Caterpillar® Product Information

Salesgram
October 1999

Track Usage on Cat®

Skid Steer Loaders

Our recent launch of the Caterpillar line of Skid Steer Loaders has
provided an opportunity to reach new customers. Because of unique
underfoot conditions found on their job sites, some customers have
expressed the need for additional traction and/or flotation above
what a pneumatic tire can provide. One solution is over-the-tire
tracks. We recognized and tested several track options to meet
their needs.

There are several after-market providers of both steel and rubber

tracks that are available for skid steer loaders. When used in soft,
muddy conditions, tracks can help to increase traction and
flotation. However, there are some trade-offs in drive train life
and/or maintenance costs that we need to be aware of so that we
can best serve our customers in determining the correct course
of action.

For Dealer Sales Personnel

Steel Segmented Track Steel segmented tracks fit over the front and rear wheels of the
skid steer loader and must maintain a certain amount of “slack” to
operate properly. Segmented steel tracks provide for the adjustment
of track circumference to ensure proper slack when installed over
tires with fixed or adjustable wheelbase. This slack and the special
design of the track segment allow the tire to spin in the track when
an overloading condition occurs to prevent damage to the drive
train. In addition, as the track rotates, sometimes debris such as
mud, rocks or other objects are trapped between the tire and the
track segment. The slack allows the track to expand or elongate as
the debris rotates around the tire (which also cushions) so that the
full load is not exerted on the axles and drive chains. Further, the
tracks provide additional tractive effort and weight which cause
loads that are higher than those normally exerted without the tracks.
As a result, we found that steel tracks increase stresses in final
drive components and require increased drive chain
maintenance.

To maximize the benefits of steel tracks and minimize their effect

on drive train components, we recommend the following:
• Limit steel track use to soft, muddy conditions.
• Keep track tension properly adjusted according to manufacturer’s
recommendation.
• Remove tracks when conditions allow for good footing with
tires alone.
• Check drive chain tension every 100 hours of track use under the
above mentioned conditions. More severe applications with dry
footing will require more frequent service.

To minimize damage to asphalt or concrete, steel track manufacturers

offer a bolt-on pad. The pad holds the track off the ground to
minimize the marking of the surface without sacrificing performance.

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Caterpillar has many years of experience with rubber tracks and Rubber Belted Track
is recognized in the industry for its development and use on
Challenger tractors and several models of excavators. Our rubber
track was developed specifically for use on the machines, not as
an after-market attachment. The technology employed for these
applications take into consideration shock loading, track wear,
tractive efforts and durability so that the machine’s performance
and reliability is maintained.

After-market rubber tracks for skid steer loaders require that the
track be stretched tightly over the tires. In most cases, this is
accomplished by deflating the tires, installing the track and then
re-inflating. It is tension or friction that creates a no-slip condition
between the tire and track. Therefore, a loaded condition exists on
the axles and drive chains while the machine is at rest. When in
use, debris that becomes trapped between the tire and track forces
the majority of the load on the axles because there is no slack of
openings in the track. Because the track cannot be easily removed,
most operators will leave the track on regardless of the ground
conditions. When operated during normal ground conditions,
tractive effort is also improved and there is no provision for
slippage of the wheel in the track, therefore, additional loading
is being exerted on the drive train components resulting in a
significant reduction in component life. As a result, we do not
recommend the use of rubber tracks on Caterpillar Skid Steer
Loaders and will not warranty any damages resulting from
their use.

As an alternative to rubber tracks, consider using wider “flotation”

tires such as the 31-15.50 x 16.5 on the 216 and 226 or the
33-1550 x 165 available on the 236 and 246.

For more information regarding track usage on Caterpillar

Skid Steer Loaders, contact Louis Scheidt or Jason Conklin
at (919) 777-2000.

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The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require knowledge of such reports and is
intended exclusively for their information and training. It may contain unverified analysis and facts observed by various Caterpillar or dealer employees.
However, effort has been made to provide reliable results regarding any information comparing Caterpillar built and competitive machines. Effort has been made
to use the latest available spec sheet and other material in the full understanding that these are subject to change without notice. Any reproduction of this
release without the foregoing explanation is prohibited.

TEKQ3775
October 1999
www.CAT.com
© 1999 Caterpillar
Printed in U.S.A.