In-Depth Exploration of Over-The-Tire Tracks (OTTs) for Heavy Equipment

[MikePhua]

Over-The-Tire Tracks (OTTs) have shaped the evolution of heavy equipment, especially skid steers, by offering a dynamic and cost-effective approach to tackling diverse terrain and improving machine capabilities. This comprehensive guide delves into technical details, maintenance strategies, terminology, use cases, historical anecdotes, and expert recommendations to illuminate the world of OTTs.
What Are Over-The-Tire Tracks?
OTTs are specialized track systems designed to fit securely over the existing tires of heavy equipment. Utilizing high-grade rubber or steel, these tracks expand the machine’s footprint and traction, ensuring optimal performance on challenging surfaces such as mud, snow, sand, and uneven terrain. Unlike replacing the entire undercarriage, OTTs allow for quick adaptation to fluctuating site conditions and can be installed or removed as needed.
Key Components and Terminology Explained

• Track Link: The interconnecting segments forming a continuous loop, often designed for flexibility and durability.
  
• Interchangeable Pad Design: A modular system where individual rubber or steel pads can be replaced, enhancing customization and serviceability.
  
• Flotation: The ability to distribute machine weight across a broader area, reducing ground disturbance and the risk of bogging down.
  
• Traction: The grip provided by OTT tracks, a critical factor for safety and productivity in slippery or soft terrain.
  
• Retrofit: The process of adding OTTs to an existing wheeled machine without altering the base structure.
  

Technical Advantages and Application Scenarios

• Adaptability: Operators can switch between tires and OTTs, maximizing utility and minimizing downtime.
  
• Cost Efficiency: Outfitting a skid steer with OTTs is notably cheaper than investing in a dedicated track loader, saving 30–40% in upfront costs.
  
• Performance Boost: OTTs improve flotation, reduce tire wear, bolster traction, and deliver smoother ride quality.
  
• Terrain Versatility: From construction sites mired in mud to snow-covered landscapes or sandy deserts, OTTs offer consistent reliability.
  

List of key benefits:

• Enhanced stability and control
  
• Minimized soil compaction due to wider footprint
  
• Reduced risk of tip-over
  
• Quick installation—generally 30 minutes to two hours depending on equipment and operator experience
  
• Prolonged tire lifespan via added protection
  

Maintenance and Replacement Insights

• Routine Inspection: Examine tracks regularly for pad wear, cracks, bent links, or loss of tension.
  
• Tension Adjustment: Maintain correct tension to prevent derailment and excessive component wear.
  
• Pad Replacement: In modular systems, swap out worn pads individually, curbing maintenance costs.
  
• Cleaning Practices: Remove debris, especially after work in sticky soils, to prevent accelerated wear.
  

Proactive strategies:

• Schedule weekly checks during periods of heavy use
  
• Lubricate metal components to prevent corrosion
  
• Keep replacement pads and tension tools on hand for rapid repairs
  

Historical Anecdotes and Operator Stories
Consider the winter of 2019, when a fleet of skid steers in Minnesota faced repeated immobilization after record snowfall. The operators switched to rubber OTTs, enabling uninterrupted work restoring power lines and clearing access routes. Similarly, in a major Florida landscaping project, contractors equipped their skid steers with steel OTTs to navigate deep sand dunes, accomplishing the job without delays or equipment swaps.
Comparisons and Contextual Recommendations
While compact track loaders (CTLs) feature integrated tracks, their higher costs and dedicated configuration make them less versatile than adding OTTs to a skid steer. OTTs prove ideal when:

• Terrain variability is frequent
  
• Budget constraints limit full equipment upgrades
  
• Operators need to switch between paved roads and off-road sites
  

Critically, the modular pad or link design stands out for maintenance ease and adaptability, outperforming one-piece constructed tracks in both cost and practicality.
Troubleshooting and Solutions

• If machine mobility declines on challenging terrain, inspect for under-tensioned OTTs or damaged pads.
  
• For excessive vibration, check for uneven pad wear or improperly secured links.
  
• Always confirm compatibility between machine tire size and track dimension before purchase.
  

Glossary of Essential Terms

• OTTs: Over-The-Tire Tracks, auxiliary tracks fitted over equipment tires.
  
• Modular System: Track designs using individual replaceable segments.
  
• Traction Control: The ability of a machine to maintain grip under adverse conditions.
  
• Flotation: Reducing ground pressure for improved movement over soft surfaces.
  
• Retrofit: Modifying existing equipment to incorporate new features.
  

Expert Advice and Advanced Suggestions

• Choose OTT track systems with warranty and proven field reliability.
  
• Consider rubber tracks for urban or landscaped areas to prevent surface damage; steel tracks for rugged, abrasive terrain.
  
• Train crews on installation, tensioning, and troubleshooting procedures to minimize downtime.
  

By embracing Over-The-Tire Tracks, operators elevate the versatility and value of their heavy equipment, transforming single-purpose machines into adaptable workhorses. With thoughtful selection, regular maintenance, and strategic application, OTTs deliver efficiency and resilience—even in the harshest environments.