How To Choose the Right Compact Track Loader Tracks

Maximize Your Performance with Genuine Bobcat® Rubber Tracks

Outfitting your compact track loader with the right tracks is key to your machine’s performance - and your bottom line.  

There are a variety of tread patterns and track widths to choose from, and it’s important to understand which tracks best suit your needs. 

While improving your compact track loader’s performance and ride quality, the right tracks can also lengthen your working season, reduce costly downtime and significantly extend track life, saving you time and money. 

Choosing the Right Tread 

With multiple tread patterns available, take the time to select the tread best suited for your most common operating conditions and best meets your needs.  Your Bobcat dealer is ready to help you select the best track for your work applications.

Premium C-Pattern Treads

A premium C-pattern tread is available for select Bobcat compact track loaders and provides superior traction in most applications and ground conditions, including dirt, mud, rock and demolition. C-pattern treads are not recommended for snow. Hour Ratings of 1,000+ hours. 

• Unmatched durability and versatility
• Great for all general construction work
• Superior traction in most applications
• Excellent for use on dirt, mud, rock, concrete and demolition
• Not recommended for turf or snow

General Duty C-Pattern Treads

• Durable and versatile track pattern
• Great for all general construction work
• Great traction all season long
• Excellent for use on concrete, dirt and mud
• Not recommended for turf or snow

Zig-Zag Pattern Treads  

This tread type works well in conditions where the ground is extremely wet and muddy, on slippery slopes or on clay. The stepped tread design offers improved cleanout and operates smoothly for snow removal. The zigzag pattern isn’t recommended for demolition or turf. Hour Ratings of 800+ hours.

• Reliable and durable track pattern
• Efficient stepped tread lug design for improved cleanout
• Excellent for use on dirt, mud, rock and sand
• Ideal on wet, clay, muddy and sloped applications
• Not recommended for demolition or turf

Multi-Bar Lug Pattern Treads  

The multi-bar lug pattern is a durable, all-season track that offers superior traction in wet conditions and extended wear life on hard, flat surfaces. It’s a great choice for general construction work and for working in sand and dirt. It is not recommended for extremely rocky conditions. Multi-bar lug pattern tracks are also available in a non-marking orange option. Hour Ratings of 800+ hours.

• Outstanding durability on hard, flat surfaces such as sand and dirt
• Great for all general construction work
• Best for snow removal with superior traction in wet conditions
• Available in a non-marking orange option
• Not recommended for turf or extremely rocky conditions

Hex Pattern Treads  

The Hex pattern track is incredibly versatile, durable on gravel and turf-friendly. The track pattern offers a smooth and comfortable ride while leaving a minimal footprint on grass and lawns; however, it’s not recommended for extremely wet conditions. It’s a great option for landscaping and performs best on turf, solid dirt or sandy applications. Hour Ratings of 600+ hours. 

• Versatile track pattern with exceptional traction
• Extremely durable on concrete and sand
• Turf-friendly with maximal flotation and minimal disturbance
• Excellent on soft dirt or sandy applications
• Not recommended for extremely wet conditions

Block Pattern Treads  

• Durable multi-application track pattern
• Good for general construction work
• Excellent traction and grip on multiple terrains
• Flotation feature due to distribution of track weight
• Not recommended for snow

*Disclaimer: Hour Ratings Listed Above Are Based on Usage in Moderate Working Conditions. 

Choosing the Right Width – Wide or Narrow  

Most compact track loaders can be outfitted with either wide or narrow tracks. If you want to minimize ground disturbance on your worksite, choose wider tracks. Wider tracks also increase your loader’s flotation, making them ideal for working in softer soils, like mud or sand. 

Narrower tracks are a good choice when you need increased traction or force and when flotation is less of a concern. Choose narrow tracks when operating in slippery or icy conditions, or when trying to maximize your loader’s push force on a firm surface. 

Bobcat rubber tracks, made from a combination of natural and synthetic rubbers to maximize wear life - are available in three widths: 320 mm, 400mm, 450mm. 

Choosing the Right Brand  

Not all rubber tracks are created equal and that’s why it’s important to also consider track quality as well as price.  The cheapest tracks may not be the best deal after factoring in their jobsite performance and durability. 

Bobcat® rubber tracks are engineered, designed and tested to give you superior performance and durability. Our rubber tracks are made using a consistent blend of natural and synthetic rubbers to maximize wear life in extreme working conditions. Bobcat stands behind every track with a world-class warranty. 

Next Steps  

Bobcat rubber tracks are available through your local Bobcat dealer, or you can shop for Bobcat rubber tracks online at shop.bobcat.com