Which Undercarriage Option Is Best for You?
No matter the job or machine used, any decision you make has an impact on your business. That’s why choosing equipment and parts, like an undercarriage, that deliver reliability and value is so vital to your success. Cleveland Brothers is proud to offer customers a wide range of Cat® undercarriage options for your specific machine and job application. Whether you are working on uneven terrain or low impact conditions, we can determine the best track for your underfoot conditions. All Cat undercarriages are designed by Caterpillar and built to the specifications needed for your production needs.
Besides the obvious difference of rubber and steel tracks, what sets them apart? To start, they are both made to take on different applications, depending on the job. Cat Rubber Tracks are designed to take on soft underfoot conditions. Machines like the Cat Multi Terrain Loader and Cat Compact Track loader typically have a rubber track, but a Cat Mini Excavator can have a rubber or steel track depending on the conditions it will be working in. This allows the track to perform to its maximumability depending on the jobsite, which improves traction, reduces machine wear and increases operator efficiency. The steel Cat undercarriage is designed to take on rough, high-impact conditions. A steel track is intended to take on intense applications, which is why they are typically used on larger excavators and are seen in harsh conditions such as demolition or forestry.
What is the best fit for you?
So how do you know which fit is best for you? It’s important to specify with your Cleveland Brothers Product Support Representative the type of underfoot conditions your machine works on, so they can ensure the track is right for your jobsite application. Some questions you should ask yourself include:
- How long will I own this machine?
- How many hours a week will I be using this machine?
- What are my typical ground/soil conditions?
- What are my impact conditions?
- What attachments are on my track-type tractor?
- What are the grades/slopes on my job site?
From there, your rep will make recommendations on the appropriate option for you. Some of our most popular options are the Cat General Duty Undercarriage and Cat Heavy Duty Undercarriage.
What is a Cat General Duty Undercarriage?
A Cat General Duty Undercarriage is used in low-to-moderate impact conditions. This type of undercarriage is made of either rubber or steel tracks with high flotation, low ground pressure and machine stability, while allowing for a smooth and quiet ride within the machine. A rubber or steel track Cat General Duty Undercarriage is mostly used in the lighter duty applications of:
- Grass
- Stone
- Pavement
What is a Cat Heavy Duty Undercarriage?
A Cat Heavy-Duty Undercarriage is used for any high-impact applications, like rocky or uneven terrain. The steel tracks have extreme durability and are designed to resist cracking even within those high-impact conditions, which is why they have a longer wear life. A steel track is mostly used in the applications of:
- Heavy Construction
- Pipe laying
- Demolition
- Scrap Handling
- Forestry
Assurance for the long haul
Service and support from Cleveland Brothers doesn’t end after you’ve found your perfect undercarriage fit. To help manage your undercarriage system and lower costs, your product support rep will utilize a management program designed by Caterpillar called Custom Track Service (CTS). This program:
- Enhances the built-in value of Cat Undercarriage components
- Reduces undercarriage inspection time
- Provide quick and accurate analysis of undercarriage wear information
- Allows more informed maintenance decisions
All Cat Undercarriages are covered by Cat Undercarriage Assurance to lower your cost-per-hour. It goes beyond the standard warranty to ensure they are covering all major undercarriage components. For more information, fill out the form below or contact your Parts and Service Rep. Don’t know your rep? Visit our site.