Compact Track Loaders: How to Maximize Rubber Track Life

Case Compact Track Loaders

Track Life Expectations

Track life varies depending upon application, operator and conditions; including temperature, surface, and grade conditions. Since track life is dependent on many variable, it is difficult to predict. There is no guarantee, but generally, in "dirt" applications, rubber track life expectancy can be twice to two-and-a-half times the normal life of a general purpose skid loader tire.

Rubber Track Operation

Use of rubber track-equipped loaders in harsh environments or on destructive surfaces such as rocky terrain, gravel, concrete or metal debris, etc., may cause premature wear, deterioration and failure of the rubber tracks and track components. Operation under such conditions nullifies damage cover by any warranty.

Decisions made by the operator are a key factor in optimizing track life and performance. Application and site conditions are prime considerations when choosing whether to use rubber tracks, steel tracks, or special application tires in a specific operation.

Track & Undercarriage Tips

Rubber tracks on compact track loaders excel in certain applications, offering performance advantages not possible with other ground-contact alternatives. To maximize these advantages over the longest possible period, there are simple operating guidelines which should be followed:

• Regularly monitor track tension. Loose tracks can de-track while over-tightening will cause power loss, excessive roller and idler wear, in addition to tearing of the tracks. Refer to the Operator's Manual for specific track inspection and tensioning procedures.
• Control track spinning when filling the bucket by using loader hydraulics to penetrate into the material. Unnecessary spinning of the tracks can accelerate wear and cause cuts in the tracks.
• Make every effort to balance the direction of turn. Continuous turning to the same side can cause asymmetrical wear and accelerate wear of sprocket teeth, track tread, guide lugs, and roller flanges.
• Promote maximum track life by monitoring sprockets, rollers, and idlers. Excessive wear to sprockets or other undercarriage components will result in premature wear to the tracks.

There are certain scenarios which, whenever possible, should be avoided due to the associated, potentially negative consequences.

• Making spin or pivot turns. Such operation causes accelerated wear and increases potential for de-tracking, particularly if track tension is not set to specifications. Operators should make wider, more gradual turns.
• Traveling across a slope. Constant operation on a slope or side hill can accelerate wear to the guide lugs, idlers and rollers by putting greater forces to one side than the other. Whenever dealing with inclines, it is best to climb straight up or down the slope. Any turns are best performed when on level ground.
• Traveling or operating units in or on abrasive materials. Such operations will cause cuts and "chunking out" of the lug surface of the tracks, resulting in shorter track life. These materials include:
  • Broken stone, jagged rock, iron rods, scrap iron, or other recycled materials
  • Rocky laden soils or similar conditions that may cause tracks to de-track or damage due to stones becoming stuck in the idler or drive sprockets
  • Crushed rock, recycled concrete or demolition rubble
  • Rough asphalt or concrete while routinely driving and turning
• Traveling with one track on a slope, uneven ground or a projecting object, and the other track on a flat surface. Operating tracks with the outside/inside edge of the track turned up can cause damage to the edges and lugs of the rubber track.
• Allowing sides of the track to come into contact with curbs or walls. Just as certain environments can potentially damage tires; corrosive materials (fuel, oil, salt, fertilizer, etc) can damage rubber tracks as well. These substances can corrode the rubber track's metal cores, resulting in a weakened track. Flushing of the tracks and undercarriage with clean water is recommended if the tracks come into contact with such substances.

Damaged tracks cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Accelerated wear or failure due to improper use and application are considered a result of poor decision-making and, as such, are not covered by any warranty. Thus, it is important to properly understand the risks and rewards of rubber track application.

Surface Materials to Avoid

• Broken stone, jagged rock, iron rods, scrap iron, or other recycled materials
• Rocky-laden soils or similar conditions that may cause tracks to de-track or damage due to stones becoming stuck in the idler or drive sprockets
• Crushed rock, recycled concrete or demolition rubble
• Rough asphalt or concrete while routinely driving and turning.

Note: Rubber track loaders are not recommended for use in cold planning applications. Freshly ground asphalt and concrete are very abrasive and will rapidly accelerate the wear of the track.