Rubber tracks are one of the most versatile components that have a wide range of applications in construction works, machinery and vehicles. They are widely used because of their stability and durability. In this article, we will discuss the most common applications of rubber tracks in real-life scenarios and some of the downsides of rubber tracks to be aware of:
The six most common applications of rubber tracks
Construction machinery:
Most of the construction equipment is fitted with rubber tracks because of its ability to offer superior traction and stability on uneven ground. Thus, it is easier to use rubber tracks in digging, lifting and moving resources in a construction site.
Agricultural equipment:
Rubber tracks are mostly used in tractors, combines, and other machinery used for agricultural purposes. Here, they help to reduce soil compaction and damage to farms while providing firm control in muddy conditions. This makes them ideal to be used in many farming activities and as a result, it minimises the dependence on human labour.
Military vehicles:
Most of the commonly used military vehicles including tanks and armoured carriers are fitted with rubber tracks to offer mobility in hard-to-reach places. They have less noise compared to the traditional metal tracks; hence facilitate sneaking in on enemies and launching surprise attacks.
Mining machinery:
They are also good for mining machinery such as crawler excavators and bulldosers. We all understand how harsh the mining environment is and no ordinary tracks can access the place with ease. The machines gain high traction power with rubber tracks and can operate efficiently even in unforgiving circumstances.
Material handling equipment:
Another area of interest for rubber tracks is in material handling equipment like forklifts, cranes, and conveyor systems. They facilitate easy manoeuvering in warehouses and can support enormous weight with high traction.
Forestry equipment:
We all understand how forestry equipment has advanced, from using axes and machetes to big forestry machinery like skidders, forwarders and mulchers. The rubber tracks provide stability and traction on rough surfaces thereby allowing forest workers to navigate around dense forests and transporting logs with so much ease.
Some downsides of rubber tracks
In as much as the rubber tracks offer many benefits, they also bring along some downsides that are worth considering. Here are some of the downsides of rubber tracks:
High cost:
Understand that these tracks are more expensive when compared to ordinary tracks, and this will increase your operation costs.
Wear and tear:
Rubber tracks also experience wear and tear, especially in extremely harsh environments, thus, requiring constant replacements and maintenance.
Limited speed:
If you analyse keenly, you will notice that most machinery and vehicles fitted with rubber tracks are much slower as compared to those fitted with ordinary tracks. This is because of their enormous weight and surface. Therefore, it may not be appropriate in areas that require high-speed machinery or vehicles.
High maintenance:
They do require regular cleaning and maintenance to achieve optimal performance and longevity. This can influence the costs of operations greatly.
There are premium rubber tracks options that offer a wide range of applications including construction machinery, agricultural equipment, military vehicles, mining machinery, material handling equipment and forestry equipment. Some of the downsides of rubber tracks include high cost of purchase, wear and tear, limited speed and high maintenance costs. Despite the downsides, rubber tracks offer an ideal solution for machinery and vehicles that operate in impassable areas.