8 Differences Between Steel and Rubber Excavator Tracks

The durability of steel tracks is appealing but comes at the cost of damage to the surface it is driving over. These 8 differences will help you decide if you should get steel or rubber tracks on your next machine.

[tator]

Neil, another great video but I'm very surprised you didn't talk about steel tracks with bolt on rubber pads. They seem to be very popular, and the trade off's with a bare steel track largely go away then. Also one rubber pad can be replaced vs a whole rubber track. Thoughts? It's very popular with CAT and other brands to equip machines that way and gaining traction here too with Kubota product.

[the_omg]

Another consideration you might have discussed is if you can fit steel tracks on a machine that originally came with rubber or rubber tracks on a machine that came with steel. Or are the rest of the drive components different with each track type?

[AnomadAlaska]

I'm glad I chose rubber tracks for my 57. I bought too much machine, but I LOVE it. A little overkill is so satisfying in some applications.

[ericcrockett]

As always neil, another great video comparing different equipment options. I can definitely see each having their own benefits depending on your application

[landshapes]

Neil - you are extremely helpful with your analysis...thank you sir - mark

[thewaywardgrape]

A couple of notes for those with inexperienced operators/drivers/yardies: When loading/unloading rubber tracks in the wet/muddy/clay, the rubber can get very twitchy under control. That being said, steel tracks can also slip in wet on metal ramps.

[hdbikerdave]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing. Well done Neil.

[robertbarnum]

I've seen some rubber tracks come off minis and skid steers, but not steel ones. Too rare to be a factor or not?

[CharleyMcGee]

Hey, Neil. I need you to just go ahead and open up a location somewhere in western Washington (state). Please let me know as soon as this is done.

[TheWhitetailrancher]

My wife just gave me my birthday present. A Messick's Long sleeve t shirt! Gosh I was so darned happy! YES, I am a very simple man!

[MattTCfarm]

Another great video, Thank You! For the first time, I was about to ask a question already asked and answered. Great minds think alike, or not; but the important point is they THINK!

[jbcowherder]

i always wondered the differences: thanks Neil!!!

[johndeere]

I have one with steel tracks with rubber pads, one with rubber tracks, and one with steel on steel. We do a fair amount of road work, so rubber is preferred. If I only was operating on dirt, never asphalt, I would go steel on steel.

[isilver]

I like rubber tracks on the steep rockey trail on the property metal tracks are like ice skating.

[mark_Hershey]

Any rumors of an updated svl series 3? Really feel they hit it out of the park with the -5 series cabs. Svl needs complete cab update. Probably the noisiest and worst hvac on a track loader. The radio in my svl75 is worthless.

[connormarek]

I love the videos, Neil!!! I always learn so much. Hey, I have an unrelated question. Can you recommend a flail mower for an L2501?

[tatradak]

100% OE quality Rubber tracks way longer, the problem is people don't realise actually how many miles they travel....typically 4000 to 5000 hours is possible on owner operator but hire in only 2000 to 3000 hours due to abuse...it would be handy if the manufacture did two improvements to make them last longer, one fix and extra bottom roller wheel to spread the load when curbing and 2nd fix an over pressure valve on the idler cylinder to make sure the track is not over stretched and the pressure is released, this over pressure causes devulcanization within the wire and cleats internally which drastically shortens the track life..

[thefirewooddoctor]

Here's a good question. "How to determine what size mini/compact excavator is right for me?" For me would be maintenance in cleaning up the woods of customers and moving logs onto the live deck for a small firewood processor. Max lifting needed at 1200 pounds up to a height of 5ft or so.

[yrualeg]

Good to know….not that I need them yet

[karaayers]

Tore the he'll out of a fairly new rubber track on my mini last year in rocky shale on a lake front house job. Other than that application I love the rubber.