Excavators are indispensable machines in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and demolition. One critical component that significantly influences their performance—especially on sensitive surfaces—is the Excavator Track Group. This group includes all the elements that drive and support the movement of the excavator, with track types being a major factor.
When working on delicate or finished surfaces such as lawns, pavements, golf courses, or indoor floors, choosing the right track system is essential to avoid costly damage. The two primary types of tracks used in excavators—rubber tracks and steel tracks—offer different advantages and drawbacks when it comes to working on sensitive terrain.
In this blog post, we’ll compare rubber vs. steel tracks in the context of sensitive surfaces and help you decide which Excavator Track Group is better suited to your operations.
Before diving into the differences between rubber and steel tracks, let’s briefly understand what an Excavator Track Group includes. The group comprises:
Tracks (rubber or steel)
Rollers
Sprockets
Idlers
Track chains
Each of these components must work harmoniously to ensure optimal traction, durability, and surface impact. But among these, the track type has the most immediate effect on the surface the machine operates on.
Rubber tracks are made from a blend of natural and synthetic rubber and are reinforced with embedded steel cords for strength. They are popular for mini and mid-size excavators used in urban or landscaped environments.
Minimal Surface Damage: Rubber tracks exert less ground pressure, reducing the risk of tearing up turf, cracking pavements, or leaving unsightly marks.
Smooth Operation: They provide a smoother, quieter ride—ideal for noise-sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, or residential neighborhoods.
Versatility: Rubber tracks allow excavators to work on multiple surfaces including asphalt, concrete, and grass without frequent switching or concerns of damage.
Vibration Dampening: Rubber absorbs shocks better than steel, minimizing vibration impact on both the surface and the operator.
Durability: Rubber tracks wear out faster when used on abrasive or rocky terrain.
Load Bearing: Not suitable for heavy-duty excavation where higher traction and load capacity are required.
Heat Sensitivity: They can degrade faster in extremely hot environments or under constant friction.
Steel tracks are made from high-strength metal alloys and are typically used in large excavators for tough, uneven terrain. Their rugged design offers superior durability and traction.
Surface Damage: Steel tracks can cause significant damage to finished surfaces. They can chip concrete, tear up turf, and create deep grooves in soft soil.
Noise and Vibration: Steel tracks are loud and can generate significant vibration, which may not be ideal for urban or indoor environments.
Weight Impact: Steel track systems are heavier, increasing ground pressure and the likelihood of surface indentation or compaction.
Unless outfitted with rubber pads or operating on non-sensitive surfaces, using steel tracks on delicate areas is discouraged. However, some operators use hybrid options like clip-on or bolt-on rubber pads to mitigate the surface impact of steel tracks.
When evaluating the best Excavator Track Group for use on sensitive surfaces, rubber tracks clearly take the lead.
While steel tracks are ideal for durability and strength on harsh terrain, their use on delicate or finished surfaces should be limited or adapted with pads. In contrast, rubber tracks are specifically designed to protect the working surface, reduce downtime due to repairs, and allow flexible movement across varied conditions.
Selecting the right Excavator Track Group isn’t just about machine performance—it’s also about protecting the integrity of the work environment. On sensitive surfaces, rubber tracks are a smart investment. They offer smoother operation, minimize damage, and improve mobility across diverse conditions.
If your projects often take you to parks, residential areas, sports fields, or paved zones, choosing a rubber-track Excavator Track Group can significantly enhance efficiency while protecting the landscape.
For more complex or mixed terrain jobs, consider dual-purpose options or steel tracks with protective pads—but always assess the surface sensitivity first.
Your tracks define your impact—literally. Choose wisely.
TEAM Excavator & Dozer Parts is one of the largest manufacturers of heavy construction, mining and earth moving equipment parts, such as Excavators & Bulldozers, in Southern India.