Yanmar T 175

Each track is represented by a measurement broken into three parts: Track Width (mm), Pitch Distance (mm), and Number of Links — example: 320x86x54.

• The first number represents the track width in millimeters
• The second number represents the distance between each link’s center to the other link’s center in millimeters
• The last number represents the total number of links in a track

Use a tape measure to find the track width and pitch distance. The best way to count the number of links is to put a piece of tape on the link you’re counting, or just clean the first link and count up until you get back to it. Just make sure not to count the first one twice.

General rule is that rubber tracks last between 1,200 and 1,600 operating hours. However, this depends a lot on the conditions of the ground that your heavy equipment operates on. If your heavy equipment is put to use on sharp or rocky terrain, you are more likely to rip your rubber tracks and decrease the amount of hours that they will last.

Rips in the rubber, significantly decreased tread depth, or loose tracks (meaning poor track tension) are all indicators that it’s time to replace your rubber tracks. Loose tracks could also mean that you are low on track grease, so make sure you check your track grease (via the track adjuster grease valve) before assuming you need to replace rubber tracks on your excavator or skid steer.

Look up rubber recycling facilities in your area and ask them if you can dispose of your old rubber tracks. Otherwise, get creative! Some people will use their old rubber tracks as planter rings in their gardens, or for other landscaping purposes.

Installing rubber tracks is not as hard as you think! Check out our tutorial videos:

• How To Install Rubber Tracks On Skid Steers
• How To Install Rubber Tracks On Excavators