5 Signs Your Skid Steer or Excavator Rubber Tracks Need Replacing
If your rubber tracks are looking a little rough, it might be time for an upgrade. At TrackHorse Supply, we talk to customers every week who waited a little too long to replace their tracks—and paid the price in downtime, poor traction, and busted undercarriages.
Here are the top five signs that it’s time to retire those worn-out rubber tracks and get your machine back in peak condition.
1. Cracks, Cuts, and Missing Chunks
Rubber tracks live a hard life. Over time, exposure to UV rays, abrasive terrain, and extreme weather can cause surface cracks or even chunks of rubber to go missing. If your tracks look like they’ve been chewed on by a T-Rex, it’s time for replacements.
2. Lugs and Tread Worn Down
The lugs on the inside of the track keep your machine locked into the drive system. If those are worn down, slipping can occur. On the outside, low tread depth reduces traction and puts strain on the engine and hydraulics. Bald isn’t a good look for tires or tracks.
3. Constant Slipping or Loss of Traction
If your skid steer or mini excavator is spinning out or sliding, even on terrain it used to handle easily, don’t blame the machine. Worn tracks are probably the culprit—and they’re slowing you down and putting you (and your job site) at risk.
4. Increased Vibration or Noise During Operation
A properly installed, high-quality rubber track should run quiet and smooth. If your machine sounds like it’s auditioning for a rock concert and shakes like it’s got the chills, that’s a major warning sign. Vibrations wear out other components fast.
Ready to Replace Your Rubber Tracks?
At TrackHorse Supply, we make it easy to find high-quality rubber tracks for:
Skid steers
Mini and compact excavators
Track loaders, dumpers, and more
With over 30 years in the industry, we’re proud to help contractors, farmers, and operators keep their machines working like new.
→ Browse our Rubber Track Collection
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Final Thought:
Don’t wait for failure. Replacing your tracks before they give out is one of the easiest ways to protect your machine, boost efficiency, and avoid downtime. If you’re not sure what size or tread you need, we’re just a phone call (or email) away.