中文简体Bolt on rubber pads are removable protective inserts designed to attach directly to the steel track shoes of excavators, crawler cranes, and other tracked machinery — allowing heavy equipment to operate on sensitive or hard surfaces without causing damage to pavements, floors, or the tracks themselves.
Whether you're running a compact excavator across a freshly laid car park, working inside a warehouse, or manoeuvring heavy plant over decorative paving, bolt on rubber pads are the industry-standard solution. This guide covers everything from the core mechanics of how they work to material grades, machine compatibility, installation, and maintenance — giving you a complete technical picture before you buy.
What Are Bolt On Rubber Pads?
Bolt on rubber pads — also commonly called rubber track pads, bolt-on track shoes, or clip-on pads — are vulcanised rubber inserts that bolt directly onto the existing steel grousers (track shoes) of a tracked machine. Unlike over-the-tyre tracks or wrap-around systems, bolt-on pads use the machine's existing bolt pattern, replacing or overlaying each individual steel shoe with a rubber-faced alternative.
The primary function is twofold. First, they eliminate direct steel-to-surface contact, protecting asphalt, concrete, tiles, and other hard or finished surfaces from the gouging and cracking that steel grousers would cause. Second, they reduce noise and vibration during operation — a significant consideration for urban worksites, indoor jobs, and noise-sensitive environments.
The term "bolt on" is important and distinguishes these pads from clip-on or press-on alternatives. Bolt on pads use the machine's existing threaded grouser bolts — the same bolts that secure each track shoe to the track chain — to hold the rubber pad firmly in position. This produces a mechanically secure, load-rated connection that can withstand the full working weight and drawbar forces of the machine.
Bolt on rubber pads transform a steel-tracked machine into a surface-friendly tool — without removing a single link of the original track system.
Types of Bolt On Rubber Pads
Not all bolt on rubber pads are alike. The market offers several distinct constructions, each optimised for a specific range of applications, machine weights, and operating conditions.
Standard Flat Pads
The most common type. A flat rubber face bonded to a steel backing plate with pre-drilled bolt holes matching standard grouser patterns. Suitable for general use on paved roads, concrete, and asphalt at moderate machine weights.
Twin-Bolt Pads
Designed for wider track shoes and heavier machines, twin-bolt pads use two bolt fixings per pad for increased resistance to torque and lateral shear forces. Common on mid-sized excavators from 8 to 30 tonnes.
Triple-Bolt Pads
Used on large excavators and crawler cranes operating at high loads. Three bolt fixings per pad provide maximum stability and prevent rotation under load — essential when the machine is slewing or travelling on slopes.
Grouser Bar Pads
These feature a raised central rib (grouser bar) moulded into the rubber face. The bar provides traction in soft ground conditions while retaining surface protection — ideal for mixed terrain where the machine transitions between hard and soft ground.
Semi-Permanent Pads
Thicker, higher-durometer rubber construction for extended use cycles. While still bolt-on, these are intended for projects where the machine will remain on hard surfaces for weeks or months rather than days.
Wider Profile Pads
Oversized footprint pads that extend beyond the standard shoe width to reduce ground pressure per square metre. Used on machines working over fragile surfaces such as glass-reinforced concrete or in-situ screeded floors.
Materials and Rubber Compounds
The rubber compound used in bolt on track pads determines their durability, load capacity, operating temperature range, and resistance to oils, fuels, and UV degradation. Understanding compound grades helps buyers make informed decisions rather than defaulting to the cheapest available option.
| Compound Type | Hardness (Shore A) | Best For | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber (NR) | 55–65 | Indoor work, polished concrete, low-load applications | 300–500 operating hours |
| Styrene Butadiene (SBR) | 60–70 | General outdoor use, asphalt, light roadwork | 400–700 operating hours |
| Nitrile (NBR) | 65–75 | Areas with oil or fuel contamination, fuel depots, workshops | 500–800 operating hours |
| Chloroprene (CR/Neoprene) | 60–70 | Outdoor use with UV/ozone exposure, coastal sites | 500–750 operating hours |
| Polyurethane (PU) | 80–95 | Heavy-duty abrasive surfaces, high-load applications | 800–1,500 operating hours |
| EPDM Blend | 65–75 | High-temperature environments, steam-cleaned worksites | 500–900 operating hours |
Steel backing plates within the pad assembly are typically fabricated from S355 structural steel or equivalent, laser-cut to match OEM bolt patterns. The quality of the rubber-to-steel bond — achieved through vulcanisation rather than adhesive — is the single most important factor in pad longevity. A pad that delaminates under load is not only useless but can create a hazard on site.
Key Benefits of Bolt On Rubber Pads
Machine Compatibility and Sizing
Correct sizing is non-negotiable. A pad that does not match the machine's grouser bolt pattern, shoe width, or pitch will either fail to fit or will not seat correctly against the track shoe — creating an unsafe condition and accelerated wear.
The three critical measurements when specifying bolt on rubber pads are the track pitch (the distance between consecutive track links), the shoe width (the width of each individual track shoe), and the bolt pattern (the spacing and diameter of the bolt holes). These specifications are listed in the machine's service manual and are typically also printed or stamped on the track shoes themselves.
| Machine Weight Class | Typical Shoe Width | Pad Bolt Config | Common Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 tonnes (Mini) | 180–230 mm | Single bolt | Kubota U17, Bobcat E17, JCB 8018 |
| 3–6 tonnes (Compact) | 230–300 mm | Single / Twin bolt | Cat 305, Doosan DX35, Yanmar SV40 |
| 6–14 tonnes (Mid) | 300–450 mm | Twin bolt | Volvo EC80, Hitachi ZX85, Komatsu PC88 |
| 14–30 tonnes (Standard) | 450–600 mm | Twin / Triple bolt | Cat 320, Liebherr R924, Doosan DX225 |
| 30+ tonnes (Heavy) | 600–900 mm | Triple bolt | Komatsu PC360, Volvo EC380, Cat 349 |
Always cross-reference bolt pattern specifications with the pad manufacturer before purchasing. Machine models produced across different years or factories may use different bolt patterns even when the machine weight and shoe width appear identical. When in doubt, measure the existing track shoes directly and request a sample pad for test-fitting before committing to a full set.
How to Install Bolt On Rubber Pads
Installation is a straightforward mechanical procedure, but it must be done correctly to ensure load distribution is even across all pads and that bolts are torqued to the manufacturer's specification. Under-torqued bolts will allow pad movement and accelerate wear; over-torqued bolts risk stripping the thread in the track shoe.
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01Park and Secure the Machine Position the machine on level ground and engage the slew lock and travel lock. Raise the boom and stick to lift one side of the machine slightly off the ground to relieve track tension — this makes rotating the track to access each shoe significantly easier.
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02Clean the Track Shoes Remove all mud, debris, and corrosion from the face of each track shoe and from the bolt holes. Wire brush and compressed air work well here. The rubber pad must sit flush against a clean, flat metal surface — any debris trapped beneath the pad will create a stress point and accelerate cracking.
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03Remove Existing Grouser Bolts Using the correct socket size (typically M16, M20, or M24 depending on machine class), remove the existing grouser bolts from each track shoe. Keep bolts clean and inspect for thread damage. Most bolt on rubber pad systems reuse these same bolts, though some manufacturers supply dedicated fasteners.
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04Position and Align the Pad Offer the rubber pad up to the track shoe, aligning the bolt holes in the steel backing plate with those in the track shoe. The rubber face should point outward. Check the pad is the correct orientation — some asymmetric pad designs must be fitted with a specific edge leading in the direction of travel.
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05Insert and Torque Bolts Insert bolts by hand first, ensuring they thread cleanly without cross-threading. Apply thread locking compound (e.g. Loctite 243) to the threads if specified by the pad manufacturer. Torque bolts to the specified value in a cross pattern — consult the OEM service manual for the correct torque figure, which typically ranges from 250 Nm to 600 Nm depending on bolt diameter.
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06Rotate and Repeat Slowly rotate the track using the machine's travel motors to bring the next group of shoes into accessible position. Work systematically around the entire track until all shoes on both tracks are fitted. Check that no pads are fouling the undercarriage rollers or sprocket teeth during slow travel.
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07Post-Installation Check After fitting all pads, travel the machine slowly for 10–15 minutes on a flat surface, then re-torque all bolts to the specified figure. Rubber compounds can compress slightly under initial load, allowing bolts to become marginally loose after the first working cycle.
Bolt On vs. Clip On vs. Over-Tyre: A Comparison
The market offers several methods of adding rubber protection to a steel-tracked machine. Understanding the differences helps in selecting the right system for each application.
| System | Fitment | Security | Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt On Pads | 1–3 hours | High | Medium | Repeated transitions; heavy machines; long-term surface protection |
| Clip On Pads | 15–30 min | Medium | Low–Medium | Short-term or occasional hard-surface work; lighter machines |
| Press-On Steel Pads | 2–4 hours | High | Medium | Permanent retrofit; not intended for regular removal |
| Full Rubber Track | 4–8 hours | Highest | Very High | Compact machines permanently operating on hard or mixed surfaces |
Maintenance and Extending Pad Life
Bolt on rubber pads are a consumable component, but their operational lifespan is significantly influenced by how the machine is used and how the pads are maintained between jobs.
Daily Checks
Before starting work on hard surfaces, visually inspect each pad for signs of cracking, delamination from the steel backing plate, abnormal wear, or missing material. Check that no bolts appear loose or proud of the pad surface. Any pad showing through-cracks to the steel backing plate should be replaced immediately — a pad failure mid-job can damage both the surface and the underlying track shoe.
Avoiding Premature Wear
Several operating habits significantly reduce pad service life. Pivot turning — rotating the machine on the spot with one track stationary — subjects the rubber to extreme torsional shear and is the single greatest cause of premature pad failure. Wherever possible, use a two-track turning arc. Similarly, high-speed travel over sharp aggregate or debris will cut and abrade the rubber surface rapidly.
Storage When Not in Use
If pads are removed and stored between jobs, keep them away from UV exposure, ozone sources (such as electric motors), and petroleum-based chemicals. Store flat or stacked with the rubber face protected — long-term compression in an awkward position can cause deformation of the rubber compound.
Bolt Retorque Schedule
Re-torque bolts after the first day of use on a new set of pads, then check torque values every 50–100 operating hours thereafter. A simple spreadsheet log with machine ID, pad installation date, and retorque dates is sufficient for most plant hire operations and helps identify wear patterns early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bolt on rubber pads be used on all excavator makes and models?
Bolt on rubber pads are available for the vast majority of tracked excavator manufacturers and models, including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, Hitachi, Doosan, JCB, Kubota, Yanmar, Liebherr, and many others. The critical variables are machine operating weight, track shoe width, pitch, and bolt pattern. Reputable pad suppliers maintain compatibility databases covering thousands of machine models — always provide the machine's model number and year of manufacture when requesting a quote.
How many bolt on pads do I need for a full set?
The number of pads per machine equals the total number of track shoes across both tracks. This varies by machine model and undercarriage configuration but typically ranges from 28 to 40 pads per track on standard excavators, making 56 to 80 pads for a complete machine fit. Compact mini-excavators may require as few as 30 total pads, while large machines can require 100 or more. Your pad supplier will confirm the exact count once the machine model is identified.
How long do bolt on rubber pads typically last?
Service life depends heavily on compound grade, machine weight, surface type, and operating technique. On smooth concrete with careful operation, quality SBR compound pads on a 5-tonne machine might last 600–800 hours. The same pads used on a 20-tonne machine with frequent pivot turning on rough asphalt may wear out in 150–250 hours. Polyurethane compound pads consistently offer the longest service life across demanding applications but come at a significantly higher unit cost.
Can I use bolt on pads in muddy or soft ground conditions?
Standard flat bolt on pads perform poorly in mud or soft ground — they lack the grouser bar profile needed to grip and self-clean. If your machine needs to transition between hard surfaces and muddy conditions, specify grouser bar bolt on pads, which feature a raised central rib for traction. Alternatively, carry a full set of flat pads for hard-surface phases and remove them when moving to soft ground sections.
Do bolt on rubber pads affect machine stability or load capacity?
Correctly specified and installed bolt on pads have no meaningful effect on machine stability or rated lifting capacity. Because they are mechanically secured using the same bolt pattern as the original track shoe, the structural integrity of the undercarriage is maintained. However, the increased contact area of some wider-profile pads can marginally affect steering responsiveness on steep slopes — operators should allow a brief familiarisation period when first operating with new pads fitted.
What is the typical cost of a full set of bolt on rubber pads?
Cost varies by machine class, pad type, and rubber compound. As a broad guide, a full set for a 3-tonne mini-excavator using standard SBR pads might cost £400–£800. A full set for a 20-tonne standard excavator using twin-bolt pads typically falls in the £1,500–£3,500 range. Premium polyurethane compound or specialist wider-profile pads command a significant premium. When comparing suppliers, always check that quoted pads use vulcanised bonding (not adhesive) and that steel backing plates meet structural steel specifications.
The Right Pad for the Right Job
Bolt on rubber pads occupy a critical but often overlooked position in construction plant management. They bridge the gap between a machine built for rough terrain and the increasingly mixed environments modern construction demands — urban redevelopment sites, heritage restorations, industrial refits, and road-adjacent groundworks where surface protection and noise compliance are as important as raw digging power.
Getting the specification right — compound grade, bolt pattern, shoe width, machine weight class — takes no more than a few minutes with the machine's service documentation to hand. Getting it wrong costs time, money, and potentially damages both expensive surfaces and the machine itself. Treat bolt on rubber pads not as a generic commodity but as a precision component, and they will return many hundreds of hours of trouble-free service across some of the most demanding working conditions in the industry.
