Skid steer loaders have a reputation for strength, flexibility, and the capacity to handle many jobs—from building sites and yard work to farm tasks and tearing down structures. But how well a skid steer works often depends on one key part: the track.

If you’ve used a skid steer for some time, you know the track won’t last forever. You might see it slip more, wear, or just not grip as well as it used to. These signs suggest it’s time to think about getting a new skid steer track. But before you do, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Skid Steer Track?

A skid steer track is a rubber or steel belt that goes around the wheels or undercarriage of a tracked skid steer. Tracked skid steers spread weight more than wheeled ones and work better on soft or uneven ground. This helps a lot on muddy building sites or sandy areas where wheels would sink and lose traction.

Rubber tracks are most common for everyday jobs striking a balance between grip, surface protection, and rider comfort. Steel tracks however last longer in tough conditions—like rocky ground or places with sharp objects that could cut through rubber.

Signs It’s Time to Replace the Track

Every track wears out even with minimal use. You might notice these signs:

• Splits or deep gashes in the rubber
• Absent lugs or tread worn to the base
• Too much shaking or noise while running
• Less grip or sliding particularly on slopes
• Tracks popping off or derailing more often

If you notice any of these, it’s not just about how well it works—it could turn into a safety problem too.

Picking the Best Track for Your Skid Steer

Here’s where it gets more detailed. Not all tracks work on all machines, so you’ll need to know your brand and model, and your serial number, to make sure it fits.

Other things to think about include:

• Track width – Wide tracks spread weight more and work well on soft ground. Narrow tracks might suit tight urban work areas better.
• Tread pattern – Zig-zag patterns offer flexibility, while block-style tread may suit rough abrasive surfaces best.
• Ply rating and construction – Some tracks have a single ply, while others use multiple layers to add strength. Your job site plays a big part in this choice too.

Tips to Make Tracks Last Longer

Let’s face it—tracks cost a lot. So it makes sense to do what you can to get the most out of them. Here are a few easy steps:

• Keep them clean. Mud, debris, and even small rocks can get stuck and wear down parts faster.
• Check the tension often. If they’re too loose, they’ll fall off. If they’re too tight, you’ll put stress on the undercarriage.
• Don’t make sharp turns on rough surfaces. Skid steers are built to “skid,” but turning too can wear them out faster.

Keep the machine in a good place. Leaving it in the sun, rain, or extreme temperatures for a long time can damage the rubber.

To Wrap Up

If you’re looking after one or many skid steers, the track is key for safety, getting work done, and making the machine last. Keeping an eye on how it’s doing and knowing when to fix or get a new one can save you a lot of trouble later on—pun kind of intended.

If you’re not sure which track fits your machine or your work situation best, it’s a good idea to get another opinion from someone who uses these machines . A short chat can often stop you from making an expensive error. Do your due diligence when looking for quality skid steer track suppliers.