Rubber tracks are a great alternative to steel tracks when you want or need to reduce damage to vegetation/soil/asphalt/concrete, reduce noise or provide a smoother ride. And, just like steel tracks, rubber tracks will last longer if used appropriately and are properly maintained.

Here are five tips for increasing the life of your tracks:

• Use them only in appropriate applications

Each track has a tread profile, which helps the track work well in some conditions, but all treads have drawbacks. The most popular tread patterns include the C-lug tread, the staggered tread, the straight-bar tread and the multi-bar tread. The C-lug tread works well in both on- and off-road applications; it also boasts a smooth ride. The staggered tread is well-suited for abrasive surfaces, provides a comfortable ride on hard surfaces and decreases ground disturbance. The straight-bar tread is designed for muddy, wet terrain and is considered to be a very “aggressive” track. The multi-bar tread works well on loose ground and on hard surfaces.

• Proper machine operation decreases wear

Operating a machine in an improper manner increases wear and has potential safety risks. Even operating in an aggressive manner can accelerate wear. Any operation that requires a machine (or its components) to work outside of its specifications, puts undue stress on it, so it is imperative to operate equipment properly.

Some tasks—although not necessarily improper or aggressive—can still have a negative impact on the integrity and longevity of your tracks. Counter-rotations or sharp changes of direction, for example, can greatly contribute to accelerated wear of the tracks. The amount of damage increases when traveling on highly abrasive material, such as shale, granite or ragged materials commonly found on demolition sites. Also, when tracks spin, they experience greater wear.

• Perform regular inspections

Prior to operation, the operator should check the machine, including its tracks. Tracks should be inspected daily for signs of damage, such as rubbing, cracking, stretching and UV damage. Also look for dirt or debris and remove it, since dirt and debris can prevent an undercarriage from functioning properly and this puts undue stress on effected components.

Tracks should be examined weekly for proper tension. Improper tension is a major contributor of premature track failure. Also examine other undercarriage components for signs of wear.

Once tracks surpass their expected half-life, the thickness of the rubber should be examined monthly to determine how much life is left in them.