Excavator track options

[KW Land Works]

We're looking to add an excavator with a mulching head to our fleet. We've been talking about the 308E2 from Cat. They have the typical 3 options for tracks: rubber, steel w/ rubber pads and straight steel. We frequently drive over asphalt and concrete so the rubber has a strong vote. We also do quite a bit of work in swampy areas where the DEP doesn't want us to rut things up. The 450mm (~18"s) rubber tracks have a reputation for being the easiest on terrain but the 600 mm (~24") triple grouser steel tracks would have a lower ground pressure. Does the compliance of the rubber track make up for the higher ground pressure?

Any opinions?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[SSdoxie]

Difference in ground pressure of the 18" rubber versus 24" steel is because of the extra width. Ground pressure is = total weight of machine spread over the surface area of the track, wider track will give less ground pressure. A steel track will pull up more mud and terrain with it simply because it allows soft material to work up in between each track section then, where as a rubber track has tendency to push this loose material down and pull less material up over the tracks leaving reduced ground disruption.

Each track option has its own pros & cons. That is why there are so many available, just have to understand each option and make best choice for your application.

 

[KW Land Works]

Good point with the material working between the tracks.

 

[andrehoude123]

I got a kx o80 in the 8 ton class and I really would not want rubber tracks I jut think at that weight it's just to heavy to be going over rocks with rubber track I got 24 inch pads on mine and it will walk over really wet stuff with out sinking more than 2 inch I got out of my machine once and walked in the soft stuff and I almost sank 4 inch to give you an idea how much those extra square inch help I'm also looking a getting a forestery head on my machine but one step at a time

 

[KW Land Works]

We drive over asphalt and concrete. I've been told that steel tracks on hot asphalt are a non starter.

 

[Wnc3]

From what you described, I think the LGP(low ground pressure) 24" steel pads with rubber inserts would be your best option. Any turns on hot asphalt will potentially cause surface damage with any setup.
I am sure this is also the most expensive option.
To answer your last question: no, the more compliant rubber will not make up for the LGP of the wider tracks. ( in my opinion)

 

[slowJEEP]

I believe they only come steel at the 24" width and the hybrid or straight rubber tracks are 18". Seems like it'd be a good combo but they must not do it for a reason.

 

[fishfactor]

Go with steel and use mats when you need to get on hot asphalt. Plywood, 2x12 boards, old tires, etc. You can always add aftermarket rubber pads to the tracks if you want.

 

[KW Land Works]

Aftermarket never occurred to me. Thanks fish.

 

[GreensForestryMulching]

Aftermarket never occurred to me. Thanks fish.

There are multiple company's out there that make bolt on rubber and poly pads for triple grouser style metal tracks. We ran a a set on a 225d deere for some while. They held up surprisingly well even on a 65k lb machine. I believe they were made by Rio who makes a lot of pads for paving machines.