Understanding Grouser OTT for Heavy Equipment

[MikePhua]

In the world of heavy machinery and construction equipment, maximizing the efficiency of equipment, especially when working on challenging terrains, is critical. A piece of equipment that many operators rely on for this purpose is the Grouser OTT (Over-the-Tire) system. This unique technology, which attaches directly to a vehicle's tires, provides increased traction, stability, and performance, particularly when working on soft or uneven ground. Understanding its functionality, benefits, and applications is essential for any equipment operator or fleet manager.
What is Grouser OTT?
The Grouser OTT system is an attachment designed to improve the performance of wheeled equipment, such as skid steers, wheel loaders, or backhoe loaders, by adding a layer of tracked capability over the standard rubber tires. The system consists of a set of rugged tracks or grousers that wrap over the tires, giving the vehicle enhanced grip and flotation. This makes the equipment more capable of operating in soft ground conditions, such as sand, mud, snow, or even loose gravel.
The term "Grouser" refers to the metal cleats that are a key feature of these attachments, providing the traction necessary to keep the vehicle moving efficiently in challenging conditions.
How Does the Grouser OTT System Work?
The Grouser OTT system functions by clamping over the tires of a piece of equipment. These systems are typically made from heavy-duty steel or rubber materials and are designed to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in construction, mining, or agricultural operations. When installed, the system adds a tracked layer to the tires, essentially converting the wheeled vehicle into a hybrid machine with some of the advantages of a track loader.
The grouser tracks are equipped with cleats or pads that dig into the surface below, creating a secure grip that prevents slipping and improves the equipment's ability to move in loose soil or rough terrains. The traction efficiency increases because the system spreads the weight of the machine over a wider area, reducing the pressure on the ground and thus increasing the machine’s flotation.
Advantages of Using Grouser OTT

1. Improved Traction:
   One of the primary benefits of using Grouser OTT tracks is the significant increase in traction. The grousers act like cleats that dig into soft or slippery surfaces, enabling the equipment to perform better on challenging surfaces such as mud, snow, or sand. This can be especially useful for tasks such as landscaping, snow removal, or earthmoving, where the equipment is often used on uneven or soft ground.
   
2. Increased Stability:
   The additional traction and weight distribution provided by the OTT system also improve the stability of the vehicle. This can help prevent tipping or sliding when the equipment is operating on inclines or unstable surfaces.
   
3. Versatility:
   With Grouser OTT systems, equipment that is typically confined to paved or firm surfaces can now work effectively in off-road conditions. This versatility allows for the machine to be used in a wider variety of tasks, without the need to purchase specialized equipment, such as track machines.
   
4. Reduced Ground Pressure:
   When using the Grouser OTT system, the overall weight of the machine is distributed over a larger surface area. This lowers the ground pressure, preventing the machine from sinking into the ground or creating ruts in soft soil. This feature is particularly beneficial when working in sensitive environments, such as on farms or construction sites where maintaining the condition of the ground is important.
   
5. Cost-Effective Alternative:
   One of the primary appeals of the Grouser OTT system is its cost-effectiveness. It allows operators to convert their wheeled equipment into a more versatile and capable machine without the expense of purchasing entirely new tracked equipment. This can be an appealing solution for contractors or fleet managers who occasionally need tracked equipment but don’t require it on a daily basis.
   

Common Applications of Grouser OTT Systems
Grouser OTT systems are useful in a wide variety of industries and applications, including:

• Construction: For tasks that require moving equipment across unstable surfaces like mud, loose gravel, or sand. The additional traction allows for smoother operations in less-than-ideal conditions.
  
• Agriculture: When working on farms or in orchards, Grouser OTT systems help equipment travel over soft ground without damaging crops or creating ruts.
  
• Landscaping: When moving across uneven or muddy terrain, the Grouser OTT system can improve performance and reduce the risk of getting stuck.
  
• Snow Removal: In snowy or icy conditions, the system provides increased grip, enabling better movement across slippery surfaces.
  
• Mining: Heavy equipment used in mining often needs to travel across rough, rocky surfaces. Grouser OTT systems improve efficiency and safety in these environments.
  

Installation and Maintenance of Grouser OTT
Installation of a Grouser OTT system is typically straightforward, with the tracks or pads being designed to clamp over the equipment’s existing tires. This can be done without requiring extensive modifications to the machine. The tracks are designed to be compatible with a wide range of wheel loader and skid steer tire sizes, ensuring a broad application range.
Maintenance of Grouser OTT systems is relatively low, as the tracks themselves are built for durability. However, operators should regularly check the systems for any wear and tear, especially the grousers, as the tracks may become worn down over time, reducing their effectiveness. Regular inspection of the mounting hardware and hydraulic systems used to secure the tracks is also important to ensure that the system remains safe and functional.
Challenges and Limitations
While the Grouser OTT system provides many advantages, there are also some limitations and challenges to be aware of:

• Speed Limitations: Equipment fitted with Grouser OTT systems may have reduced speed compared to standard wheeled equipment, especially when traveling on hard surfaces. This is due to the additional friction created by the tracks.
  
• Increased Wear on Tires: The added weight of the tracks can lead to increased wear on the tires of the machine, especially when operating on hard or abrasive surfaces.
  
• Compatibility: Although the Grouser OTT system is designed to fit a wide variety of equipment, it may not be suitable for all machines. It is important to ensure compatibility before installation to avoid any operational issues.
  

Conclusion
The Grouser OTT system is an innovative solution for enhancing the performance of wheeled equipment in off-road or challenging conditions. By providing increased traction, stability, and versatility, it allows machines like skid steers and wheel loaders to perform tasks they would otherwise struggle with. The system is cost-effective, easy to install, and can significantly improve efficiency on construction, agricultural, and landscaping sites. However, operators must be mindful of the limitations, such as potential wear on tires and reduced speed on hard surfaces.
By understanding how the Grouser OTT system works and knowing when and how to apply it, operators can maximize the capabilities of their equipment and handle a wider range of tasks.