Track Systems for Steep and Hilly Terrain

[MikePhua]

Importance of Proper Tracks
Operating heavy equipment on hills and steep terrain presents unique challenges including maintaining traction, stability, and minimizing ground disturbance. Selecting the right track system is essential to safely and efficiently navigate slopes while protecting sensitive ground surfaces and optimizing machine performance.
Types of Track Systems for Hills

• Rubber Tracks: Provide superior flotation, reduce ground pressure, and offer good traction on soft soils, mud, and snow. Their continuous tread design spreads weight evenly to prevent sinkage and soil damage, making them ideal for landscapers and forestry work on moderate slopes.
  
• Steel Tracks: Traditional choice for heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators working on rocky, steep inclines. Steel tracks have excellent durability and grip but exert higher ground pressure and can damage delicate surfaces.
  
• Over-The-Tire Tracks: Rubber track systems mounted over tires enhance traction and flotation without changing machine footprint significantly. Such systems are perfect for small loaders and skid steers needing additional grip for slippery or uneven terrain.
  
• Suspension vs. Rigid Undercarriage: Suspended undercarriages (like in ASV machines) improve stability and ride quality over uneven hills by allowing track movement independent of machine frame, reducing wear and operator fatigue. Rigid undercarriages are simpler and less maintenance-intensive but offer less comfort and adaptability.
  

Best Practices for Operating on Hills

• Direction of Travel: Ascend and descend slopes vertically rather than traversing sideways to minimize rollover risk and maintain traction.
  
• Leveling and Stabilizing: In very steep conditions, some machines feature self-leveling cabs and undercarriage leveling functions to shift the center of gravity uphill and improve operator safety.
  
• Winch Assist Systems: For extremely steep slopes, wire rope winch systems anchored to fixed points can provide traction assistance, preventing slips and uncontrolled slides.
  
• Tire Choice and Chains: In icy conditions where tracks are less common, specialized tires or chains may offer better safety.
  

Engineering Innovations and Equipment Examples

• John Deere M-Series: Tracked machines with 26-degree tilt leveling systems and options for tethering via third-party winches for steep slopes.
  
• Caterpillar 552 Series 2: Track feller bunchers with extended roller frames and hydraulic and engine upgrades optimized for rugged terrain.
  
• DURATRACKS: Versatile off-road track systems transforming vehicles into terrain-conquering machines capable of traversing mud, snow, gravel, and steep inclines with increased stability.
  

Terminology

• Flotation: Equipment’s ability to spread its weight to prevent sinking into soft ground.
  
• Grouser: Raised bars on track shoes that provide traction.
  
• Self-Leveling Cab: Operator cab mechanism that tilts to keep a level working platform on slopes.
  
• Winch Assist: A cable and winch system that helps prevent a machine from sliding on steep slopes.
  
• Suspension Undercarriage: Track frame allowing independent wheel movement for smoother rides and improved ground contact.
  

Real-World Experience
A landowner at high elevation in Colorado selected a tracked compact loader with a suspension undercarriage for their hilly 200-acre property. Despite limited hours of operation used for brush clearing and snow removal, the machine’s superior traction and ride comfort allowed access to remote, steep sections of the land without soil disturbance or machine damage, confirming the value of selecting specialized track systems tailored to terrain needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the optimal track system for hills and steep slopes is critical for the safety, efficiency, and longevity of heavy equipment operations. Innovations like rubber tracks for flotation, winch assist systems for extreme gradients, and suspension undercarriages for comfort bring new capabilities to challenging terrains. Operators should evaluate ground conditions, slope angle, and machine purpose to select and operate the correct equipment, thereby maximizing productivity while preserving safety and environmental integrity.