07-30-2025, 12:54 PM
When it comes to enhancing the versatility of skid steer loaders, one of the most popular options is the over-the-tire rubber track system. These tracks offer an effective solution for increasing flotation, improving stability, and expanding the operational capabilities of skid steer loaders. But like any attachment or modification, they come with their own set of pros, cons, and considerations. In this guide, we will explore what over-the-tire rubber tracks are, how they function, their benefits and drawbacks, and real-world applications to help you decide if they are the right choice for your needs.
What Are Over-the-Tire Rubber Tracks?
Over-the-tire rubber tracks are an aftermarket attachment that fits over the existing wheels of a skid steer loader. Unlike traditional steel tracks used on fully tracked machines, over-the-tire tracks are made of durable rubber and are designed to provide improved traction and flotation. These tracks typically feature reinforced tread patterns to increase ground contact area and minimize soil compaction.
They are attached to the existing tires of a skid steer loader, effectively converting the machine into a more versatile track loader without the need for permanent modifications. This makes over-the-tire tracks a popular choice for operators looking to improve performance on soft, uneven, or rough terrain.
Key Components of Over-the-Tire Rubber Tracks
Over-the-tire rubber tracks consist of several components, each playing a crucial role in their performance:
Over-the-tire rubber tracks offer several advantages that can significantly improve the performance of skid steer loaders in various working environments.
While over-the-tire rubber tracks offer significant benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
When selecting over-the-tire rubber tracks for your skid steer loader, consider the following factors to ensure you make the best choice for your needs:
Over-the-tire rubber tracks are particularly useful in industries where versatility is crucial. Some real-world examples of their application include:
Over-the-tire rubber tracks are a valuable attachment for skid steer loaders, offering improved traction, flotation, and versatility for a variety of applications. While they are not without their drawbacks, such as increased maintenance and reduced maneuverability, the benefits they provide in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice for many operators.
By understanding how these tracks work and weighing the pros and cons, you can determine whether they are the right solution for your heavy equipment needs. Whether you're working on construction sites, landscaping projects, or snow removal, over-the-tire rubber tracks can help you tackle tough terrain and maximize the efficiency of your skid steer loader.
What Are Over-the-Tire Rubber Tracks?
Over-the-tire rubber tracks are an aftermarket attachment that fits over the existing wheels of a skid steer loader. Unlike traditional steel tracks used on fully tracked machines, over-the-tire tracks are made of durable rubber and are designed to provide improved traction and flotation. These tracks typically feature reinforced tread patterns to increase ground contact area and minimize soil compaction.
They are attached to the existing tires of a skid steer loader, effectively converting the machine into a more versatile track loader without the need for permanent modifications. This makes over-the-tire tracks a popular choice for operators looking to improve performance on soft, uneven, or rough terrain.
Key Components of Over-the-Tire Rubber Tracks
Over-the-tire rubber tracks consist of several components, each playing a crucial role in their performance:
- Rubber Track Pads – These are the primary components that provide traction and distribute the weight of the machine over a larger surface area. The tread design of the pads is critical for ensuring grip on various surfaces, such as mud, sand, or snow.
- Steel Reinforced Cables – To ensure durability, many over-the-tire rubber tracks are reinforced with steel cables that help prevent damage from harsh conditions and heavy loads. This feature increases the lifespan of the tracks.
- Track Frame – The frame houses the track assembly and is designed to fit securely over the machine's tires. It’s made from tough materials to withstand impacts, abrasions, and stresses caused by heavy machinery operations.
- Tensioning System – To maintain optimal performance, the tracks must remain tensioned correctly. Over-the-tire tracks typically feature a system to adjust the tension, ensuring a snug fit over the machine's tires.
Over-the-tire rubber tracks offer several advantages that can significantly improve the performance of skid steer loaders in various working environments.
- Improved Traction and Stability
- Enhanced Flotation: Rubber tracks increase the surface area in contact with the ground, which helps distribute the weight of the machine more evenly. This improved flotation makes it easier to work on soft or wet surfaces without the machine sinking.
- Better Traction: The rubber material provides better grip compared to tires, making it easier to maneuver on loose or uneven surfaces such as gravel, sand, mud, or snow.
- Enhanced Flotation: Rubber tracks increase the surface area in contact with the ground, which helps distribute the weight of the machine more evenly. This improved flotation makes it easier to work on soft or wet surfaces without the machine sinking.
- Less Ground Disturbance
- Minimal Soil Compaction: The wider footprint of the rubber tracks reduces the ground pressure applied, minimizing soil compaction. This is particularly important in sensitive environments, such as agricultural fields or landscaping projects.
- Smooth Operation on Delicate Surfaces: Rubber tracks are less likely to damage paved roads or fragile surfaces compared to steel tracks, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
- Minimal Soil Compaction: The wider footprint of the rubber tracks reduces the ground pressure applied, minimizing soil compaction. This is particularly important in sensitive environments, such as agricultural fields or landscaping projects.
- Increased Versatility
- Adaptability to Various Terrains: With rubber tracks, your skid steer loader becomes more adaptable to different terrains, allowing it to work on both hard and soft ground with ease. Whether it's gravel, dirt, or snow, rubber tracks offer improved performance.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Installing over-the-tire tracks is generally more affordable than purchasing a fully tracked machine, making it an economical choice for businesses or individuals who need the versatility of tracks without the high cost.
- Adaptability to Various Terrains: With rubber tracks, your skid steer loader becomes more adaptable to different terrains, allowing it to work on both hard and soft ground with ease. Whether it's gravel, dirt, or snow, rubber tracks offer improved performance.
- Easier on Tires
- Protection for the Skid Steer Tires: By covering the original tires, over-the-tire tracks help protect them from wear and tear caused by rough terrain. This reduces the risk of punctures and damage to the tires, extending their lifespan.
- Protection for the Skid Steer Tires: By covering the original tires, over-the-tire tracks help protect them from wear and tear caused by rough terrain. This reduces the risk of punctures and damage to the tires, extending their lifespan.
- Easy to Install and Remove
- Quick Installation: Over-the-tire rubber tracks can typically be installed and removed with relative ease. This makes them a convenient solution for operators who want to switch between tracks and tires depending on the job site conditions.
- No Permanent Modifications: Since they fit over the existing tires, over-the-tire tracks do not require any permanent changes to the skid steer, which makes them a flexible option for a variety of tasks.
- Quick Installation: Over-the-tire rubber tracks can typically be installed and removed with relative ease. This makes them a convenient solution for operators who want to switch between tracks and tires depending on the job site conditions.
While over-the-tire rubber tracks offer significant benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
- Reduced Maneuverability
- Increased Width: When installing over-the-tire tracks, the width of the machine increases, which can reduce maneuverability, particularly in tight spaces. The additional width may limit your ability to work in confined areas or around obstacles.
- Increased Width: When installing over-the-tire tracks, the width of the machine increases, which can reduce maneuverability, particularly in tight spaces. The additional width may limit your ability to work in confined areas or around obstacles.
- Increased Maintenance
- More Frequent Maintenance: While over-the-tire rubber tracks are durable, they require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. This includes checking for wear, adjusting tension, and ensuring proper lubrication of moving parts.
- Track Replacement: Over time, the rubber tracks will wear out and need to be replaced. The cost of replacement can add up, especially if the tracks are used in harsh conditions frequently.
- More Frequent Maintenance: While over-the-tire rubber tracks are durable, they require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. This includes checking for wear, adjusting tension, and ensuring proper lubrication of moving parts.
- Not as Durable as Steel Tracks
- Wear on Rough Terrain: While rubber tracks offer a smoother ride and more comfort compared to steel tracks, they can wear out faster when used on rough terrain. In environments with heavy rocks or abrasive materials, the rubber may degrade more quickly.
- Wear on Rough Terrain: While rubber tracks offer a smoother ride and more comfort compared to steel tracks, they can wear out faster when used on rough terrain. In environments with heavy rocks or abrasive materials, the rubber may degrade more quickly.
- Cost
- Upfront Expense: Although over-the-tire tracks are generally more affordable than full track systems, the initial cost of purchasing these tracks can still be significant. Depending on the brand and model, the price can vary, and ongoing maintenance costs must be factored in.
- Upfront Expense: Although over-the-tire tracks are generally more affordable than full track systems, the initial cost of purchasing these tracks can still be significant. Depending on the brand and model, the price can vary, and ongoing maintenance costs must be factored in.
When selecting over-the-tire rubber tracks for your skid steer loader, consider the following factors to ensure you make the best choice for your needs:
- Terrain Type: Consider the type of terrain where the loader will primarily operate. For example, if you're working on loose dirt or snow, you'll want tracks with a tread pattern designed for improved flotation and traction.
- Machine Compatibility: Ensure the tracks you select are compatible with your skid steer model. Most manufacturers provide compatibility charts to help you choose the right size and fit.
- Durability: Choose tracks made with high-quality rubber and steel reinforcement for increased durability. This will ensure the tracks can handle the demands of tough environments while providing long-lasting performance.
- Budget: Weigh the initial investment against the long-term benefits. While over-the-tire tracks can be more affordable than fully tracked machines, their price may still be a significant investment for some businesses.
Over-the-tire rubber tracks are particularly useful in industries where versatility is crucial. Some real-world examples of their application include:
- Landscaping and Lawn Care
- For landscaping companies that need to work in residential areas with paved driveways and delicate lawns, over-the-tire tracks provide the traction needed for tough terrain without damaging surfaces.
- For landscaping companies that need to work in residential areas with paved driveways and delicate lawns, over-the-tire tracks provide the traction needed for tough terrain without damaging surfaces.
- Construction and Demolition
- Construction sites that involve both hard and soft ground benefit from the increased versatility of over-the-tire tracks. These tracks provide the necessary traction on uneven surfaces while protecting the ground from excessive compaction.
- Construction sites that involve both hard and soft ground benefit from the increased versatility of over-the-tire tracks. These tracks provide the necessary traction on uneven surfaces while protecting the ground from excessive compaction.
- Agriculture
- Farmers and agricultural contractors use over-the-tire tracks on skid steers to prevent damage to crops and soil. The wide footprint of the rubber tracks helps prevent soil compaction, which is vital for maintaining healthy crops.
- Farmers and agricultural contractors use over-the-tire tracks on skid steers to prevent damage to crops and soil. The wide footprint of the rubber tracks helps prevent soil compaction, which is vital for maintaining healthy crops.
- Snow Removal
- In snow-heavy regions, over-the-tire tracks provide increased flotation on snow-covered ground. Snowplow operators benefit from the improved traction in slippery conditions.
- In snow-heavy regions, over-the-tire tracks provide increased flotation on snow-covered ground. Snowplow operators benefit from the improved traction in slippery conditions.
Over-the-tire rubber tracks are a valuable attachment for skid steer loaders, offering improved traction, flotation, and versatility for a variety of applications. While they are not without their drawbacks, such as increased maintenance and reduced maneuverability, the benefits they provide in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice for many operators.
By understanding how these tracks work and weighing the pros and cons, you can determine whether they are the right solution for your heavy equipment needs. Whether you're working on construction sites, landscaping projects, or snow removal, over-the-tire rubber tracks can help you tackle tough terrain and maximize the efficiency of your skid steer loader.
