中文简体What Are Excavator Track Pads?
Excavator track pads — sometimes called track shoes or track plates — are the individual segments bolted to the steel chains of a crawler undercarriage. Together they form the continuous "belt" that distributes the machine's weight across the ground, provides traction, and allows the excavator to maneuver across terrain without sinking or sliding.
Because they are in constant contact with the ground, track pads endure substantial mechanical stress, abrasion, and impact. Over time, they wear down and must be replaced to maintain machine stability and prevent damage to the undercarriage system underneath.
Three Main Types of Excavator Track Pads
When browsing excavator track pads for sale, you will encounter three primary categories. Each suits a different working environment.
1. Steel Track Pads (Grouser Shoes)
Steel track pads are the workhorse option for demanding environments such as rocky quarries, demolition sites, and rough terrain. Their multi-grouser profile bites into uneven surfaces for firm traction. They are durable, long-lasting, and appropriate wherever ground surface damage is not a concern. However, steel pads are not suitable for use on asphalt, concrete, or finished surfaces, as they will cause significant damage.
2. Rubber Track Pads (Bolt-On Style)
Bolt-on rubber pads attach directly to existing steel shoes, converting a steel undercarriage for use on sensitive surfaces. This is one of the most popular solutions when excavator track pads are for sale in a mixed-use context — contractors who move frequently between paved roads and earthworks sites rely on bolt-on rubber pads for versatility. They reduce vibration and noise, protect floor surfaces, and can be removed and reinstalled relatively quickly.
3. Rubber Track Shoes (One-Piece Molded)
One-piece molded rubber shoes replace the steel shoe entirely and are standard on compact or mini excavators operating in urban environments, landscaping projects, or interior demolition. They offer excellent surface protection, lower noise levels, and reduced ground disturbance — important considerations for work near utility lines, pavements, or finished lawns.
| Pad Type | Best Surface | Durability | Surface Protection | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Grouser | Rock, dirt, mud | Very High | None | Quarrying, earthmoving, demolition |
| Bolt-On Rubber | Asphalt, concrete | Medium–High | Good | Road work, urban construction |
| One-Piece Rubber Shoe | Pavement, turf, indoor | Medium | Excellent | Landscaping, interior demolition, mini excavators |
Key Specifications to Check Before You Buy
Not all excavator track pads are interchangeable. Before purchasing, confirm these specifications match your machine's undercarriage:
Track Pitch
The center-to-center distance between link pins. Must match exactly — common pitches range from 135 mm to 260 mm depending on machine class.
Pad Width
Wider pads reduce ground pressure and improve flotation in soft soil. Narrower pads provide better penetration in hard ground. Widths typically range from 300 mm to 900 mm.
Number of Bolts
Track pads use 2-bolt, 3-bolt, or 4-bolt patterns. The bolt pattern must align with the carrier link holes on your chain.
Machine Weight Class
Pads are rated for specific machine operating weights. Using undersized pads on a heavy machine accelerates wear and risks structural failure.
Grouser Height
Triple grousers offer better grip in soft ground; single grousers provide a smoother ride and are preferred for semi-hard terrain.
OEM Compatibility
Cross-reference the part number with your manufacturer (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Volvo, Doosan, etc.) or use a universal fit catalog.
Pro Tip: Always Replace in Sets
Replacing individual worn track pads while leaving adjacent pads in place creates uneven load distribution across the chain. This accelerates wear on the newer pads and puts uneven stress on the sprocket and idler.
When a significant portion of pads show wear beyond 50% of their original grouser height, replacing the complete set on both tracks at the same time is the more economical long-term approach — even if some pads still appear serviceable.
Where to Find Excavator Track Pads for Sale
The market for excavator undercarriage parts has expanded significantly in recent years, giving buyers multiple sourcing channels. Understanding each channel helps you balance cost, lead time, and quality assurance.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Dealers
Purchasing directly from an authorized dealer for your machine's brand guarantees part compatibility and typically comes with a manufacturer warranty. Lead times are usually reliable and technical support is available. The trade-off is price — OEM parts carry a premium over aftermarket alternatives.
Aftermarket Suppliers
A wide range of third-party manufacturers produce track pads designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. Reputable aftermarket suppliers use the same grades of manganese or boron steel as original equipment and offer substantial savings — often 20–40% compared to dealer pricing. Look for suppliers who provide material certifications and hardness test data.
Online Marketplaces and Distributors
Industrial equipment marketplaces and specialist undercarriage distributors have made it straightforward to browse excavator track pads for sale by machine model, track pitch, or pad width. Many stock large inventories domestically, reducing shipping times compared to importing directly from overseas foundries.
Used and Reconditioned Parts
For older machines where total restoration cost must be carefully managed, reconditioned or lightly used track pads sourced from equipment salvage yards can be a practical option. Always measure remaining grouser height and check for cracks or deformation before accepting used components.
Understanding Material Quality and Grades
The longevity of steel track pads is closely tied to the metallurgy of the steel used in their production. When evaluating excavator track pads for sale, material grade is worth scrutinizing:
- Manganese Steel (Hadfield Steel): Work-hardens under impact, making it well suited for high-abrasion environments such as rock quarries. Hardness typically in the 200–250 HB range when cast, rising under impact loading.
- Boron Steel / Medium Carbon Steel: Heat-treated to achieve 300–400 HB hardness. Offers a balance of toughness and abrasion resistance for general earthmoving applications.
- High Carbon Alloy Steel: Used in premium-grade pads for the most demanding applications; hardness can reach 400–450 HB. More brittle than lower-carbon grades, so not ideal for heavy impact work.
- Rubber Compound Quality: For rubber pads, look for natural rubber blends with reinforced steel core plates. Shore A durometer ratings between 60–70 indicate good wear resistance without excessive rigidity.
Installation Considerations
Even the highest-quality excavator track pads will underperform if installed incorrectly. A few installation points are worth keeping in mind before or during replacement:
Torque Specifications
Track pad bolts must be torqued to the manufacturer's specification — typically between 450 and 800 Nm depending on bolt size and machine class. Under-torqued bolts back out during operation; over-torquing stretches or strips the threads in the carrier links. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow a cross-pattern tightening sequence.
Thread Condition
Before fitting new pads, inspect the threaded bores in the carrier links. Damaged threads will not hold the specified torque. A thread chaser or tap can clean minor damage; severely damaged links may need replacement before new pads are worth installing.
Track Tension
After pad replacement, check and adjust track tension to the specification in your machine's service manual. Correct tension — usually measured as sag at the midpoint of the upper track run — prevents premature wear on sprockets, idlers, and the new pads themselves.
Extending the Life of Your Track Pads
Proper operating habits and routine maintenance can meaningfully extend pad service life beyond manufacturer estimates:
- Avoid unnecessary travel on hard surfaces: Steel pads wear significantly faster on asphalt or concrete than on earth. Use transport vehicles or bolt-on rubber pads when road travel is required.
- Clean packed material regularly: Mud, clay, and aggregate packed between pads and the chain prevent proper seating and accelerate wear on links and rollers.
- Inspect for cracks after impact events: Hitting buried rocks or concrete debris can introduce stress fractures in steel pads. Cracked pads should be replaced promptly before the fracture propagates.
- Rotate machine direction periodically: On sloped job sites, consistently operating in one direction causes asymmetric wear across the undercarriage. Varying travel direction when possible evens out load distribution.
- Monitor track tension weekly: Track tension loosens as the chain and bushings bed in. Check and re-tension at regular intervals, particularly in the first weeks after new pad installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making the Right Purchase Decision
Searching for excavator track pads for sale involves balancing several practical factors: the type of surfaces your machine regularly operates on, the operating weight and model specifications that determine fit, the material quality that will determine service life, and the sourcing channel that suits your budget and lead-time requirements.
Taking the time to verify pitch, width, bolt pattern, and material grade before ordering avoids the cost and downtime of returning mismatched parts. Working with a supplier who can cross-reference your machine's model and serial number — and who backs their products with traceable quality data — provides meaningful reassurance on a component that directly affects your machine's daily reliability.
Whether you are outfitting a compact mini excavator for urban landscaping or sourcing replacement shoes for a large crawler on a civil engineering project, the right track pads keep your undercarriage performing at its designed capacity and help you get the most productive hours from every machine in your fleet.
