Key Takeaways
- Rubber track cost varies by machine type, track size, rubber compound grade, and whether you buy OEM or quality aftermarket. No two machines cost the same to re-track.
- The three numbers in every track size (width x pitch x links, for example 320x86x49) are the biggest driver of cost. Larger dimensions mean more rubber and more steel cord, which means a higher price.
- OEM tracks from a dealer typically cost 30 to 60 percent more than quality aftermarket tracks built to the same dimensional specifications.
- Skid steers typically run on tires, not rubber tracks. The machines most commonly fitted with rubber tracks are mini excavators, compact track loaders (CTL), and multi-terrain loaders (MTL).
- Budget tracks made with fewer steel cord layers or lower-grade rubber compound wear out faster. You do not save money buying the cheapest option.
- If one track wore out naturally and the other has significant wear, replace both at the same time. Paying installation labor twice costs more than the second track in most cases.
- All rubber tracks from Ultra Track and Tire carry a 30-month manufacturer warranty. For current pricing on your machine, use the Product Finder or call the team directly.
| Table of contents |
|---|
| What drives the cost |
| OEM vs aftermarket |
| Cost by machine type |
| One track or both |
| How to get the best value |
| FAQs |
What Actually Drives How Much Rubber Tracks Cost?
The cost of a rubber track comes down to four things. Understanding each one tells you exactly why two tracks in different sizes or grades carry different prices, and helps you buy smart.
Track size
This is the biggest factor. Every rubber track carries three numbers: width in millimeters, pitch in millimeters, and number of links. A track listed as 320x86x49 is 320mm wide, has an 86mm pitch (the center-to-center distance between drive lugs), and has 49 links around the loop. A wider track uses more rubber. A longer pitch and more links means more steel cord running through the body. More material means a higher cost. If you are not sure of your size, the how to measure rubber track size guide walks through every number, and the rubber track dimensions cross-reference lets you search by size.
Steel cord count and gauge
Premium tracks use more steel cord layers and heavier gauge wire through the track body. This is what keeps the track from de-tracking (coming off the drive sprocket and front idler) under load. It is also what separates a track built to last from one built to hit a low price point. More cord means more cost upfront and far less cost over time.
Rubber compound quality
Harder compounds resist chunking and lug wear on rock and concrete. Higher-carbon compounds maintain flexibility in cold climates and resist cracking from UV and ozone exposure. Better compounds cost more to produce and carry a higher retail price. Tracks that skimp on compound fail earlier and cost more per operating hour, not less.
Tread pattern
L-tread and multi-bar patterns are the most common and typically the most affordable. C-lug, Z-pattern, and open-lug configurations may carry a modest premium due to tooling differences. Non-marking tracks carry an additional premium because of the specialized compound required.
What Is the Real Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Cost?
OEM tracks are supplied through the equipment manufacturer's dealer network. Bobcat sells Bobcat-branded tracks. CAT sells CAT-branded tracks. They are priced to support dealer margins and typically cost 30 to 60 percent more than quality aftermarket tracks built to the same pitch, link count, width, and steel cord configuration.
Aftermarket does not mean inferior. A quality aftermarket track built to OEM specifications performs the same way in the field. The machine does not know or care who sold the track.
What matters is where the aftermarket track comes from. Budget tracks made with fewer steel cord layers, lower-grade compound, or off-spec dimensions fail earlier. You do not save money buying cheap. You spend the same amount again sooner, plus installation a second time. Every track from Ultra Track and Tire comes with a 12-month manufacturer warranty. See the full terms on our warranty information page.
How Does Machine Type Affect What You Pay?
Every machine class has a typical track size range, and that size range determines the cost range. Here is how to think about it by machine type.
What do walk-behind and compact utility machine tracks cost?
Walk-behind machines and compact utility carriers use the smallest rubber tracks in the market, typically 7 to 9 inches wide with shorter pitch and fewer links. These are among the more affordable tracks to replace. Browse specialty equipment tracks or call (866) 516-8473 for exact pricing on your size.
What Do Mini Excavator Rubber Tracks Cost?
Mini excavator track cost varies by machine weight class. A sub-2-ton machine uses a narrow, short-pitch track. A 4 to 6-ton machine uses a much wider, longer track with significantly more material. For Bobcat, Kubota, CAT, Kobelco, Komatsu, Hitachi, and other mini excavator brands, check your model using the Product Finder or the Bobcat rubber track size chart for Bobcat-specific sizing. For exact pricing call (866) 516-8473.
What Do Compact Track Loader (CTL) Rubber Tracks Cost?
Small CTLs use tracks in the 320mm to 400mm width range. Large CTLs from Bobcat, CAT, Kubota, and Takeuchi use tracks in the 450mm range with more links, more steel cord, and more rubber. Price scales with size. For a full breakdown of current CTL models and specs across all major brands, the Equipment World CTL Buyer's Guide 2025 is a useful US industry reference.
Getting more life out of a CTL track significantly reduces your cost per operating hour. The For Construction Pros guide on extending CTL rubber track life covers the key operating and maintenance practices that make a real difference.
Before browsing, confirm your exact size first. Use the Product Finder to match by machine model, or check the rubber track size chart to cross-reference your width, pitch, and link count. Once your size is confirmed, browse Skid Steer, CTL and MTL Tracks for current availability and pricing. Not sure which size applies to your machine? Call us at (866) 516-8473 and we will confirm it before you order.
What do multi-terrain loader (MTL) rubber tracks cost?
MTL tracks share sizing with many CTL sizes but are engineered for different undercarriage configurations. Price is comparable to CTL tracks of the same size. Confirm your size before ordering since MTL and CTL sizes are not always interchangeable even when the numbers look similar.
What do specialty machine tracks cost - drill rigs, trenchers, crawler carriers?
Specialty machines including Vermeer and Ditch Witch drill rigs, trenchers, and crawler carriers use track sizes that vary widely by model and manufacturer. Some specialty sizes have limited aftermarket availability, which affects pricing. Call (866) 516-8473 or use the contact page for a quote on specialty equipment.
Should You Replace One Track or Both?
It depends on how much wear is on the surviving track. If one track failed early due to an impact event or a manufacturing defect, and the other track still has substantial life remaining, replacing only the damaged track is reasonable. The tracks are still close in condition and will work together.
If one track wore out naturally after extended normal use and you are replacing it because the lugs are gone or the cords are showing, the other track is close behind. Replace both. Paying installation labor twice costs more than the price of the second track in most cases, and doing it once at the right time is simply smarter.
A practical way to judge it: look at the lug height on the surviving track. If the lugs are more than halfway worn down, or if you can see cord exposure or heavy cracking on the inner surface, replace both now. If the surviving track still has solid lug height and no visible damage, a single replacement is defensible.
Track wear is not always even across both sides. Operators who spin frequently on hard surfaces or travel extensively on pavement put asymmetric stress on the undercarriage. That can produce uneven track wear even when both tracks started at the same time.
How Do You Get the Best Value Without Buying Cheap?
Match the track grade to the work. The UltraTrack X Series is built for standard-duty applications including landscaping, general excavation on soft to medium terrain, and light utility work. The UltraTrack Pro Series is built for heavy-duty applications with extended hours in abrasive or mixed conditions. The UltraTrack HDX Series handles extreme-duty work including demolition and forestry. Buying the right grade costs less per operating hour than replacing a standard-duty track on a machine doing heavy work.
Maintain proper track tension. Loose tracks de-track. Overly tight tracks strain the front idler and bottom rollers and generate heat that accelerates rubber breakdown. Most machines want about 1 to 2 inches of sag at the midpoint of the bottom run. Check your machine manual for the exact specification since it varies by machine.
Buy from a seller with a solid warranty. Ultra Track and Tire backs every track with a 30-month manufacturer warranty. If the track has a defect in materials or workmanship, you are covered.
Browse the full selection of rubber tracks at ultratrack.com. Shipping is free on every order with no minimum. Orders placed before 3 pm CST ship the same day. Ultra Track and Tire is a U.S.-based authorized reseller founded in 2018, based in San Antonio, Texas, and ships from 13 or more fulfillment locations nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rubber tracks cost?
Rubber track cost varies by machine type, track size, series grade, and whether you choose OEM or quality aftermarket. OEM dealer tracks typically cost 30 to 60 percent more than quality aftermarket tracks built to the same specifications. For current pricing on your specific machine, use the Product Finder at ultratrack.com or call (866) 516-8473.
Are aftermarket rubber tracks as good as OEM?
Quality aftermarket tracks built to the same dimensional specifications as OEM perform the same way in the field. The key is quality. Budget tracks made with fewer steel cord layers or lower-grade rubber compound wear out sooner. Look for tracks that carry a manufacturer warranty and come from an authorized reseller.
What is the most common rubber track size for a compact track loader?
The most common CTL sizes are 320x86x49, 400x72.5x72, 400x86x55, and 450x86x60, depending on the machine brand and model. Bobcat T series, CAT CTL series, Kubota SVL series, and Takeuchi TL series each have slightly different sizing. Use the Product Finder or call to confirm before ordering.
How long do rubber tracks typically last?
Most rubber tracks on compact equipment last between 800 and 1,500 hours under normal operating conditions. Machines used on rock or concrete, or operated with improper track tension, wear tracks faster. Machines on soft terrain with correct tension and good operator habits can reach or exceed 1,500 hours.
Why is one supplier quoting less than another for the same size?
Price differences usually come down to steel cord count, rubber compound grade, and warranty terms. Two tracks in the same size at very different prices are not the same product. Check whether the lower-priced option carries a warranty. If it does not, the savings are likely offset by shorter service life.
Can I replace just one rubber track?
Yes, in some cases. If one track was damaged by an impact rather than normal wear and the other still has substantial life, replacing one makes sense. If both tracks have significant hours and one wore out naturally, replace both at the same time to avoid paying for installation twice.
Ready to Get Pricing for Your Machine?
The fastest way to get accurate pricing is to use the Product Finder or call the team directly. Support is available 7 days a week, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm CST.
Call: (866) 516-8473
Email: support@ultratrack.com
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