中文简体Chain-On Rubber Track Pads Replace the Steel Track Shoe Entirely for Maximum Ground Protection
Chain-on rubber track pads — also known as Roadliners — mount directly onto the track chain itself, replacing the steel track shoe entirely, rather than bolting or clipping a rubber cover over an existing steel plate. This construction means there's no exposed steel surface anywhere on the track, making chain-on pads the most protective option for sensitive ground surfaces like finished asphalt, rail work sites, and other locations where surface damage isn't an option. Because the rubber carries the machine's weight directly rather than being supported by a steel shoe underneath, chain-on pads are also the most durable and longest-wearing of the common track pad types.
The trade-off is installation effort and cost: chain-on pads require removing the existing steel shoes or old pads entirely and are generally the most expensive option, which is why they're best suited to machines that will stay in that configuration long-term rather than switching between surfaces frequently.
How Chain-On Pads Compare to Bolt-On and Clip-On Types
Rubber track pads come in three main mounting styles, and each represents a different balance of cost, durability, and installation speed.
| Pad Type | Attachment Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chain-on | Mounted directly on the chain, no steel shoe | Permanent use, maximum ground protection |
| Bolt-on | Bolted onto the existing steel track shoe | Best balance of price, durability, and ease of replacement |
| Clip-on | Clips over each end of the steel plate | Quick, temporary use or frequent surface switching |
One key structural distinction: chain-on pads carry the weight of the machine directly, while bolt-on and clip-on pads are supported by the steel shoe they attach to. This is a major reason chain-on pads deliver longer wear life under sustained heavy use, even though they cost more upfront.
Why Chain-On Pads Suit Heavy-Duty, Long-Term Applications
Thicker Rubber, Longer Wear Time
Chain-on pads use a thicker rubber layer bonded to a steel base plate, which gives them a higher durability rating and a longer service life compared to thinner bolt-on or clip-on covers. This construction is specifically built for machines that will spend the majority of their working hours on the same surface type without frequent reconfiguration.
Zero Exposed Steel
Because the rubber surrounds the entire steel chain section rather than covering just the top of a shoe, chain-on pads minimize surface contact points and are considered the least harmful pad type to sensitive surfaces such as finished asphalt or highway pavement. This makes them the standard choice for rail work and similarly sensitive job sites.
Common Machine Compatibility
Chain-on pads are most commonly fitted to 8-15 tonne excavators, and are frequently found on Komatsu and Hitachi mini excavators in particular. Larger chain-on options — including 500mm-wide pads — are also available for bigger machines from manufacturers like Cat, Volvo, and Hitachi.
The Trade-Offs to Understand Before Choosing Chain-On
- Higher upfront cost: Chain-on pads are generally the most expensive of the three types, due to their thick steel base plate and bonded rubber construction.
- Longest installation time: Existing steel track shoes (or older chain-on pads) must be fully removed before new pads can be fitted directly to the chain, making this the most labor-intensive installation of the three pad types.
- Not ideal for frequent switching: Since there's no steel shoe underneath, chain-on pads aren't designed to be regularly removed and refitted for different job types the way bolt-on or clip-on pads are.
- Best suited to dedicated-use machines: A machine that permanently works on protected or paved surfaces gets the most value from chain-on pads; a machine that alternates between rough terrain and sensitive surfaces may be better served by bolt-on or clip-on options.
Choosing the Right Track Pad Type for Your Application
- Machine works permanently on paved or sensitive surfaces: Chain-on pads offer the best long-term ground protection and durability.
- Machine needs a durable but cost-effective solution with predrilled grouser holes: Bolt-on pads offer the best balance of price and wear life, and remain the most popular option overall.
- Machine regularly switches between open sites and protected surfaces, or lacks predrilled holes: Clip-on pads install and remove fastest, making them ideal for short-term or rotating jobs.
Choosing the wrong pad type doesn't just cost more in premature wear — it accelerates strain across the rest of the undercarriage, including rollers, sprockets, and idlers, turning what looks like a minor pad decision into a much larger maintenance expense over time.
