COMMON CTL RUBBER TRACK TREAD TYPES

Most compact track loader rubber tracks are broken down into two “types” or “families” of rubber track patterns. The Block family consists of tracks like the staggard block track, C-Lug, Bridgestone Vortech, and the Michelin Camso HDX H pattern. The second family of track tread designs derive from the Multi-bar family. This family is made up of Straight bar, Multi-bar, SD series or Zig Zag, BD, Z wave and XT patterns. There are also Specialty Tracks used in extreme conditions like non-marking, sand, turf and snow.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BLOCK FAMILY

• Most popular and most commonly used
• Known as the general-purpose track pattern
• Well suited for hard abrasive applications
• Durable and long lasting because of the large rubber pads
• Cause minimal ground disturbance
• Used on lawns, packed sand, gravel, mud, clay, gravel, and roads

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MULTI-BAR FAMILY

• Designed to maximize traction, works great in mud and snow applications
• Some designs work well on lawns when you pivot a lot
• Many operators prefer the smooth ride you can have with some tread designs
• Typically, these tread design wear faster than block family designs because of the smaller lug patterns
• Used commonly on lawns, sand, gravel, mud, snow, ice, hilly terrain, and loose ground

TractionsourceUSA.com – Dave Langefels