Bobcat Tracks – Design, Issues, and Best Practices

[MikePhua]

Bobcat’s tracked machines (compact track loaders, multi-terrain loaders, mini excavators, etc.) rely heavily on their undercarriage and track systems for traction, stability, and longevity. The topic of “Bobcat tracks” is broad, involving materials, wear mechanisms, maintenance habits, design trade-offs, and field experience. Below is a detailed, original narrative covering these aspects—enriched with technical clarifications, practical tips, field stories, and comparisons.
Bobcat Undercarriage Architecture and Track Types
To appreciate the strengths and failure modes, it helps to understand how Bobcat configures its track systems:

• The undercarriage typically includes drive sprockets, idler wheels, multiple carrier rollers and track rollers, a track tensioner (often hydraulic or mechanical), and rubber or steel tracks that form a continuous loop.
  
• In Bobcat CTLs (compact track loaders), the track system is integrated with the frame and sometimes uses torsion bar suspension to allow the entire track frame to flex slightly over uneven terrain.
  
• Bobcat uses rubber tracks in most standard track loaders; in some retrofit or specialty uses, steel tracks or hardened pads may be applied (especially for harsh surfaces).
  
• The tracks themselves use embedded steel cables or cords (for tensile strength) within rubber compounds; the outer rubber tread pattern grips the ground; internal layers resist shear and fatigue.
  

Because the track is the machine’s only point of traction with the ground, any wear, misalignment, slack, or damage in this system can drastically reduce performance.
Common Issues Observed with Bobcat Tracks
Users and technicians frequently report several recurring problems. Below is a synthesis of what arises in real practice, how to recognize them, and their underlying causes:

• Track De-tracking / Coming Off the Idler or Sprocket
  One operator noted that under hard cornering, his tracks would pop off the rear idler and get caught. This often results from insufficient tension, worn idler flanges, misalignment, or excessive play in the rollers.
  Modern Bobcat models have introduced double-flange front rollers to reduce the risk of de-tracking—when the front guide wheels help retain the track laterally. Some users claim this design "solves" many detachment issues in newer machines.
  
• Track Wear, Cracking, and Life Expectancy
  A user described their OEM tracks as “pretty cracked but not worn” after ~1,970 hours.  Cracks often occur at the edges (tread transitions, where the rubber meets sidewalls) due to fatigue, bending stresses, environmental exposure (UV, heat, cold), or embedded damage from rocks or debris.
  Another example: On a Bobcat 335, with newly installed tracks, the machine felt weak—perhaps an indication that the tracks, though new, lacked stiffness or had inferior internal cord structure, leading to energy loss under load.
  
• Uneven Tracking / Bias to One Side
  In a Bobcat T66 with ~600 hours, both tracks reportedly ran left at the front, causing noticeable wear on the front wheel.  The cause could be misalignment of the idler or drive, uneven tension between sides, or wear differences in components.
  
• Undercarriage Damage in Mud / Debris Accumulation
  Some operators condemn steel tracks or track systems when heavy mud or debris clogs the machine body, “barely move[ing]” the machine under heavy build-up. One user described steel tracks as “a joke” in congested muddy environments, because the housing gets clogged and tracks stall.
  
• Aggressive Wear on Drive Motors and Final Drives
  Because steel or hard rubber tracks transmit higher shock loads, tracks (especially non-OEM) that have mispitch or inconsistent dimensions can damage the drive motors and final drive gearsets. In one discussion, some users noted that inferior aftermarket tracks cause mismatched pitch, accelerating wear on sprockets.
  
• Track Cost vs Life Trade-off
  One repairer posted data: OEM tracks replaced on a T300 after 580 hours of demo work cost ~$4,400 per set, equating to ~$8 per machine-hour. In contrast, a non-OEM “Solideal” set was ~$2,100, which if enduring 580 hours would be roughly ~$3.60 per hour.  This cost-of-use comparison is often central to decisions between OEM and aftermarket.
  

Technical Terms and Clarifications

• Track Tensioner: The mechanism (hydraulic or mechanical) that keeps the track tight enough to prevent slack and de-tracking, while allowing slight flex.
  
• Idler / Flange: The idler wheel guides the front of the track; its flanged edges prevent lateral slip.
  
• Sprocket: The toothed wheel that drives the track by engaging with internal links or lugs.
  
• Cord / Cable: Steel reinforcement inside the track, giving tensile strength and resisting elongation.
  
• Fatigue / Crack Propagation: Repeated bending, stress cycles, and temperature changes cause microcracks that grow over time.
  
• De-tracking / Derailment: When the track leaves the idler or sprocket alignment and slips off.
  
• Pitch Mismatch: If the track segment spacing doesn’t exactly match the sprocket spacing, increased wear and engagement problems can occur.
  

Best Practices, Inspection, and Maintenance Tips
To get the longest life and avoid chronic problems, follow a disciplined approach:

• Check Track Tension Frequently
  On many Bobcat machines, a recommended slack dimension (e.g. ½ inch of sag between rollers) should be maintained. One mechanism: lift the track off the ground and check tension. Under-tensioning often leads to de-tracking; over-tensioning accelerates wear and stresses components.
  
• Alignment Inspection
  Ensure idler wheels, carrier rollers, and sprockets are co-planar. Bent or misaligned components cause “pull to one side” behavior.
  
• Roller & Idler Flange Condition
  Inspect flanges and lips; if edges are worn away, lateral retention suffers. Replace worn or rounded flanges. Also check for cracked or shattered rollers.
  
• Clean Debris Regularly
  Mud, rock, and foreign objects must be cleared between rollers and under the frame; trapped debris is a leading cause of binding and jamming.
  
• Use High-Quality Tracks
  Prefer OEM or premium aftermarket tracks with proper cord structure and correct pitch. Cheap tracks might save upfront cost but accelerate downstream wear.
  
• Rotate or Flip Tracks When Possible
  On some machines or for some track types, flipping or swapping sides helps even out wear (if the design allows for reversible pattern tracks).
  
• Inspect for Internal Damage, Cracks, Delamination
  Look for separation between layers, edge splits, or bulges. Early repair or replacement avoids catastrophic failure.
  
• Monitor Drive Motor / Final Drive Health
  Shock loading from poor tracks often transmits to internal gears. Keep drive unit oil clean, within spec, and replace seals.
  
• Track Life Estimation and Economics
  Track life is a function of machine use, operator style, terrain, and maintenance. In many operations, a track set lasting 500–1,200 hours is acceptable. Use cost-per-hour metrics to guide replacements.
  

Comparison: OEM vs Aftermarket Tracks
From field reports:

• OEM tracks are often more expensive but deliver predictable performance and alignment.
  
• Aftermarket brands may cut costs, but issues reported include pitch mismatch, premature wear, improper stiffness, or inconsistent material qualities.
  
• Some users caution that deploying aftermarket tracks can lead to secondary issues, e.g. idler or sprocket wear, because the match to original geometry and tolerances is less precise.
  
• Some aftermarket tracks are identical rebranded products from large Asian or Korean manufacturing plants. A user claimed there are only a few track plants globally, and many tracks are stamped with different brand names while sharing the same internal structure.
  

Thus, if cost is a concern, buying known premium brands or working with verified re-sellers reduces risk.
Field Anecdote
At a landscaping firm in the Pacific Northwest, an operator was frustrated because his Bobcat T770 would occasionally de-track while turning aggressively on rocky ground. After inspecting, the shop found the front idler roller had a worn flange, and the track tension had relaxed. They replaced the idler, re-aligned the rollers, and upgraded to double-flange front rollers (if available). The machine resumed stable operation. The operator later remarked that after 600 hours, the new setup still held track alignment whereas the prior configuration had failed several times.
In another fleet, a contractor ran a comparative test: two identical loaders, one with OEM tracks and the other with economy aftermarket tracks. Over 700 hours, the OEM unit had a predictable wear pattern; the aftermarket-equipped loader developed cracked edges, partial delamination, and had to be replaced early—leading management to re-evaluate the cost vs risk tradeoff.
Emerging Trends and Future Direction

• Improved Compound Materials: Newer rubber compounds with better abrasion resistance, UV stability, and better adhesion to cords help prolong life.
  
• Sensor-Enabled Monitoring: Some modern track loaders include sensors that monitor track tension, roller vibration, or misalignment, giving preventative warnings.
  
• Hybrid or Modular Underlay Pads: Some tracks may use reversible or modular pads (steel or rubber) to adapt for different surfaces without replacing full tracks.
  
• Better Aftermarket Calibration: Some aftermarket manufacturers now offer precision matched tracks (same pitch, same cord structure) for better compatibility.
  

Conclusion
Bobcat tracks are a core component determining performance, reliability, and maintenance cost. Many issues reported—de-tracking, cracking, weak engagement, asymmetric wear—stem from insufficient tensioning, misalignment, inferior track parts, or accumulation of debris. Operators must adopt rigorous inspection and maintenance discipline, invest in quality tracks, and align undercarriage geometry to get the best lifecycle value.While aftermarket tracks can be tempting for cost savings, their risk of causing secondary damage often outweighs short-term gains. In critical operations, OEM or premium track solutions, combined with proactive servicing, remain the safer path for consistent uptime.