Steel Tracks on CAT Compact Track Loaders and the Shift Toward Heavy-Duty Versatility

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of CAT CTLs and Undercarriage Innovation
Caterpillar’s Compact Track Loaders (CTLs) have long been favored for their low ground pressure, maneuverability, and performance in soft terrain. Traditionally equipped with rubber tracks, these machines excel in landscaping, grading, and utility work. However, their limitations in demolition, forestry, and abrasive environments have prompted a shift toward steel track options—especially on the two largest CAT CTL models.
The introduction of steel tracks marks a significant evolution in CTL design. These tracks are part of a heavy-duty undercarriage system inspired by the D5N dozer platform, incorporating SystemOne components and salt-type tracks with multiple grouser configurations. This adaptation allows CTLs to operate in conditions previously reserved for full-size dozers or dedicated forestry machines.
Terminology Annotation

• CTL (Compact Track Loader): A small tracked loader designed for tight spaces and soft ground
  
• SystemOne: Caterpillar’s modular undercarriage system with rotating bushings and sealed cartridges
  
• Salt Tracks (Sealed and Lubricated Track): Track chains filled with oil to reduce internal wear
  
• Grouser: Raised ridges on track pads that provide traction and grip
  

Steel Tracks and Their Operational Advantages
Steel tracks offer several advantages over rubber in high-impact environments:

• Increased durability in demolition and forestry
  
• Better resistance to tearing and chunking from debris
  
• Improved traction on rocky or frozen terrain
  
• Higher weight distribution for pushing and ripping tasks
  

However, they also introduce trade-offs:

• Increased ground pressure, reducing performance on turf or soft soil
  
• Higher vibration and noise levels
  
• Greater wear on paved surfaces
  
• More complex maintenance and replacement procedures
  

Operators must weigh these factors based on jobsite conditions. For example, a forestry contractor in Alabama retrofitted CAT CTLs with steel tracks to support mulching heads in dense brush. The machines performed well, but required reinforced drive sprockets and upgraded final drives to handle the added stress.
Undercarriage Design and Load Distribution
The steel track system on CAT CTLs is built around a high-track configuration, elevating the drive sprocket above the main frame. This design reduces debris ingestion and improves load distribution across the rollers. Borrowed from the D5N dozer, the undercarriage includes:

• Elevated drive sprockets to minimize wear
  
• Heavy-duty rollers and idlers with sealed bearings
  
• Modular track pads with bolt-on grousers
  
• Reinforced track frames with integrated guards
  

This configuration allows the CTL to absorb shock loads during demolition or stump removal, extending component life and improving operator comfort.
Forestry and Mulching Applications
Forestry contractors have embraced steel-tracked CTLs for mulching, clearing, and slope work. Companies like Supertrak have developed purpose-built mulchers using CAT CTLs as base units, outfitted with steel tracks, protective cages, and high-flow hydraulic systems.
These machines operate in environments where rubber tracks would fail—such as thorny brush, rocky inclines, and firebreak construction. Steel tracks provide the stability and traction needed to power through dense vegetation while supporting heavy front-mounted attachments.
One operator in Texas noted that his steel-tracked CAT CTL outperformed wheeled loaders in post-storm cleanup, pushing debris piles and navigating uneven terrain with ease.
Comparative Adoption and Market Trends
While Bobcat and other manufacturers have offered steel track options for several years, CAT’s entry into this space signals a broader industry shift. Contractors increasingly demand machines that can transition between soft ground and aggressive demolition without swapping platforms.
Sales data from 2010 to 2020 shows a steady rise in CTL adoption for non-traditional roles, including:

• Light demolition
  
• Road building
  
• Pipeline support
  
• Agricultural land clearing
  

Steel tracks expand the CTL’s role in these sectors, reducing the need for larger machines and improving fleet flexibility.
Maintenance Considerations and Operator Training
Steel tracks require different maintenance protocols than rubber:

• Daily inspection for loose bolts and cracked grousers
  
• Regular greasing of rollers and idlers
  
• Monitoring of track tension and alignment
  
• Replacement of worn bushings and seals
  

Operators must be trained to recognize early signs of wear and adjust driving habits to reduce shock loads. Using the machine on hard surfaces without proper technique can accelerate wear and increase downtime.
Recommendations include:

• Avoiding sharp turns on concrete
  
• Using track guards in debris-heavy environments
  
• Rotating track pads periodically to balance wear
  
• Keeping a spare set of grousers and bolts on hand
  

Conclusion
The integration of steel tracks into CAT Compact Track Loaders represents a strategic leap in versatility and durability. By borrowing design elements from larger dozers and adapting them to compact platforms, CAT has enabled CTLs to tackle heavier tasks without sacrificing maneuverability. For contractors operating in demolition, forestry, or rugged terrain, steel-tracked CTLs offer a compelling blend of power, precision, and resilience—bridging the gap between compact agility and heavy-duty performance.