How to measure rubber tracks?
Even with the best care, the rubber tracks on tracked small earth-movers and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) wear out over time. When it’s time to replace them, it’s crucial to select the right fit for the machine. Otherwise, you risk unnecessary stress on the undercarriage and premature track failure. In this blog, we explain how to interpret the numbers that make up a track size and how to measure tracks yourself.
Why size matters
Tracks are essential components of machines such as mini-excavators, compact track loaders, spider lifts, etc. They ensure the machine can work effectively and efficiently on all types of terrain without slipping or sinking. So when one of the telltale signs of wear has been spotted, it is important to replace the tracks as soon as possible. This takes just 10 simple steps, but it is vital to locate the correct replacement tracks first. Failure to use the correct size will not only lead to premature track failure but will also put unnecessary stress on the undercarriage. This means that installing the wrong size tracks will ultimately increase the maintenance costs of the machine.
The numbers, what do they mean?
The size of a rubber track is made up of three values, which indicate:
- The width of the track in millimetres;
- The pitch of the track, or the distance between the drive lugs, in millimetres;
- The number of teeth or links inside the track.
For example, a track with the size 180x72x38
- measures 180 mm in width;
- has a pitch of 72 mm (so the distance between the drive lugs measures 72 mm);
- has 38 teeth inside the track.
This measurement is usually stamped inside the track. However, if the track is worn and needs replacing, this stamp may have worn away and become illegible. Therefore, you must know how to measure the size of a track yourself.
Measuring a track
Measuring the width
The first value is the quickest and easiest measurement to identify. All you need to do is measure the width of the track in millimetres. But remember that track sizes are always expressed in millimetres. So if you have measured in inches, be sure to convert: 1 inch = 25,4 millimetres.
Finding the pitch
The second value is determined by measuring the distance between the drive lugs (in mm). Make sure you measure from the centre of one lug to the centre of the next one. If you simply measure the open space between two lugs, you will get an incorrect number.
Counting the links
To determine the third and final value, you need to count the number of teeth or links around the inner circumference of the track. These teeth interlock with the sprocket and help to drive the machine.
Looking for tracks?
When it’s time to replace the tracks of a small earth-mover or mobile elevating work platform, measuring the tracks is a vital step in finding suitable replacements. However, additional information is needed to guarantee the correct fit. Many tracks can look the same and even have the same width, pitch and links. Therefore, you also need to know the make, model and year of the machine.
With this information, you can find the required rubber tracks through the MyPartsFinder search function in our online shop.
But don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re not 100% sure what part(s) you need to order! Our skilled colleagues are ready to give extra support.
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About the authors
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