Engineering and Application – A Deep Dive into Rubber Track Patterns

We all know in a sort of ‘’recipe way’’ what type of rubber track patterns to use according to the equipment and ground condition.

Let’s get a bit nerdy and consider the interaction between the block, C, V, and zig zag tread patterns on different terrains to understand the reasons behind each tread design and its intended uses.

In a summarized video version of this post, our heavy equipment parts expert, Josh Daviduke, explains the most common tread patterns

In the case of on-road applications, friction is the main interaction of rubber tracks with the ground.

Friction is directly proportional to the coefficient of friction (μ) and how hard the materials are pressed together (normal force). If one or both components increase, so does the friction.

The coefficient of friction depends on the roughness, which is different for every combination of materials. In the case of rubber and asphalt (or concrete), the friction coefficient equals one, which is a high value.

The vulcanized rubber of heavy-duty tracks deforms under the weight of the compact track loader or mini excavator, bonding with the asphalt’s rough surface and effectively transmitting the engine’s power to move the equipment.

Friction is less effective for off-road tasks, especially on soft ground. On loose terrain, the track lugs must dig to provide grip. More lugs digging the ground equals more traction.

Things get even more challenging when water gets involved in the equation.

Water significantly reduces the coefficient of friction between the rubber and the ground, thus increasing the risk of slippage.

Skid steer tracks have grooves or voids to divert water, ice, or mud off the contact area to maintain friction and prevent material buildup, known as the self-cleaning feature.

With all of the above in mind, let’s see the suitable application of some of the most common rubber track tread patterns: Block, C-lug, V, and zig zag.

Tracks with a block pattern are excellent in pretty much anything. They are general-purpose tracks and can come as standard with your compact loader.

The big contact area provides superior traction when working on asphalt or concrete.

The block pattern is also good for working on mud. The lugs’s sidewalls grip the muddy ground to deliver traction, and their shallow angle provides moderate self-cleaning to prevent material buildup in the undercarriage and have enough grip for the next turn.

The staggered block tread distances on Fortis rubber tracks guarantee an even weight distribution, minimizing vibration and bouncing for a smooth ride.

The C pattern, aka H tread pattern, resembles the block pattern with extra voids, giving the lugs a C shape.

Rubber tracks with a C pattern are the most common type for mini excavators and skid steers, and they are what you usually get when purchasing these heavy equipment.

They are a multi-purpose track. Work for mud, clay, snow, rock, and hard surfaces.

The extra voids provide more sidewall grip edges and, thus, more traction on soft ground than the block pattern without sacrificing friction area when working on paved surfaces.

The C pattern also has a moderate self-cleaning capacity, and the lug distribution provides constant ground contact.

You’ll commonly find the V pattern on mini excavators, especially those working in agriculture or light tasks.

Mini excavators stay stationary while the arm, boom, and bucket do the job. They don’t need a lot of traction from their tracks.

The deep angle of the lugs on the V track applies forces of lesser magnitude than those with a block or C pattern. For agriculture applications, they provide traction without excessive ground disturbance.

V pattern tracks are directional, meaning you must install them one way. For the lugs to paddle through muddy and loose ground (to keep a clean area for friction), the ‘’V’’ must go with the track motion, NOT against it.

Installing V tracks in the opposite direction will make them scoop material instead of paddling it out of the way.

ZZ tracks are best for working in mud and snow removal. They are mainly fall, winter, and early spring tracks.

The zigzag pattern across the track maximizes the length of the sidewalls for more gripping edges and, thus, excellent traction on loose, slippery ground.

The lug angles and the grooves greatly divert snow, mud, and water, providing these tracks with a high self-cleaning ability for efficient friction.

Like the V pattern, zig zag tracks are directional.