If you’re a tracked equipment owner or operator, there’s no doubt you’ve found yourself deciding between rubber and steel tracks. You might have run both track types on your machinery, but you’re still not sure what is better.
The answer depends on your application of the equipment. It also depends on the conditions in which you’re operating your tracked compact loader, excavator or multi-terrain loader. The best way to look at the question of rubber tracks vs. steel tracks is that rubber gives you more versatility while steel offers better durability.
Steel tracks have been around far longer than rubber tracks. Steel is still the track-of-choice for many excavator and loader owners. That’s because steel tracks are a proven commodity, while rubber track technology continues to evolve. Before looking at the advantages and disadvantages of steel and rubber tracks, let’s go back in time and learn how rubber and steel tracks have evolved.
Continuous tracks are part of a machine’s propulsion system. You’re familiar with modern track-equipped equipment like the many excavator forms operating across America’s job sites. You’ve also seen countless compact loaders scurrying about on revolving tracks. But, have you ever stopped to wonder how all these tracked wonders came to be?
You can trace the concept of track propulsion back to the 1700s when a British inventor designed “a cart that carries its own road.” In the 1830s, a Polish engineer furthered the idea but couldn’t raise the money to get something built. Funds also hampered a Russian Army Captain trying to invent a “carriage with mobile tracks.” The same underfunding problem befell another British entrepreneur who proposed a continuous track idea, which he dubbed the “universal railway.”
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Continuous track success struck in the early twentieth century. Richard Hornsby and Sons, a British agricultural equipment manufacturer, made a tractor with continuous tracks that they called the “Hornsby Crawler.” An American soldier, who watched Hornsby’s test demonstrations and thought the machine crawled like a caterpillar, brought the idea home and presented it to Benjamin Holt of Holt Manufacturing.
Holt liked the continuous track concept and began working to improve the design. In 1925, Holt Manufacturing merged with the C.L. Best Tractor Co., and the Caterpillar Tractor Company was born. Today, we know it as Caterpillar®.
Caterpillar made all their early continuous tracks from steel. They might have thought of rubber tracks in the early days, but the technology and material supplies weren’t available. That changed in World War II when the Japanese military had limited steel access but plenty of rubber. They began equipping military vehicles with rubber tracks.
In peacetime America, rubber tracks quickly caught on. Steel tracks are still popular, but rubber offers some distinct advantages over it. Rubber tracks also have their disadvantages. Again, rubber tracks offer flexibility while steel guarantees strength. Both track types, however, can be far superior to tires in many conditions.
The main reason to choose tracks over tires has to do with weight distribution. Machines with tracks distribute their weight far more evenly across a greater surface area than equipment operating on tires. It’s all about an engineering or physics principle called “point loading.”
Tire-equipped machines displace their weight over a very small point where they transfer their live and dead loads to the ground. Tracked machines have a much greater surface contact area than tires, which significantly reduces their ground pressure or pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) point load factor. Simply put, tracks tend to float where tires sink.
The other big difference between machines with continuous tracks and equipment run on tires is speed. Wheels move faster than tracks. That’s fine if speed is your primary goal, but on a worksite, it’s often not.
Assuming you’ve discounted tires as a suitable option, you’re left with a choice — steel tracks vs. rubber tracks. To help you make that choice, let’s examine the difference between steel and rubber tracks.
There’s more to the difference between rubber and steel tracks than their outward appearance. Yes, one track form has rubber-based construction, and the other is made with steel. But, it’s each form’s physical properties that give them an advantage or disadvantage over their crawling competitor.
Steel is a tough and durable material. It’s also heavy. That makes steel ideal for equipment that needs its track system to act as a counterweight and deliver a low center of gravity while working on harsh ground conditions.
Almost all steel used in today’s track manufacturing is recycled. But where steel excels as a track material is its linking ability. Steel tracks are a continuous chain of separate links that work together as a traction and weight distribution system.
Rubber tracks are also a continuous traction and weight transfer system. However, they are not separate links and have an Achilles Heel. If a steel link breaks, it can easily be removed and replaced. If a rubber track snaps, the whole assembly is ruined.
Despite their risk of breaking, rubber tracks give you better cleat, tread or lug options that let you fine-tune your machine to specific ground conditions. Most steel tracks give you one cleat option. That’s the standard crossbar design. Rubber tracks give you these four tread design choices:
Choosing between rubber and steel tracks isn’t easy. What is better for you depends on your application and whether versatility or durability is more important to you. Let’s drill down to the pros and cons when the steel or rubber hits the road.
There’s an excellent reason why steel tracks still dominate the machinery industry. It’s durability. Steel is superior to rubber when it comes to taking a beating and continuing to crawl. You can find steel tracks turning in every temperature from frigid cold to scalding hot. Steel tracks scrape across rock and demolition debris that would eliminate their elastic equivalent.
Steel tracks have enormous advantages in certain conditions. But, whether you need steel depends on the conditions you plan on operating in. It also depends on factors like purchase cost, maintenance requirements, counterweight requirements and noise. Here are the main advantages you’ll get with steel tracks on your machines:
Although steel-tracked equipment has many advantages, you do have to consider the downsides to moving on metal. It’s not that any disadvantages outweigh the benefits, but you should be aware of the drawbacks. Here are the main disadvantages of going the steel track route:
Rubber tracks have made their mark on the continuous track equipment industry. In the past several decades, more and more rubber-tracked machines are unloaded and put to work on American job sites. While they haven’t replaced the steel track lead, these flexible treads have certainly had their impact.
There are certainly areas where rubber tracks have their advantages. The most significant benefit of rubber tracks is their versatility. They’re capable of performing on many surfaces where steel tracked machines would fear to tread. Here are the other main advantages of equipping your machinery with tracks made from rubber:
Where there are good things to be said, you’ll usually find an opposing negative. That’s the case with rubber tracks, and there are some downsides to rubberizing your machine. These are the main disadvantages you’ll find with rubber tracks:
That’s a wrap on the rubber vs. steel track debate. You now have information to support your decision, but the choice of rubber or steel tracks is up to you.
In large part, the right choice for you depends on your application. If you want versatility, then rubber is the best choice. If you’re looking for durability, then you’re better off operating on steel. There’s one choice, though, that’s not hard to make. That’s to contact Prime Source Parts and Equipment for all your tracked machinery and undercarriage needs.
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At Prime Source Parts and Equipment, we say, “If it crawls, give us a call.” Prime Source is North Carolina’s leading source of product support solutions for all machinery makes and models, including Cat, John Deere, Hitachi, Komatsu, Link Belt and more. To find out more about Prime Source services, give us a call today at 704-597-0030. Or request a quote through our online contact form.
Overview:
This article provides essential tips for choosing the right steel products for your construction projects. It stresses how crucial it is to take project specifications, available steel grades, and choosing a trustworthy supplier like Metal Exponents into account. Environmental aspects and budget and economic consequences should also be evaluated. To ensure compliance with construction codes and to make well-informed judgments, working with industry professionals is advised. Construction projects can achieve structural integrity, longevity, and general success by adhering to these recommendations.
As construction professionals and builders face the decision of whether to opt for imported or locally sourced steel products in the Philippines, it becomes imperative to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Imported steel products offer many benefits, including superior quality, advanced technologies, and access to specialized steel grades. On the other hand, local steel products may present cost advantages and a shorter supply chain.
In this blog, we will explore essential tips for choosing steel products for your construction project, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and excellence of your construction projects.
Each construction project comes with unique standards and objectives that must be met for successful completion. It is crucial to thoroughly assess these requirements to ensure the chosen steel products align with the project’s goals.
At Metal Exponents, a leading steel supplier in the Philippines, we offer a diverse range of steel products, each possessing specific strengths, ductility, corrosion resistance, and heat conductivity characteristics. Understanding the specific needs of your project, including load-bearing capacity, environmental factors, and expected lifespan, enables us to assist you in selecting the most suitable steel materials.
Neglecting this aspect could lead to unsatisfactory project outcomes, compromising the structure’s integrity and safety. It may result in premature corrosion, inadequate load-bearing capacity, or difficulties during fabrication and installation. Prioritizing project requirements when choosing steel products is essential for a successful and durable construction endeavor.
Flexibility is essential when determining the grade and quality of steel for your construction project. While you may have a preferred grade in mind, exploring alternative options offered by your supplier can lead to better-fitting products. Here are key reasons to consider this approach:
In situations where local supply production is limited, choosing imported steel pipes for your project can be a more beneficial option. It saves you from potential supply constraints experienced by some local steel suppliers, providing a wider range of choices and ensuring timely project completion.
When selecting a steel provider, conducting in-depth research and thorough screening is crucial. Look into their background, business reputation, and customer feedback. Metal Exponents stands as a trusted supplier in the Philippines, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality steel products and prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Beyond just the product portfolio, assess the manufacturer’s capacity to meet deadlines. Our team emphasizes the supply of reliable steel products, recognizing the significance of timely project completion. Every steel product undergoes strict quality control procedures to meet international standards, ensuring unwavering quality for your building project.
Moreover, our knowledgeable experts provide technical assistance and guidance throughout the selection process. Metal Exponents is committed to outstanding customer service, guaranteeing timely and reliable support not only during the purchasing phase but also throughout the after-sales journey. We attend to your needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Factoring in your budget and the total cost are two of the most important tips for choosing steel products for your construction project. There are numerous grades and finishes of steel that each have their own prices. It’s crucial to assess your project’s budget and ascertain how much you can set aside for steel supplies before selecting a choice.
Take into account the scope and size of your project as well as the particular needs you have for steel items. Include the price of installation, maintenance, and transportation as well. Despite the temptation to choose less expensive options, keep in mind that quality steel items typically provide better long-term value by lowering maintenance costs and prolonging the lifespan of your construction.
Ensure to seriously take the ecological impact of your construction project in today’s environmentally concerned society. Steel is a popular material for building because of its durability and ability to be recycled. However, it’s crucial to explore more the environmental aspects related to steel-related items.
First, consider steel’s embodied energy, or the amount used to extract, process, and manufacture the material. Choose suppliers who place a high priority on energy-efficient production techniques. Ask the supplier about their environmental certifications and their adherence to applicable regulations.
Read also: What are the commonly used construction materials in the Philippines?
Choosing the best steel items for your construction project can be challenging. Seek assistance from industry experts to ensure accurate assessments. Engage in discussions with competent suppliers specializing in steel building materials, structural engineers, and architects.
Steel experts possess in-depth knowledge of steel products, their specifications, performance potential, and suitability for specific applications. They can help determine your project’s needs and recommend the best steel grades, sizes, and finishes.
Working with professionals also ensures compliance with building codes, rules, and safety standards. Their experience allows them to anticipate issues and provide workable solutions, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or delays in your building project.
For your construction project, selecting steel materials demands careful consideration of a number of criteria. Take into account not only the immediate costs but also the long-term value and maintenance costs when you evaluate your budget and cost implications.
At Metal Exponents, we are dedicated to providing customers with outstanding products that uphold strict quality requirements while placing a high value on sustainability. We guarantee the success of your construction project with our wide selection of steel products and commitment to client satisfaction. Contact us at Metal Exponents about your steel needs today and take advantage of our knowledge of the sector.
Tips for Choosing the Right Steel Products for Your Construction Project
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