Rubber Tracks for a Skid Steer - When Is It Worth Swapping Out Your Wheels?

In short: Rubber tracks are fitted over the wheels or replace them, spreading the machine's weight over a wider surface. This reduces sinkage on soft and wet ground and improves traction. On hard, dry ground and under heavy road use, standard tyres are often the more practical choice.

Why do tracks reduce sinkage?

A wheel carries the machine's weight on a narrow contact area, whereas a track spreads that same weight over a much wider surface. Lower ground pressure means the machine doesn't sink as deep into soft soil and doesn't leave ruts as deep.

• Lower ground pressure: important on erosion-prone, wet or sensitive soil, such as damp grassland.
• Better grip: tracks give more traction when slipping than a smooth or half-worn tyre.
• Stability on slopes: a wider contact patch helps the machine sit more securely on a gentle incline.

See the range on our skid steer rubber tracks page.

When is it worth using rubber tracks?

• Soft and wet ground: peat land, wet fields, marshy terrain, where wheels tend to sink in.
• Grassland and green areas where ruts aren't wanted: for example on sports-field and park maintenance.
• Snow and icy conditions: many tracks also provide good grip on snow and ice.

When are standard tyres the better choice?

• Hard, dry surfaces, such as asphalt or compacted gravel: tracks wear faster here and add no value.
• Lots of long-distance road driving: tracks wear out quicker on hard road surfaces than tyres.
• Need for fast travel over long distances: driving speed is usually higher with tyres.

What should you think about before buying?

• Fit to size and wheel: tracks must match the machine's wheel size and model exactly.
• Usage load: continuous use on hard ground wears tracks out faster than occasional use on soft ground.
• Fitting and removal: if you also use the machine elsewhere where tracks don't suit, check how quickly they can be swapped.

The same question applies to tractors with a front loader - see our article on tractor rubber tracks, where the difference between field and forest use is even clearer.

We'll help you choose

Tell us what kind of ground you work on and how much you use the machine. We'll recommend whether tracks pay off or standard tyres are enough. Get in touch via our contact page.