Excavator Tracks

Cleaning excavator tracks should be part of your daily routine. This is especially important after working in mud, clay, or snow. The best way to clean them is with a pressure washer or high-pressure hose.

Start by running the machine slowly to let dirt fall off. You can gently move it a few feet back and forth. Then, shut it down and spray water along the track frames, sprockets, rollers, and the track itself. This helps dislodge packed mud and debris.

Make sure to clean the gaps between the track’s tread lugs. For steel tracks, clean between the track pads and around the pins. If mud is dried and stubborn, you may need a scraper or shovel to knock out large chunks before washing.

Pay special attention to the drive sprocket area where material can cake up. Removing all foreign debris helps prevent premature wear and corrosion.

In winter, cleaning is crucial. You need to remove snow and road salts. After washing, move the machine a bit or idle the tracks. This can sling off water and help prevent freezing. Clean tracks last longer and allow for better inspections during maintenance checks.

Dyne Industries makes it easy to get tracks wherever you are. With our fast shipping across Canada and the US, we effectively bring a local solution to your doorstep. You no longer need to drive around or depend on local suppliers. Dyne Industries has warehouses across Canada. They deliver right to your door. Shopping in our online store is straightforward, and you can receive your tracks promptly. Whether you’re on a remote job site or in a major city, we ensure your tracks arrive quickly—ready for installation. If you’re uncertain about the size you need, our team is here to assist. Just provide your machine information, and we’ll take care of the rest.

The cost of mini excavator tracks varies greatly based on size, brand, and quality. Mini excavator rubber tracks for models in the 1-5 ton range typically cost from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. For instance, a 1-ton mini machine may have tracks priced around $300-$500 each. In contrast, a larger mini excavator (4-5 tons) could see tracks costing $800-$1,200 each. Premium brands or reinforced tracks tend to be more expensive.

While price matters, consider the track’s durability and warranty. A cheaper track may save money now but could wear out faster. At Dyne Industries, we offer affordable prices for premium-grade tracks. Our mini excavator tracks might not be the cheapest, but they provide great life and value.

We’re happy to give you a quote for your specific mini excavator model. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs, but we often have deals for free or reduced shipping. In short, mini excavator tracks range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars based on specifications. Contact us for a quote to get an exact figure and a great deal on quality.

For standard or mid-sized excavators (like those in the 6-10 ton range using rubber tracks), prices go up with size. Excavator rubber tracks for these machines range from about $1,000 to $2,500 or more per track. The price depends on the width and length of the track. Larger excavators have bigger tracks that use more material. For example, an 8-ton machine might have tracks costing around $1,500 each. A hybrid rubber track for a special machine could exceed $2,000 each.

Very large excavators typically use steel tracks. If you need rubber track pads for steel tracks, those have different prices (often priced per pad). To get accurate pricing, request a quote with your specific model details.

Dyne Industries aims to provide high-value rubber tracks. We keep our prices competitive with OEM dealerships and other aftermarket suppliers. We also offer warranty and longevity that justify the costs. For instance, an 18-month warranty on a $2,000 track offers significant usage security. Always think about the total cost of ownership. A quality track might cost more at first but can save you money over time by performing better and lasting longer.

The lifespan of rubber excavator tracks depends on usage, terrain, maintenance, and track quality. Typically, rubber tracks last between 1,200 and 2,000 hours of operation. For a machine with moderate use, this could mean a few years. However, for machines used daily, the lifespan may drop to less than a year. Many contractors report getting 2-3 years from rubber tracks on mini excavators with proper care.

Harsh conditions can shorten this lifespan. If you frequently work on sharp rock or abrasive concrete, tread wear may occur faster, possibly under 1,000 hours. On the other hand, a lightly used machine on soft soil with good maintenance might exceed 2,000 hours. Maintenance plays a key role. Keeping proper tension, cleaning the tracks, and avoiding rough operation can greatly extend their life.

Higher quality tracks, like Dyne’s, use better rubber compounds and reinforcements to resist wear. This often leads to longer lifespans than cheaper options. It’s also crucial to replace tracks when they wear out. Running them until failure can cause further damage. You might get extra hours, but it could lead to a break at a bad time.

In general, expect a few good years from rubber tracks under normal conditions. With proper care and high-quality tracks, you can maximize their lifespan. Always check for wear. When the tread is mostly gone or cracks are deep, it’s time to think about new tracks.

Rubber Excavator Tracks: These tracks use a heavy-duty rubber compound, made from natural and synthetic rubber for strength. Inside, steel cables or cords run the length of the track, embedded in the rubber. This setup gives tensile strength and stops the track from stretching. These cables are known as steel belts, similar to those in car tires but much stronger and continuous. Rubber tracks also contain steel inserts or cores. These metal pieces are placed at intervals for the sprocket’s teeth to grip. Many designs feature steel bar inserts or metal lugs that connect with the drive sprocket. So, a rubber track is a mix of rubber and steel: rubber provides flexibility and grip, while steel offers strength and shape.

Steel Excavator Tracks: These tracks are almost entirely made of steel. A steel track consists of linked sections (track links) crafted from cast and forged steel. They connect with steel pins and bushings to form a track chain. Bolted to these links are steel track shoes (pads), which are the flat plates seen on the track surface. Depending on the type, these shoes have grousers (raised bars), usually 1, 2, or 3 per shoe, to enhance traction. Thus, steel tracks are made from high-strength alloy steel components: links, pins, bushings, and shoes. In modern tracks, pins and bushings are often hardened and may be sealed with grease to reduce wear. If the steel track has bolt-on rubber pads, those pads add some rubber and possibly a steel backing plate, but the main structure remains a steel chain.

In summary, rubber tracks combine rubber with internal steel reinforcement, while steel tracks consist of steel parts. Both are built for heavy-duty use, but their materials lead to different performance characteristics.

Excavator tracks are heavy and made to support multi-ton machines. Their weight depends on the size and type:

Rubber Tracks: A small rubber track for a mini excavator (1-2 ton machine) weighs about 50-70 kg (110-150 lbs). As the excavator size increases, the track becomes longer and wider. For a 5-ton excavator, a rubber track weighs around 130-150 kg (300-330 lbs) each. For an 8-ton excavator, a single rubber track can weigh 200-300 kg (440-660 lbs). These weights are estimates, as models vary. The weight includes rubber and internal steel, making them surprisingly heavy. Always use equipment or multiple people to handle them safely; never lift a large track alone.

Steel Tracks: Steel tracks usually weigh more than rubber ones, especially on larger machines. A complete steel track assembly for a mid-sized excavator (about 20 tons) can weigh several tons. For smaller excavators (5-8 ton range), a steel track might weigh a few hundred kilograms, similar to rubber tracks. For larger excavators, each steel track (chain + pads) can weigh 1,000 kg (1 metric ton) or more. For example, a large 20-ton excavator’s steel track may weigh around 1.5 tons (about 3,300 lbs) per side. Since steel tracks can be segmented, weight can be given per track shoe, about 10-20 kg each, multiplied by the number of shoes.

In summary, excavator tracks are extremely heavy, ranging from a few hundred pounds for smaller ones to thousands for larger machines. Always use proper lifting tools like forklifts, hoists, or track installation jacks when moving or replacing tracks. If you order tracks from Dyne Industries, we provide the shipping weight info to help you prepare for safe unloading.