Here's what separates a quality track from a cheap one:
1. Rubber Compound
Cheap tracks often use recycled rubber, which leads to early cracking and failure. Quality rubber tracks use a balanced blend of natural and synthetic rubber that resists abrasion, chunking, cuts and gouges.
2. Embedded Steel Links
Steel links spread your machine's weight evenly across the track. Properly placed, rust-resistant links give your undercarriage a smooth rolling path and reduce wear on rollers and sprockets.
3. Lug Depth and Tread Design
Shallow lugs lose traction and wear out fast. Deep, heat-resistant lugs grip well on everything from mud and loose soil to hard concrete, so you get more work done with less slipping.
4. Continuous Steel Cord
A track built with one continuous steel cord has no weak joint inside. That helps prevent stretching, waving and derailing, and gives the track more strength and flexibility.
5. Heat-Treated Metal Cores
Metal cores that aren't forged and heat treated are open to moisture and rust. Heat-treated cores and cables last longer and hold up under heavy daily use.
How to Find Your Rubber Track Size
Most rubber tracks have the size molded on the inside of the track, written as width x pitch x number of links. For example, 320x86x52 means a 320 mm wide track with an 86 mm pitch and 52 links. If the size has worn off, have your machine's make, model and serial number ready, and we'll help you find the correct track.
Price Isn't Everything
When you shop for skid steer tracks, CTL tracks or mini excavator tracks, don't compare price alone. Ask the seller about the rubber compound, steel links, lug depth and cord construction. A slightly higher price upfront often means a longer-lasting track and a lower cost per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do rubber tracks last?
Most rubber tracks last between 1,200 and 1,600 operating hours, depending on the ground conditions, how the machine is operated and how well the undercarriage is maintained.
Should I replace both rubber tracks at the same time?
Yes, in most cases. Replacing both tracks together keeps wear even on both sides and helps your machine track straight.
Are aftermarket rubber tracks as good as OEM tracks?
A quality aftermarket track built to OEM specifications can perform as well as an OEM track, often at a lower price. The key is checking the build quality features listed above.
Shop Heavy-Duty Rubber Tracks at Supertrak
At Supertrak, every rubber track we sell is heavy duty. We carry replacement rubber tracks for Bobcat, Takeuchi, New Holland, Case, CAT, JCB, IHI, Komatsu, Kubota, Mustang, John Deere, Yanmar, Volvo and more, along with sprockets, rollers and idlers to keep your whole undercarriage in shape.
Not sure which track fits your machine? Contact our team and we'll help you find the right size.