Rubber tracks play a crucial role in keeping mini excavators, skid steers, and tracked dumpers performing at their best. When maintained properly, quality tracks provide excellent traction, reduce vibration, enhance operator comfort, and protect your machine’s undercarriage. However, without a solid rubber track maintenance routine, wear accelerates quickly—leading to costly downtime and premature replacement.
Whether you operate a single machine or manage a full fleet, following the right maintenance practices will significantly extend the life of your tracks and reduce overall running costs. Here are the essential tips every operator should know.
1. Keep Your Tracks Properly Tensioned
Correct track tension is one of the most important aspects of rubber track maintenance.
-
Over-tight tracks increase stress on the drive motor, rollers, and idlers, causing unnecessary wear.
-
Loose tracks can derail, damage the lugs, and reduce traction.
How to check tension:
Lift the machine slightly using the boom and measure the sag between the undercarriage rollers. Your machine’s operator manual will give the correct measurement.
Tip: Check tension daily during muddy, sandy, or temperature-fluctuating conditions.
2. Clean Out Debris After Each Shift
Packed-in dirt is one of the fastest ways to destroy rubber tracks.
Mud, stones, clay, and frozen material put pressure on the track chain and rollers, grinding away at the rubber and increasing wear on undercarriage components.
Best practice:
-
Remove built-up debris at the end of each shift.
-
Pay special attention to the drive motor area and rollers.
-
During winter, remove ice before parking the machine overnight.
Regular cleaning is one of the simplest ways to prolong track life.
Avoid Sharp Turns on Hard Ground
Rubber tracks are designed for durability, but tight pivot-turns create excessive wear on the tread and lugs.
Where possible:
-
Use three-point turns instead of sharp spins.
-
Avoid turning abruptly on concrete or asphalt.
-
Operate smoothly to reduce strain on the entire undercarriage.
This small operational change can add months of life to your tracks.
4. Choose the Right Tracks for Your Application
Not all rubber tracks are made the same. Track width, tread pattern, and compound quality all influence durability and performance.
High-quality rubber tracks—like MST’s range of ITR® rubber tracks—are manufactured using premium rubber compounds for superior wear life, reduced vibration, and consistent performance in tough environments.
Choosing the right track from the start prevents premature failures and saves money in the long run.
5. Inspect the Undercarriage Regularly
Rubber track maintenance goes beyond the tracks themselves. A worn undercarriage will cause rapid track deterioration.
Look for:
-
Worn sprocket teeth
-
Damaged or seized rollers
-
Loose or bent idlers
-
Leaking track adjusters
-
Abnormal vibration during operation
Replacing worn components early reduces stress on the rubber tracks and improves machine efficiency.
6. Operate Within Load and Ground Limits
Excessive weight or working across sharp rocks, demolition rubble, or steep slopes can cause cuts, chunking, and internal damage to the rubber.
Where possible:
-
Avoid operating on jagged terrain.
-
Use steel-reinforced or heavy-duty tracks for harsh applications.
-
Spread loads and travel slowly across uneven surfaces.
A bit of planning goes a long way in preventing unnecessary damage.
7. Store Your Machine Correctly
Rubber can degrade when stored improperly.
For long-term storage:
-
Park the machine indoors or use a track cover.
-
Keep tracks clean and dry.
-
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or chemicals.
-
Move the machine occasionally to avoid flat spots.
Proper storage maintains track flexibility and prevents premature ageing.
Why Rubber Track Maintenance Matters
Replacing rubber tracks early is costly—not just for the tracks themselves, but also the associated downtime and accelerated wear on undercarriage components.
Effective rubber track maintenance will:
- Extend track lifespan
- Improve machine efficiency
- Reduce operating costs
- Prevent breakdowns
- Protect other undercarriage components
For maximum performance and longevity, choose tracks designed for durability. MST stocks a large range of high-quality ITR® rubber tracks and pads, manufactured using premium rubber compounds and engineered for long life in demanding applications.
Need Replacement Rubber Tracks?
MST holds one of the UK’s largest stocks of heavy-duty mini excavator and skid steer rubber tracks, available for fast delivery and guaranteed quality. Contact our team for expert advice on selecting the right tracks for your machine and operating conditions.