Rubber Tracks Available at Thompson Tractor
Regardless of your equipment’s operating environment, there will come a day when it needs new tracks. Whether they’ve become worn after years of use or you want to support your equipment on new terrain, rubber track parts can refresh your machinery and help it better navigate whatever landscapes your work takes you to.
At Thompson Tractor, we offer a wide range of rubber tracks for local businesses to help you find the right levels of stability, ground pressure, traction, flotation, and ride comfort. We also regularly run specials to ensure your machines run smoothly at a lower cost.
Cat® Rubber Tracks
Cat® Rubber TracksCat rubber tracks are available for many types of machinery, with plenty of configurations to suit your equipment’s unique needs. We offer new rubber tracks for the following machines:
- Compact track loaders: With steel-embedded rubber tracks, you can give your compact track loader exceptional traction control, high flotation, low ground pressure, and a smooth, stable ride. Choose from standard, general duty, polar tread, and narrow-width rubber tracks.
- Hydraulic excavators: Cat excavator rubber tracks offer great all-around performance in many ground conditions. Get the high traction you need along with stability and smoothness during your excavation work.
Choose the right kind of tread for your work
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Block
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The block tread is a popular all-purpose option that works well on hard, abrasive surfaces like gravel and paved roads. Expect a smooth ride and little damage to the ground. It can also be used on terrain such as sand, dirt, and mud.
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Bar
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With a bar tread, you can get better traction on wet or muddy ground, but it may give you a slightly rougher ride. It’s also good for avoiding damage to finished turf.
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Zigzag
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If you need to switch between hard and soft terrain, the zigzag pattern offers even performance.
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Polar
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The polar tread is great for snowy operations. It can boost traction, improve ride performance, and reduce stopping distance when driving on snow.
How To Remove And Install Cat Rubber Tracks
Is it time for you to replace your machine’s tracks? Enlist at least two people to complete this job to ensure a safe environment. If needed, you can always have a professional install the new tracks for you. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Prepare: The track loader needs to be on a level, stable surface. Make sure the engine is off, and use wheel chocks to prevent movement.
- Lower the undercarriage: Use the loader controls to lower the undercarriage and relieve any tension in the tracks. Locate the tension release valve and use a tool to release it.
- Detach the old track: Once the tension is loose, you can remove the track. Start on one side and use a pry bar or a similar tool to guide it off the sprocket and rollers.
- Attach the new track: After removing the old track, you can put the new one on. Ensure it’s oriented correctly — the track’s tread pattern should match the direction of the loader’s movement. Start at the sprocket and drape it around. Align the teeth with the sprocket grooves, rollers and idlers.
- Apply the tension: Next, you can apply tension to tighten the track. The track should be tight enough so it doesn’t sag, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it puts stress on the components.
- Test the equipment: Finally, lower the loader and conduct a final inspection before starting it up. Listen for any unusual noises and make adjustments as necessary.
When To Replace Your Rubber Tracks
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Worn Out Sprockets
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Sprockets are powered by a hydraulic motor that propels the tracks forward. The sprockets interlock with the tracks, and over time, they wear down the rubber and metal components. A worn track can have the same impact on the sprockets.
The sprockets’ teeth generally wear out first and become rounded. Once this happens, they fail to engage with the tracks and then slip or jump. The tension will also slacken, causing further damage.
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Cracks In The Track
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Cracks are the beginning sign of a much bigger problem. Here’s why:
- Structural integrity: Once the tracks’ structure is damaged, it reduces their ability to withstand stress.
- Rapid deterioration: Small cracks can quickly expand, especially under the strain of a loader.
- External elements: Rolling over dirt and debris will cause these materials to enter the internal structure of the track. The steel cords will start to corrode if exposed to moisture.
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Exposed Steel Cords
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Another sign of when to replace your undercarriage tracks is when the cords are exposed. The rubber in the tracks acts as a protective layer for the inner cords. When the rubber wears down to the point where the cords are exposed, it means the track has lost a significant amount of its integrity.
The cords can get caught on sharp objects and rough surfaces and snap or come apart. They are also vulnerable to environmental elements, making them corrode and weaken.
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Abnormal Track Noise
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Any abnormal noise coming from your compact track loader is a bad sign, and a clicking sound could be an indication there’s something wrong with the rubber tracks. That particular noise could be because the links are broken, which make a clicking sound as they rotate around the sprockets.
A grinding noise is another story. You could have debris caught in the system or problems with rollers or idlers. Popping and snapping noises can be a misalignment or damage to the track itself.
It is best to have a professional check the equipment whenever you hear these noises coming from your machinery.
The Cat Advantage
The official Parts.Cat.com store carries resources you can count on. From genuine new rubber tracks to remanufactured or replaced components, you’ll find various parts manufactured specifically for your Cat machinery and given the green light from Caterpillar. With the rugged reliability of this industry-leading company, you can be confident you’re getting equipment built to last that helps you do your best work.
Working With Thompson Tractor
Thompson Tractor is your trusted Cat dealer throughout Alabama and northern Florida. We’ve been delivering high-quality equipment for decades, backed by our local, historied expertise. Dedication to our community is a driving force for our team. As a direct supplier, we’ll help you get the parts you need in a timely manner, with plenty of components held on-location and many more available for order.
Would you like more information on our rubber tracks specials?
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