Agriculture Tracks

In wet or muddy conditions, rubber tracks are better than tires. They offer more surface area and constant contact. This helps prevent sinking and loss of grip. Tracked tractors can work in waterlogged fields where tires get stuck. Tracks also avoid forming deep ruts, which protects your field. Even tracked machines can struggle in very deep mud, but they keep you moving better than tires.

Agriculture tracks last anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000+ hours, depending on quality and use. Check tracks closely around 1,000 hours. Look for worn-down lugs (below 50% of original height), cracks, or internal damage. If you notice slipping, de-tracking, or missing guide lugs, it’s time to replace the tracks. Plan for replacement like you would for tires to avoid sudden failure and machine damage.

Rubber tracks must fit the tractor’s undercarriage. You can’t use tracks on a wheeled tractor without a conversion kit. Many modern tractors and combines come with track systems or offer track options. Examples include John Deere’s 8RT/8RX and Case IH Quadtrac. If you have a track model, just get the right replacement track that matches its specs, like length and width.

If you own a wheeled tractor and want to switch to tracks, there are aftermarket conversion kits available. These kits replace the wheel axle assemblies with track modules. Brands like Soucy, Camso, and ATI offer systems for popular tractors. This upgrade is more complex but can improve flotation.

Always check that the track or track system you buy is designed for your specific make and model. At Dyne Industries, we can help you confirm compatibility. Just provide your machine’s brand, model, and series, and we’ll let you know which agricultural tracks fit or if a conversion is necessary.

Keeping agriculture tracks in good shape is simple and can help them last longer. First, clean the tracks. After working in muddy or debris-filled fields, hose off or scrape away mud, crop residue, and stones.

This stops material from hardening and causing alignment issues. Second, check the track tension regularly. A well-tensioned track reduces wear. Most machines have a tension indicator or a procedure for this in the owner’s manual. Third, inspect the tracks for cuts, cracks, or missing lugs.

If you spot a small issue, fix it before it worsens. You can patch small cuts using repair kits. Also, maintain the undercarriage by keeping the drive sprockets, rollers, and idlers in good condition and properly lubricated. Replace worn sprockets since sharp or broken teeth can damage the track from the inside.

Finally, when parking for a long time, store the machine indoors or at least out of direct sunlight. This helps reduce UV damage to the rubber. By following these maintenance steps, you’ll help your agriculture tracks wear evenly and last longer.

Yes, seasonal changes can affect rubber tracks. This may require some adjustments or precautions.

In winter, colder temperatures can make the rubber stiffer. This can slightly reduce track tension as materials contract. It’s smart to check and adjust tension on very cold days before heavy use. In snow or ice, standard agricultural tracks offer good flotation. However, they can still slip on ice since rubber treads don’t grip well. Some operators install bolt-on ice cleats or switch to tracks with embedded metal studs for winter work. After working in snow or slush, clear ice and snow from the undercarriage. When you park, leftover snow can freeze solid, causing issues for the next start-up.

In summer, hot conditions make the rubber more pliable. If you travel a lot on roads in summer heat, tracks may wear faster. Avoid long trips on pavement during the hottest part of the day if you can. You might also consider water ballast in the undercarriage to keep things cool. UV exposure is highest in summer, so using a protectant spray designed for rubber can help reduce sun damage. Some farmers use tire protectants on tracks.

Overall, while agriculture tracks are all-season, it’s wise to make minor adjustments. Check tension with temperature swings, add traction aids in icy conditions, and be mindful of operation on extremely hot days. These steps will help your tracks perform well year-round.

It’s best to replace tracks in pairs, just like tires on a vehicle. Replacing both sides ensures even performance. If one track is new and the other is worn, the machine may pull to one side. The drive system on the worn side might even spin faster since its circumference is smaller. Uneven track lengths or tension can stress the driveline over time.

However, if one track is damaged early, like from an accident or sharp object, you can replace just that one. In this case, choose the same model of track as the remaining one to keep them matched. After replacement, watch the machine’s behavior. If you see uneven wear or handling, you may need to change the other side soon.

For tracked skid steers or smaller machines, replacing one track at a time is common and usually fine. But for large tractors, replacing both tracks at once is the best practice. At Dyne Industries, we give tailored advice. If your remaining track has plenty of life and the new one matches, a single replacement can work. Otherwise, budgeting for both tracks is wise for balanced operation.