Steel is tough and durable, but it is also heavy. It helps to lower the center of gravity when a machine is operating on rough conditions. The vast majority of new steel tracks are made from recycled steel, so if you are a tree hugger, you can rest assured that by opting for steel tracks, you are not destroying the planet. Rubber tracks, on the other hand, are lighter and less durable. However, while a steel track is made up of multiple links (which means that if one link breaks, it can be replaced), a rubber is one solid unit which means if the track tears in one place, the entire track needs to be replaced.
So, lets jump in and look at the pros and cons of steel and rubber tracks.
Steel Track Pros
Durability: steel tracks can last for up to 10,000 hours whereas rubber tracks last around 1,500 hours. Rubber tracks won’t take the abuse that steel puts up with. On harsh surfaces like jagged rock and demolition debris, rubber tracks get shredded in no time.
Balance: the steel tracks play an important role in stabilizing large machines that are operating above their center of gravity. Each track weighs more than a ton and that acts as a strong counterweight.
Traction: steel tracks are able to get better grip on a wider range of surfaces. Rubber, on the hand, has a greater tendency to slide.
Cleaning: Steel they are easy to clean and some people even go so far as to say they are self-cleaning.
Steel Track Cons
Price: steel tracks are expensive. They are the second most expensive part in the undercarriage (after the final drive) and contribute to 50% of undercarriage maintenance. Rubber tracks are substantially cheaper.
Damage to the surface area: we bring steel tracked excavators into a workshop every week. Unless we put down tires, they would destroy our cement floors. If you expect to operate your machine on surfaces you don’t want to damage, go for rubber tracks every time. They have far less impact than steel grousers.
Noisy: if you are sensitive to noise, the continuous squeaking and grinding of steel tracks will drive you crazy. Rubber, on the other hand, is relatively quiet.
Bumpy ride: steel tracks do not absorb shock nor vibration. This can cause injury to the operator over the long term. Vibrations and shock transfer are much lower with rubber tracks, which significantly improves operator comfort.
Speed: steel tracked machines do not move fast – you are lucky to get above 2km/h. Rubber tracked machines move faster.
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