07-25-2025, 03:23 PM
When it comes to heavy equipment, tracks are an essential component that can significantly impact performance, durability, and overall operational costs. While original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tracks are often recommended for their reliability and compatibility, aftermarket tracks offer a more affordable alternative for machine owners and operators. But how do aftermarket tracks compare to OEM options, and when should you consider using them? In this article, we’ll explore the pros, cons, and key considerations when opting for aftermarket tracks for your heavy equipment.
What Are Aftermarket Tracks?
Aftermarket tracks are replacement tracks that are manufactured by third-party companies, not the original manufacturer of the machine. These tracks are designed to fit a wide range of heavy equipment, such as skid steers, mini excavators, and track loaders. They are often sold at a lower price point compared to OEM tracks, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious fleet owners.
However, the quality, durability, and fit of aftermarket tracks can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the materials used. It’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to go aftermarket.
The Benefits of Aftermarket Tracks
While aftermarket tracks may not always be the first choice for all operators, they offer several advantages that can make them a worthwhile investment:
Cost Savings
One of the primary reasons why operators opt for aftermarket tracks is the cost savings. Aftermarket tracks are generally much less expensive than OEM tracks, sometimes by as much as 30-50%. For operators managing fleets or those on a tight budget, this price difference can be significant, especially when multiple sets of tracks are required.
Example: A construction company looking to replace tracks on several skid steers was able to save thousands of dollars by choosing aftermarket tracks, allowing them to allocate the savings to other essential machinery maintenance.
Availability and Lead Time
Aftermarket tracks are often more readily available and can have shorter lead times than OEM tracks. If a machine is out of service due to damaged tracks and needs to get back to work quickly, aftermarket tracks can be a viable solution when OEM tracks have long wait times for manufacturing or shipping.
Many aftermarket manufacturers offer a wide variety of track options, including tracks designed for specific terrains or conditions. Whether you're working in mud, snow, or rocky terrain, aftermarket companies may provide specialized tracks that can improve performance and extend the life of the machine.
Despite the many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to using aftermarket tracks. It’s important to consider these factors when making your decision.
Durability Concerns
One of the most common concerns with aftermarket tracks is their durability. OEM tracks are specifically designed and tested for the specific machine model, ensuring a high level of compatibility and performance. On the other hand, aftermarket tracks may not always be made from the same high-quality materials, potentially leading to faster wear and tear.
Since aftermarket tracks are often designed to fit multiple machine models, they may not always offer the same precise fit and alignment as OEM tracks. A poorly fitting track can lead to uneven wear, decreased performance, and even damage to the machine’s undercarriage or drive components.
While many aftermarket track manufacturers offer warranties, these warranties are often shorter and less comprehensive than those offered by OEM manufacturers. Additionally, customer support may not always be as responsive or knowledgeable as that from the machine’s original manufacturer, making troubleshooting or obtaining replacement parts more difficult.
Anecdote: An operator once chose an aftermarket track to save money on a mini excavator, only to find that the warranty wasn’t as extensive as that of the OEM tracks. Within months, they noticed uneven wear and had difficulty getting proper customer support for a replacement, ultimately opting to purchase OEM tracks for peace of mind.
When to Consider Aftermarket Tracks
Despite some of the drawbacks, aftermarket tracks can still be a viable option in certain situations. Here are some scenarios where aftermarket tracks might make sense:
Tight Budget
If you are managing a fleet of machines and need to replace tracks on multiple pieces of equipment, the cost savings of aftermarket tracks can be a major advantage. The difference in price can allow you to replace tracks on more machines or reinvest the savings into other necessary repairs or upgrades.
Older Machines
For older machines that are no longer under warranty or have less residual value, aftermarket tracks may provide a more economical solution. Since the machine is already depreciated, spending less on tracks can help keep it running without making a significant financial investment in OEM parts.
Non-Critical Applications
If the machine is being used in less demanding conditions, or if it’s not a primary machine in your fleet, aftermarket tracks might be a good option. For example, machines that are only occasionally used or are employed in soft soil may not need the same durability as those working in rocky or abrasive conditions.
Key Considerations Before Purchasing Aftermarket Tracks
Before committing to aftermarket tracks, it’s important to consider a few factors:
Aftermarket tracks can provide significant savings, especially for older machines or in less demanding applications. However, it’s essential to carefully weigh the potential drawbacks, such as reduced durability and fit issues. By considering your specific needs, machine type, and working conditions, you can make an informed decision about whether aftermarket tracks are the right choice for your equipment. Always remember to balance cost with performance, as choosing the wrong tracks can lead to costly repairs and downtime in the long run.
In summary, if you decide to go with aftermarket tracks, ensure that they come from a reliable manufacturer and are well-suited to your machine and the working conditions. By doing so, you can maximize the value of your investment and keep your equipment running efficiently.
What Are Aftermarket Tracks?
Aftermarket tracks are replacement tracks that are manufactured by third-party companies, not the original manufacturer of the machine. These tracks are designed to fit a wide range of heavy equipment, such as skid steers, mini excavators, and track loaders. They are often sold at a lower price point compared to OEM tracks, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious fleet owners.
However, the quality, durability, and fit of aftermarket tracks can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the materials used. It’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to go aftermarket.
The Benefits of Aftermarket Tracks
While aftermarket tracks may not always be the first choice for all operators, they offer several advantages that can make them a worthwhile investment:
Cost Savings
One of the primary reasons why operators opt for aftermarket tracks is the cost savings. Aftermarket tracks are generally much less expensive than OEM tracks, sometimes by as much as 30-50%. For operators managing fleets or those on a tight budget, this price difference can be significant, especially when multiple sets of tracks are required.
Example: A construction company looking to replace tracks on several skid steers was able to save thousands of dollars by choosing aftermarket tracks, allowing them to allocate the savings to other essential machinery maintenance.
Availability and Lead Time
Aftermarket tracks are often more readily available and can have shorter lead times than OEM tracks. If a machine is out of service due to damaged tracks and needs to get back to work quickly, aftermarket tracks can be a viable solution when OEM tracks have long wait times for manufacturing or shipping.
- Quicker Turnaround: Aftermarket track suppliers often have tracks in stock and can ship them within days, reducing downtime for essential equipment.
Many aftermarket manufacturers offer a wide variety of track options, including tracks designed for specific terrains or conditions. Whether you're working in mud, snow, or rocky terrain, aftermarket companies may provide specialized tracks that can improve performance and extend the life of the machine.
- Custom Fit for Specialized Needs: For example, certain aftermarket tracks are designed with reinforced tread patterns for added durability in rough conditions, giving operators more options to match their specific needs.
Despite the many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to using aftermarket tracks. It’s important to consider these factors when making your decision.
Durability Concerns
One of the most common concerns with aftermarket tracks is their durability. OEM tracks are specifically designed and tested for the specific machine model, ensuring a high level of compatibility and performance. On the other hand, aftermarket tracks may not always be made from the same high-quality materials, potentially leading to faster wear and tear.
- Material Differences: OEM tracks typically use premium rubber compounds or steel-reinforced tracks that are built for extended durability. In contrast, some aftermarket tracks may use cheaper materials that degrade more quickly, especially under harsh working conditions.
Since aftermarket tracks are often designed to fit multiple machine models, they may not always offer the same precise fit and alignment as OEM tracks. A poorly fitting track can lead to uneven wear, decreased performance, and even damage to the machine’s undercarriage or drive components.
- Misalignment: A misaligned track can cause it to skip, creating unnecessary stress on the machine and leading to premature breakdowns or additional wear.
While many aftermarket track manufacturers offer warranties, these warranties are often shorter and less comprehensive than those offered by OEM manufacturers. Additionally, customer support may not always be as responsive or knowledgeable as that from the machine’s original manufacturer, making troubleshooting or obtaining replacement parts more difficult.
Anecdote: An operator once chose an aftermarket track to save money on a mini excavator, only to find that the warranty wasn’t as extensive as that of the OEM tracks. Within months, they noticed uneven wear and had difficulty getting proper customer support for a replacement, ultimately opting to purchase OEM tracks for peace of mind.
When to Consider Aftermarket Tracks
Despite some of the drawbacks, aftermarket tracks can still be a viable option in certain situations. Here are some scenarios where aftermarket tracks might make sense:
Tight Budget
If you are managing a fleet of machines and need to replace tracks on multiple pieces of equipment, the cost savings of aftermarket tracks can be a major advantage. The difference in price can allow you to replace tracks on more machines or reinvest the savings into other necessary repairs or upgrades.
Older Machines
For older machines that are no longer under warranty or have less residual value, aftermarket tracks may provide a more economical solution. Since the machine is already depreciated, spending less on tracks can help keep it running without making a significant financial investment in OEM parts.
Non-Critical Applications
If the machine is being used in less demanding conditions, or if it’s not a primary machine in your fleet, aftermarket tracks might be a good option. For example, machines that are only occasionally used or are employed in soft soil may not need the same durability as those working in rocky or abrasive conditions.
Key Considerations Before Purchasing Aftermarket Tracks
Before committing to aftermarket tracks, it’s important to consider a few factors:
- Research the Manufacturer: Not all aftermarket tracks are created equal. Do your research to find reputable manufacturers who offer high-quality products backed by good customer service.
- Consider the Terrain: The type of work you’ll be doing will significantly impact the type of track you need. For example, tracks with deeper treads are suited for wet or muddy conditions, while solid rubber tracks might be better for hard surfaces.
- Machine Compatibility: Ensure the aftermarket tracks you choose are designed to fit your specific machine. Verify the track width, pitch, and overall dimensions to ensure compatibility.
Aftermarket tracks can provide significant savings, especially for older machines or in less demanding applications. However, it’s essential to carefully weigh the potential drawbacks, such as reduced durability and fit issues. By considering your specific needs, machine type, and working conditions, you can make an informed decision about whether aftermarket tracks are the right choice for your equipment. Always remember to balance cost with performance, as choosing the wrong tracks can lead to costly repairs and downtime in the long run.
In summary, if you decide to go with aftermarket tracks, ensure that they come from a reliable manufacturer and are well-suited to your machine and the working conditions. By doing so, you can maximize the value of your investment and keep your equipment running efficiently.
