Cat 9 series tracks
Just my 2 cents about 9 series tracks on Cat.
I run a land clearing business, specifically using high speed saws, shears, and a fecon head. Have run an assortment of machines. Right now, have a 297C, 287C and a 279C.
I have had a lot, LOT of problems keeping the track on the 279. IT will not go where the other machines will. A side hit easily pops off the track and although it is not a huge deal putting it on, it is still down time. Very similar to problems I had with other brand machines getting knocked off by stumps. In fact, the 279 is going back to the dealer. With less than 60 hours on it, the track was off 6 different times in the same terrain and situations where the 287 was having no problems. I do believe the durability of the under carriage on the 9 series is very good but for tree clearing applications, the downtime is not good. It is the reason why the first Cat I had was strictly wheeled with steel tracks.
Cat keeps saying there is not a problem, but I see other blogs that state otherwise. Plus the fact, when I talked to the dealer, there are over 80 back idlers on backorder.
I do believe the 9 series is a good track system, just not for this type of application.