Kubota Factory Steel Tracks: Advantages, Considerations, and Alternatives

[MikePhua]

Steel tracks are a vital component for certain types of heavy machinery, particularly in construction and landscaping. Kubota, known for its durable equipment, offers factory steel tracks designed to provide enhanced performance on difficult terrains. These tracks are widely used in Kubota’s compact track loaders, mini-excavators, and other similar machines, where performance, durability, and efficiency are paramount.
What Are Factory Steel Tracks?
Factory steel tracks refer to the steel undercarriage system that Kubota manufactures for its tracked machines, as opposed to aftermarket options. These tracks are engineered to work specifically with Kubota’s machines, ensuring optimal fit, performance, and longevity. Steel tracks are typically preferred for their superior traction and durability, especially when working in challenging conditions such as mud, snow, or rough, rocky terrain.
Advantages of Kubota Factory Steel Tracks

1. Enhanced Durability: Steel tracks are known for their strength and ability to withstand rough conditions. Unlike rubber tracks, steel tracks are less prone to punctures or wear from sharp objects like rocks, which can be an issue in certain environments. This makes them ideal for applications in tough environments, such as construction sites or forestry work.
   
2. Better Traction: Steel tracks provide superior traction, especially on soft or slippery surfaces. The rigid structure of steel allows for a more aggressive bite into loose soil, snow, or wet mud, offering better grip and stability than rubber tracks.
   
3. Longer Lifespan: While steel tracks can be more expensive upfront, they often outlast rubber tracks in rugged conditions. The wear and tear on steel tracks tends to be slower when used in environments that would typically degrade rubber tracks more rapidly.
   
4. Improved Load-Bearing Capacity: Steel tracks are better equipped to handle heavier loads, making them ideal for equipment that deals with heavy lifting or transportation of materials. The added strength of the steel provides greater stability under heavy use.
   
5. Cost-Effective for Certain Applications: While steel tracks may have a higher initial cost, they can be more cost-effective in the long run for specific industries. For example, in forestry, construction, and mining, where the ground is often uneven and rocky, the durability of steel tracks reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
   

Challenges of Using Steel Tracks

1. Higher Initial Cost: Steel tracks typically come at a higher upfront cost compared to rubber tracks. This can be a significant consideration for those working with a limited budget or for businesses that prioritize initial investment over long-term benefits.
   
2. Rougher Ride: While steel tracks provide better traction, they also create a rougher ride compared to rubber tracks. This can be uncomfortable for the operator, especially in applications that involve a lot of travel on paved or relatively smooth surfaces.
   
3. Increased Ground Pressure: The steel tracks’ design and weight can increase the pressure on the ground, which may lead to more surface damage, especially in sensitive environments like agricultural fields. The weight of the tracks can also cause compaction in softer soil, which is undesirable in some cases.
   
4. Noise: Steel tracks tend to be noisier compared to their rubber counterparts. This can be a consideration for work environments that require lower noise levels, such as urban areas or when working near residential buildings.
   
5. Maintenance Requirements: Steel tracks often require more regular maintenance compared to rubber tracks. They need to be checked for wear, and parts like sprockets and rollers may need to be replaced more frequently, particularly if the equipment is used in harsh environments.
   

When to Choose Kubota Factory Steel Tracks
Kubota factory steel tracks are an excellent choice for specific scenarios where their advantages align with the operator’s needs. These include:

• Construction Sites: In environments where rough, uneven, or rocky terrain is common, steel tracks will outperform rubber tracks in terms of traction and durability. They are especially beneficial for operating on construction sites with heavy equipment or in areas where ground conditions can be unpredictable.
  
• Forestry and Logging: Steel tracks excel in forestry applications due to their ability to provide superior traction on slippery, soft surfaces, such as wet soil or snow. The durability of steel also allows them to endure the rough handling typical in logging.
  
• Landscaping on Rough Terrain: Landscaping projects involving the movement of heavy materials or working on rough terrain can benefit from the strength and load-bearing capacity of steel tracks.
  
• Heavy Lifting and Excavation: For machines involved in heavy lifting or deep excavation, the added strength of steel tracks provides greater stability and ensures the equipment can handle the weight without compromising performance.
  

Alternatives to Kubota Factory Steel Tracks
While Kubota’s factory steel tracks are excellent for many tough applications, there are alternatives that might better suit other needs:

1. Rubber Tracks: Rubber tracks are typically used for applications that require a smoother ride and less impact on the ground surface. They are often used in environments where soil compaction and surface damage need to be minimized, such as in agriculture or urban environments. Rubber tracks are also quieter and more comfortable for operators.
   
2. Aftermarket Steel Tracks: For those who wish to customize their equipment further or need specific features not offered by Kubota’s factory tracks, aftermarket steel tracks are available. These tracks may offer unique designs or materials tailored to certain environmental conditions.
   
3. Hybrid Tracks: Some manufacturers offer hybrid tracks that combine the benefits of both rubber and steel. These tracks offer the durability of steel while maintaining the ride comfort and soil preservation of rubber.
   

A Real-World Case: The Kubota Track Loader in Construction
A construction company working on a challenging site in the Midwest opted to install Kubota factory steel tracks on their compact track loaders to deal with the rough, rocky soil. They reported a noticeable increase in traction and stability, which significantly improved their work efficiency, particularly when operating on uneven or loose surfaces. While the steel tracks did create a rougher ride for the operators, the increase in productivity and reduced wear on the tracks outweighed the initial discomfort.
In contrast, the company also uses rubber tracks for lighter jobs in more sensitive environments, like near residential areas, where noise and ground damage were a concern. This dual-track strategy has helped the company balance cost, performance, and longevity across different projects.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Track System
In conclusion, Kubota factory steel tracks provide a robust, durable option for those working in harsh conditions where performance and longevity are key. They offer significant advantages in terms of traction, load-bearing capacity, and durability, though they come with higher upfront costs and some maintenance challenges. Understanding the specific requirements of the job, the terrain, and the operational environment is crucial in deciding whether steel or rubber tracks (or even a hybrid system) will best suit the needs of the operator.
As with any machinery choice, it's essential to weigh both the short-term and long-term implications of the decision, keeping in mind the unique challenges of each work environment.