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steel tracks??

90plow ยท 2006-10-25 12:32

Looking at trading in the new holland ec35 and getting a Kubota (cant think of the number off hand) which is a little bigger than the ec. The only draw back is that the new machine has steel tracks and our old one has rubber. We do alot of home work and driving on driveways adn steel would rip up most non-commercial pavement. I was wondering if there is a way to bolt the rubber pads onto the steel tracks like they do on the skid steer tracks sometimes. Thanks Eric

Replies7
  1. #1CascadeScaper2006-10-25 14:13

    So, you're looking at trading for a used Kubota, correct? If so, you can get bolt on rubber pads. I'm not sure if the Kubota steel grousers have bolt holes for rubber pads, but holes can be drilled, just costs a little more.

  2. #290plow2006-10-25 16:11

    yea the machine is a KX151 with steel wide tracks. Its a 1999 compared to our 2001 but it has about 800 hours on it and we are getting a good deal on it. How much do you think we could get for the EC? -Eric

  3. #3Ford LT-90002006-10-25 16:55

    The cheapest way to get around it for now would be using 3/4" plywood or what works good is 3/8s or 1/2 thick used conveyor belting the rubber belting protects what ever your walking the machine over.

  4. #4CascadeScaper2006-10-26 02:57

    Nah, if you're working on pavement/concrete a lot having to tote plywood is a PITA. Get the rubber pads, you won't be sorry.

  5. #5tylermckee2006-10-26 03:07

    If you are only having to run across a driveway or road then i would just get a couple sheets of 1/2" plywood and rip it into 1" strips and just lay them down when you need to cross. If you are actually goint to be doing a lot of work and running around/turning on pavement then rubber is the only way to go

  6. #6Ford LT-90002006-10-26 19:30

    Installing rubber pads on the steel tracks would be allot of work probably cheaper to buy those hybrid tracks or a set of new rubber bands but the rollers idler and sprocket might have to be changed for that. You would have to be doing allot of walking on concrete or pavement to make the extra expense changing the tracks over to pay.

  7. #7jmac2006-10-26 20:34

    I use plywood, planks, old tires. Good if all you have to do is cross driveway. I have also put down 6" of dirt on pavement to protect it if I have to sit on driveway while loading truck, then you have to clean it up when your done.