When choosing the best skid steer tracks, the main consideration is the terrain that you will be operating on. There are many skid steer rubber track patterns to choose from and all of them are suited for multiple applications. Check out our infographic guide below to help match up the tread pattern to the terrain.
Choosing the right skid steer tracks:
Terrain is going to be the defining criteria for the tread pattern you’ll need and will also play a critical role in the width of the track that you will use. You’ve probably seen most tracks offered in a narrow or wide width. We’ll get to what those two options mean later.
If you are working in loose terrain (think gravel, sand, snow etc.) then you’ll want to select tracks with wide grooves in them. The wider the grooves, the more traction you will typically achieve. The grooves will act as a “collection” point for the material to compact into when you are diving. The deeper and wider these grooves are, the more material they will collect thus leading to more traction. However, with great traction comes great impact to the terrain. If you’re doing work that involves driving through grass that you want to maintain in decent condition, you don’t want to opt for the most aggressive tread pattern.
Narrow or wide width tracks:
When you’re on loose terrain, wide tracks will offer you low ground pressure and more flotation. This is because they have a larger surface area to spread out the weight of the machine. The more surface area you have, the less risk you have of sinking into the material.
A narrow track will have less surface area to spread out the weight of the compact track loader or skid steer. With less space to spread the weight, you’ll get more grip from the extra pressure. Narrow tracks are typically used for rocky or hard ground where flotation isn’t the primary concern.
You’ll also come across a third option of standard tracks. Think of these as the general purpose tracks for things like demolition and landscaping. Standard tracks offer a middle ground of flotation and pressure.
A good rule of thumb is that narrow tracks are less than 305mm, standard tracks will range from 305mm to 457mm and wide tracks will range from 457mm to 610mm.
Can I Use the Same Skid Steer Tracks on Different Terrains?
The short answer is yes, you can use the same skid steer tracks on different terrains. While this is true, it doesn’t mean you can use one tread pattern on every terrain.
Staggered Block and C-Pad tread patterns can be used on asphalt, dirt, grass and gravel.
Straight-bar and Zig Zag can be used on dirt, gravel, mud and snow
Multi-Bar and Turf can be used on grass.
Each tread pattern has a terrain that it will perform best on but most can be used on at least one additional terrain material.