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ctl track replacement

gfd917

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Messages
8
Location
central kansas
I have a 2011 Cat 259b3 with 16inch tracks my dealer is trying to convince me to go to the 12 inch tracks opinions appreciated pros and cons of each please. Thanks in advance
 

Wytruckwrench

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2012
Messages
270
Location
Wyoming
I don't have any bright ideas one way or the other.
I guess it comes down to ground pressure and price.
Can you live with more ground pressure?
Do you need more ground pressure?
What's the price difference ?
What do you do with the machine?
 

lantraxco

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
7,704
Location
Elsewhen
If you rarely work on surfaces soft enough that the narrower tracks will either make too much disturbance or actually get stuck then try the narrow tracks, they're easier on the drive train when turning and cheaper to boot.

If you work on soft ground often or areas that need a light footprint to minimize damage then the wider tracks will work better for you and may last a bit longer since they carry more rubber to wear out.

I have heard of guys that have both and swap them regularly depending on the ground conditions, YMMV

My comments are generic in nature about rubber tracks, I am not a CTL guy nor have I ever played one on TV, but I have been messing with rubber tracks for over a decade now.
 

CM1995

Administrator
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
13,247
Location
Alabama
Occupation
Running what I brung and taking what I win
I cant believe 104 views and no one has advise!??

What are your operating conditions? What do you regularly use the machine for? We can't give advice without knowing what you do with the machine.
 

gfd917

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Messages
8
Location
central kansas
general farm use and brush clearing and alittle grading and driveway prep work I heard the dealer bought a whole truckload of 12inch they are buy one getone 50% off
 

CM1995

Administrator
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
13,247
Location
Alabama
Occupation
Running what I brung and taking what I win
general farm use and brush clearing and alittle grading and driveway prep work I heard the dealer bought a whole truckload of 12inch they are buy one getone 50% off

Like has already been said a 16" track will allow you to go through soft underfoot conditions and muddy areas better, a narrow track tears up less, has less stress on drivetrain but will not give you the lesser ground pressure for wet areas.

Looks like it's more a financial decision - Buy two 12" tracks for 75% of the cost of two or pay regular price for 2 16" tracks. Assuming the tracks are running $1200 a piece, the decision is - are the wider tracks worth the extra $600 for what you'll be doing with the machine?
 

movindirt

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2013
Messages
672
Location
under a shady tree
I doubt you'll loose much, half the track is front of the tipping point all the time anyway. Do you have single front and rear idlers?
 

lantraxco

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
7,704
Location
Elsewhen
Oddly enough I just quoted a set of 380mm (15") for a 259B3, they were less than a grand apiece plus freight outta Dallas.

The 320mm are a couple hundred less per each.

Block tread.

Just FYI not trolling, don't know what the dealers are selling them for?
 
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