Low Ground Pressure Tracks Performance Tradeoffs and Terrain Suitability

[MikePhua]

The Purpose and Evolution of LGP Track Systems
Low Ground Pressure (LGP) tracks were developed to address the challenge of operating heavy machinery on soft, unstable, or environmentally sensitive terrain. By increasing the contact area between the machine and the ground, LGP tracks reduce ground pressure and minimize rutting, sinking, and soil disturbance. Originally used in forestry and wetland reclamation, LGP configurations have expanded into construction, pipeline work, and disaster response.
Terminology annotation:

• LGP (Low Ground Pressure): A track system designed with wider pads and longer track frames to distribute machine weight over a larger surface area.
  
• Track Pad Width: The horizontal measurement of each individual track shoe, typically ranging from 18 to 36 inches in LGP setups.
  
• Flotation: The ability of a machine to remain on the surface of soft ground without sinking.
  
• Tramming: The act of moving a tracked machine across terrain, often used to describe long-distance travel between work zones.
  

In Louisiana, a contractor deployed LGP dozers to build levees across marshland. Standard tracks sank within minutes, while the LGP units maintained traction and completed the job without requiring matting or fill.
Advantages of LGP Tracks in Field Operations
LGP tracks offer several operational benefits, especially in soft or sensitive environments:

• Reduced ground pressure, often below 5 psi
  
• Improved flotation on mud, snow, sand, and peat
  
• Lower risk of getting stuck or requiring recovery
  
• Minimized soil compaction, preserving root systems and drainage
  
• Enhanced access to remote or off-road sites
  

Performance highlights:

• A standard dozer with 22-inch pads may exert 7–9 psi
  
• An LGP dozer with 36-inch pads can reduce pressure to 4–5 psi
  
• LGP machines can operate in areas where wheeled units or narrow-track machines fail
  

Recommendations:

• Use LGP tracks for wetland restoration, snow removal, and pipeline trenching
  
• Pair with wide-blade configurations to match flotation characteristics
  
• Monitor undercarriage wear more frequently due to increased surface contact
  

In British Columbia, a logging crew used LGP excavators to build access roads through muskeg. The machines floated over the surface, avoiding the need for corduroy roads or geotextile reinforcement.
Limitations and Tradeoffs of LGP Configurations
Despite their advantages, LGP tracks introduce several compromises that must be considered:

• Reduced maneuverability in tight spaces due to longer track frames
  
• Increased wear on final drives and sprockets from wider pad leverage
  
• Lower travel speed due to added weight and friction
  
• Poor performance on rocky or hard-packed terrain
  
• Higher cost of replacement pads and undercarriage components
  

Operational drawbacks:

• LGP machines may struggle to climb steep grades due to reduced traction
  
• Wide pads can trap debris, increasing cleaning time
  
• Transporting LGP units may require permits due to width exceeding legal limits
  

Recommendations:

• Avoid LGP tracks on granite, shale, or demolition sites
  
• Use standard track machines for grading and finish work
  
• Consider hybrid pad widths for mixed terrain applications
  

In Colorado, a contractor switched from LGP to standard tracks after discovering that the wide pads were cracking on rocky slopes. The change improved durability and reduced undercarriage costs by 30%.
Maintenance and Undercarriage Considerations
LGP tracks require diligent maintenance to ensure longevity and performance. The increased surface area and pad width place additional stress on rollers, idlers, and seals.
Maintenance tips:

• Inspect track tension weekly and adjust to prevent overloading
  
• Clean track frames daily to remove mud, ice, and vegetation
  
• Monitor pad bolts for loosening due to vibration
  
• Replace worn pads before they damage sprockets or chains
  
• Use high-quality lubricants in final drives and pivot points
  

Recommendations:

• Keep spare pads and bolts in field inventory
  
• Train operators to avoid sharp turns on hard surfaces
  
• Use undercarriage guards to deflect debris
  
• Schedule undercarriage inspections every 250 hours
  

In Maine, a snow removal crew added bolt-on ice cleats to their LGP dozer pads. This improved traction on frozen roads and reduced pad wear during winter operations.
Choosing Between LGP and Standard Tracks
The decision to use LGP tracks depends on terrain, task, and transport logistics. While LGP excels in soft ground, standard tracks offer better performance on firm surfaces and urban sites.
Comparison summary:

• LGP Tracks
  • Best for mud, snow, sand, wetlands
    
  • Lower ground pressure
    
  • Higher maintenance and transport cost
    
• Standard Tracks
  

• Best for gravel, clay, rock, urban grading
  
• Higher traction and speed
  
• Easier to transport and maneuver
  

Recommendations:

• For seasonal work, consider interchangeable track pads
  
• For mixed fleets, maintain both LGP and standard units
  
• For rental operations, educate customers on terrain suitability
  

In Alaska, a contractor used LGP dozers for summer tundra work and switched to standard tracks for winter gravel hauling. This dual strategy optimized performance and reduced downtime.
Conclusion
LGP tracks are a specialized solution for soft terrain and environmental sensitivity. When deployed correctly, they offer unmatched flotation and access. However, their limitations in hard ground, transport, and maintenance must be weighed carefully. In the world of tracked machines, pressure is power—and knowing when to spread it wide is the key to staying above the surface.