HAs anyone done much with rubber track pads? I am considering putting them on my OC-3 and I am wondering how it will change the operation of the machine. Any advise or comments appreciated.
Talking to a guy the other day that made 'rubber' pads from that composite decking material. Cut to length, pre-drilled and bolted in place like the rubber ones. Cheaper and more hard-wearing.
Performance-wise, I really have no idea. I assume that if you really want to work them you shouldn't fits the pads.
I thought the pads were more for shows, and for saving the tarmac in your driveway.
When I worked for G.M. in Mansfield, Ohio, we had a D5 and a 955 Cat, that we ran with rubber pads. We used the rubber pads because we used both machines inside on concrete floors. Both Cats were used to pull large loads of press parts during installation of presses or when presses were relocated. Sometimes in the winter, the Cats were used for snow removal in the parking lots. This was hard on the pads as they would wear quickly with a lot of turning during snow plowing. Turning quickly on an abrasive surface would tear the rubber loose from the steel pad under the rubber. If you are going to use a rubber set of pads on your Cletrac, I recommend being careful when turning on an abrasive surface like asphalt or concrete. You shouldn't have much trouble on grass or turf, except for limited traction in muddy or wet conditions. If you use your Cletrac a lot, be prepared to change rubber pads a lot and keep a few spares handy in case you ruin a pad.
Hi all, About rubber track pads. I acquired a 1945 hg 42 that has home made track pads, they work great. The guy I got the dozer from made them from rubber belting. He used two layers and put them on every-other pad. The thickness is just over the pad cleat. He used carriage bolts to attack them. They don't leave a mark on the pavement and hook up great in the dirt.
Dave.
I have an OC-12 with factory rubber pads.. I use in on the dirt and it seems to work ok. It of course lacks in traction compared to regular grousers, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I want to change it over to regular grousers someday,, but it will be a lot of work.
About those composite pads made from the modern composite decking:
I made a set. They worked well, for a SHORT time only.
I put them on for temporary use while I rebuilt the machine at my suburban home sub-division so it wouldnt tear up my concrete driveway.
Crawler is now at my cabin in OK being put to real use. they are tearing up really fast, Some are missing big chunks already. Didnt take long for the gravel, sharp stones and mud to make short work of them.
I think the conveyer belt material would work really good. I looked into this too. I even got a sample. Very good abrasive resistance. I would go this route again if ever the need arose. I would NOT do the composite deck material again. Lots of work and they didnt last long enough to justify the cost (about 2 boards worth @ 40 dollars or so) or the time to cut, split and drill them out.