Majority of mini-excavators now make use of excavator tracks instead of wheels. The choices for materials of these tracks include steel and rubber.
Rubber is preferred by others because it is less noisy and can work on almost any even surface. Steel tracks, on the other hand, are used because they are harder to wear out and they can be used to go through sandy or even muddy surfaces.
If rubber and steel both have advantages, there are, naturally, some disadvantages. Rubber tracks are not as durable as their metal counterparts and they need to be replaced from time to time. Steel may cause some serious damage on some surfaces on which they operate.
Fortunately, for people who would want to shift from rubber tracks to metal tracks and vice versa, there are ways that this can be accomplished. There are now available rubber attachments and rubber pads for excavator tracks that are made of steel. The latest rubber tracks are now designed for superior traction, more durability (hence, a longer life span), less vibrations and less noise.
There is no longer any need to choose or just stick with one material. All that an operator has to do now is to consider, in advance, what surface he will be driving the excavator on.
Overlapping versus Continuous Steel Cords
The use of continuous steel cords or CSC’s is now highly favored among operators and contractors.
CSC’s, as compared to overlapping steel cords (originally used on most excavators), can provide up to 40% strength over rubber tracks. CSC’s are specifically designed to extend your excavator tracks’ lifespan. With extended life for your tracks, there would be more money that can be saved in the years ahead.
A major disadvantage of overlapping tracks is the weak joints that are created by the overlaps. Cracks and tearing often begin at the weak joints.
People who are buying replacements for their excavator tracks should know the size of their tracks in advance. Most heavy equipment and equipment parts distributors in the UK provide either a one year or 1,000-hour warranty along with your purchase of a new excavator track. Also, make sure to buy only from trusted shops so that you will be guaranteed of long-lasting products.