The Benefits and Challenges of Extra Wide Tracks in Heavy Equipment

[MikePhua]

When it comes to heavy machinery, track design plays a crucial role in performance, especially when operating in challenging environments. For operators and manufacturers alike, extra wide tracks can offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of flotation, traction, and overall equipment stability. These tracks are increasingly popular for use in various types of heavy machinery, including bulldozers, skid steers, and excavators. However, while they provide numerous benefits, there are also certain challenges associated with using extra wide tracks.
In this article, we’ll explore why extra wide tracks are being adopted more frequently, their advantages and disadvantages, and how operators can best utilize this feature to optimize performance in specific conditions.
What Are Extra Wide Tracks?
Extra wide tracks are an engineering solution that uses broader or wider than standard rubber tracks, designed to distribute the weight of the equipment more evenly over a larger surface area. By spreading the load across a wider track, the ground pressure is significantly reduced, which improves the machine's ability to operate in soft or loose terrains.
Typically, extra wide tracks are seen on machines designed for specific jobs, such as forestry, land clearing, and agriculture, but they are also used in military vehicles and mining equipment where high flotation is essential.
Advantages of Extra Wide Tracks

1. Increased Floatation
   One of the primary advantages of extra wide tracks is increased flotation. By distributing the weight over a larger area, the tracks reduce the ground pressure exerted on the surface. This is especially beneficial when working in soft soils, wetlands, snow, or mud, where narrow tracks might sink or become bogged down.
   • Example: Machines equipped with extra wide tracks, such as Caterpillar’s D6K bulldozer, are better suited for working in swampy areas or on soft construction sites. Operators report improved traction and a decrease in machine damage caused by excessive sinking in mud.
     
2. Better Traction
   Wider tracks create more surface area in contact with the ground, which can improve traction. This enhanced grip makes it easier for the machine to move over difficult terrains, reducing the likelihood of slipping or losing power in loose conditions.
   • Example: In forestry operations, where the ground is often uneven and covered with debris, wide tracks on machines such as Komatsu’s PC490F help to improve both stability and performance when working on rugged terrains.
     
3. Reduced Soil Compaction
   When operating on agricultural land or other sensitive surfaces, using machines with extra wide tracks can minimize soil compaction. This is important in applications like tillage, where compacting the soil could reduce crop yields. Extra wide tracks provide better weight distribution and help preserve the integrity of the soil beneath.
   • Example: Tractors and other agricultural machinery fitted with wide tracks, like the John Deere 9RX, are favored in no-till farming because they protect the soil structure while still delivering the power needed for heavy-duty tasks.
     
4. Improved Stability
   Extra wide tracks can also contribute to greater stability, particularly on slopes or uneven ground. The wider footprint helps prevent the machine from tipping, improving safety in rough or unstable environments. This is especially useful for equipment such as skid-steers and excavators, which require balance during operation.
   • Example: Bobcat E165 skid-steers equipped with extra wide tracks offer enhanced side stability, particularly when lifting heavy loads or working on inclines.
     

Challenges of Extra Wide Tracks

1. Increased Wear and Tear
   While the benefits of extra wide tracks are clear, they can also lead to increased wear and tear on the equipment. The wider the track, the more friction it generates when turning, which can accelerate tread wear and affect the lifespan of the tracks. This may necessitate more frequent maintenance and replacement of track components.
   • Example: While wide-track dozers provide more flotation, they may also require more frequent replacement of undercarriage parts, particularly in rocky conditions, where the tracks experience more abrasive wear.
     
2. Reduced Maneuverability
   The larger surface area of extra wide tracks can sometimes reduce a machine’s maneuverability. In confined spaces or jobs requiring precise movement, the wider tracks may make it harder for the machine to pivot or turn. This is particularly important in construction and demolition work, where quick directional changes are often needed.
   • Example: In tight construction zones, equipment such as CASE 570N with extra wide tracks might struggle to navigate smaller spaces, requiring careful planning and sometimes extra space for movement.
     
3. Higher Initial Cost and Maintenance
   Extra wide tracks are often more expensive to install, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing maintenance. The tracks are specialized and may require additional engineering and materials to manufacture. Moreover, as mentioned previously, the increased friction can lead to higher maintenance costs over time.
   • Example: The initial price of wide tracks on machines like the Caterpillar 962M wheel loader may be significantly higher, and this price increase can extend to both fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
     
4. Transportation and Compatibility Issues
   Machines with extra wide tracks can pose challenges when it comes to transportation. Since the tracks take up more space, moving the equipment between job sites may require specialized trailers or permits. Additionally, some narrow tracks can be used in certain environments, so operators may need to switch to regular tracks for better mobility and speed.
   • Example: If a company needs to move equipment from an open field to a city construction site, they may face challenges when transporting machines with extra wide tracks due to width restrictions on roads.
     

When Should You Use Extra Wide Tracks?
Given the benefits and challenges, extra wide tracks are particularly suitable for the following scenarios:

• Working in soft or loose ground: When working on mud, marshland, snow, or soft soil, extra wide tracks provide better flotation, preventing the machine from getting stuck.
  
• Forestry operations: In environments where trees, rocks, and debris are common, wide tracks provide the necessary stability and traction to work safely.
  
• Agricultural operations: In farming and land conservation, where soil compaction is a concern, extra wide tracks help preserve the soil structure while maintaining productivity.
  
• Mining and military applications: Heavy equipment designed for extreme environments like mining operations or military vehicles often benefit from the added stability and traction of extra wide tracks.
  

Conclusion: The Right Choice for the Job
Extra wide tracks provide clear advantages when it comes to flotation, stability, and traction in challenging environments. They are an essential feature in applications where terrain and soil conditions would otherwise limit machine mobility. However, as with any specialized equipment, the decision to use extra wide tracks requires a careful balance between their benefits and the challenges they present, such as increased wear and reduced maneuverability.
Operators and equipment managers must weigh these factors against the specific demands of the job at hand. By selecting the right equipment with the appropriate track width, companies can ensure both efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their operations.