Evaluating DuroForce Steel Tracks for CAT Compact Track Loaders

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Steel Track Retrofits in CTL Applications
Compact Track Loaders (CTLs) have become indispensable in land management, construction, and forestry. Their low ground pressure and maneuverability make them ideal for soft terrain and tight spaces. However, rubber tracks—standard on most CTLs—often fail prematurely under harsh conditions. Operators working in rocky, stump-laden environments frequently report delamination, cable breakage, and excessive stretching within 200 to 500 hours of use.
This has led to growing interest in steel track retrofits, particularly for high-horsepower models like the CAT 299D2 XHP and 299D3 XE. DuroForce, a manufacturer specializing in aftermarket undercarriage components, offers steel track systems designed to replace rubber tracks on CTLs. These systems promise increased durability, better traction in abrasive terrain, and reduced downtime.
Terminology Annotation
- CTL (Compact Track Loader): A tracked skid-steer-style machine used for grading, lifting, and land clearing.
- Steel Track Retrofit: A conversion kit that replaces rubber tracks with steel links and pads, often resembling mini-dozer tracks.
- Track Bar: A structural element within the track that maintains alignment and spacing between links.
- 360 Turn: A maneuver where the machine spins in place, often stressing the inner track components.
- XHP (Extra High Power): A designation for CAT machines with enhanced hydraulic flow and horsepower, suited for mulching and heavy-duty attachments.
Performance Expectations and Wear Patterns
Operators considering DuroForce steel tracks often do so after experiencing rapid wear with premium rubber options. One example involved Bridgestone’s Extreme Duty Vortech tracks, which stretched beyond usability after just 200 hours—despite a price tag exceeding $1,800 per track. In contrast, DuroForce steel tracks are advertised to last up to 1,000 hours if properly maintained, translating to roughly $6 per operating hour.
However, steel tracks introduce their own challenges. Pins at each joint are subject to loosening over time, especially under high-speed travel or frequent pivoting. This wear pattern resembles that of steel over-the-tire track systems, where joint play increases and leads to instability. Operators must monitor pin tightness and bushing wear regularly to avoid premature failure.
Use Case Limitations and Surface Compatibility
Steel tracks excel in forestry, demolition, and rocky terrain but are poorly suited for residential or urban environments. Their aggressive footprint can damage concrete, asphalt, and manicured lawns. In neighborhoods with pristine driveways and landscaping, steel tracks are often prohibited due to surface scarring.
Additionally, high-speed travel is discouraged. Steel tracks generate more vibration and noise, and their weight increases fuel consumption. Machines like the CAT 299D3 XE, designed for land clearing and mulching, may benefit from steel tracks in remote areas but suffer efficiency losses on long hauls or paved surfaces.
Operator Insights and Field Anecdotes
One operator in Missouri noted that steel tracks reminded him of old Russian dozer chains—durable but prone to pin fatigue. He emphasized that even with proper maintenance, joint wear is inevitable. Another technician in Minnesota reported that rocky terrain and aggressive turning can destroy rubber tracks quickly, especially when debris is trapped inside the undercarriage. Steel tracks mitigate this but require vigilance in lubrication and tensioning.
A land clearing contractor using a John Deere 333G opted for mid-tier McLaren steel tracks and was pleased with their performance in mulching and brush piling. He reported minimal slippage and better stability on slopes, though acknowledged increased vibration and reduced comfort.
Recommendations for Steel Track Adoption
Before retrofitting a CTL with steel tracks:

• Evaluate terrain type and job frequency
  
• Avoid steel tracks in residential or concrete-heavy zones
  
• Monitor pin and bushing wear every 100 hours
  
• Maintain proper track tension and lubrication
  
• Consider hybrid systems with replaceable rubber pads for mixed-use environments
  

Operators should also factor in resale value. Machines with steel tracks may appeal to forestry contractors but deter buyers in urban markets. Keeping the original rubber tracks for future reinstallation can preserve flexibility.
Conclusion
DuroForce steel tracks offer a viable solution for operators frustrated by rubber track failures in extreme conditions. While not universally applicable, they shine in rugged environments where durability outweighs surface sensitivity. Like any retrofit, success depends on matching the tool to the terrain—and maintaining it with the same intensity as the work it’s built to endure. In the battle between rubber and steel, the winner isn’t just the material—it’s the operator who knows when to deploy it.