Over-The-Tire Track questions.

[brain55]

After that one OTT track failed, we never got back around to using them again and ended up selling them at auction. After the experiment with Solideal's regular tracks I started using Bobcat tracks. The factory tracks were Bridgestones and they are great, but cost $2500 a side. Bobcat started having aftermarket tracks built for them at about half the cost. I never had one of those tracks fail, but wasn't racking up the hours on the machines like I was when we were using the Solideals.

Brian

 

[Bob Rooks]

Thanks guys, you've both been very very helpful. I think I'll check out out the Bobcat tracks. $1,250/side doesn't sound too bad.

 

[20 20]

I had an 873 with tracks. It seemed to me that they caused more harm than good. Mine were steel though, but they were not worth the cost if purchased seperately. The machine that I had came with them.

Front tires were put under more strain when backing uphill with a full bucket. This would cause the tires to come loose from the rim. This happened more than once.

Tires had to be deflated to install tracks, then reinflated.

Rims had to be swapped side to side to provide more backspacing. This put the valve stem on the inside which was a headache.

They just didn't provide enough extra good to out weigh the bad in my opinion.

Why would you have to deflate the tires, they are suppose to fit somewhat lose? Instead of turning the valve stems to the inside you could have bought spacers, I believe the cost is around $400.00 for all four.

 

[20 20]

Bob Rocks: my only concern with full rubber tracks would be getting something{rock, wood, etc} pinched inbetween the tire and track causing strain on the drive system. From what I have researched folks seem to like the links for this reason more then the full rubber, plus you can replace just the pad instead of the whole track. You may want to try over at the skidsteerforum for some more input?

 

[20 20]

I'm not a big fan of Solideal. Brian

:thumbsup: Thanks for the heads up on their track

 

[Duffster]

I run steel OTT on mine 95% of the time. I love them. I wouldn't even consider a SS without them. I considered rubber but they where alot more money at the time and I thought the steel would fit the bill better anyway, and they have. Most of the concrete guys around here run rubber and have not heard any real negatives to them either. I have not experienced any bearing failure and I run my tracks TIGHT, that is kind of the point of having tracks. Technically you are not supposed to run filled tires but I know several guys that do.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I had an 873 with tracks. It seemed to me that they caused more harm than good. Mine were steel though, but they were not worth the cost if purchased seperately. The machine that I had came with them.

Front tires were put under more strain when backing uphill with a full bucket. This would cause the tires to come loose from the rim. This happened more than once.

Tires had to be deflated to install tracks, then reinflated.

Rims had to be swapped side to side to provide more backspacing. This put the valve stem on the inside which was a headache.

They just didn't provide enough extra good to out weigh the bad in my opinion.

1 you should have bought spacers or at least drilled your rims on the other side and installed dual valve stems.
2 tires come off the bead if they are under inflated with or without tracks...
3 if you work in dirt, mud or gravel, tracks double your traction and are a plus for most tasks.

Ken

 

[Bob Rooks]

Rims (wheels) usually have an offset to get the tire closer to the frame. The bolt circle in the center of the wheel has tapered holes that the tapered lug nuts fit into. This is done for a reason. Without going into detail, I will say that it is dangerous do defeat this by swapping wheel assemblies. That is what spacers are for (lost some credibility there). Consequently, additional holes for Schrader valves are unnecessary and uncalled for. Ken, I agree with your #2, plus, running tires underinflated will kill the carcass, sidewalls first.

 

[Duffster]

Rims (wheels) usually have an offset to get the tire closer to the frame. The bolt circle in the center of the wheel has tapered holes that the tapered lug nuts fit into. This is done for a reason. Without going into detail, I will say that it is dangerous do defeat this by swapping wheel assemblies. That is what spacers are for (lost some credibility there). Consequently, additional holes for Schrader valves are unnecessary and uncalled for. Ken, I agree with your #2, plus, running tires underinflated will kill the carcass, sidewalls first.

My skidloader as well as any other I have seen have reversible rims.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Offset reversible wheels are a fairly new development for skid steers and came after the development of OTT's to accommodate them without using spacers. My Mustang is model year 2000, and even though the wheels are offset, they are not reversible - so I would need spacers.