Key Takeaways
- Every rubber track size is three numbers: width x pitch x links
- Width and pitch are in millimeters. Links is a count, not a measurement
- All three numbers must match your machine. Two out of three will not work
- Check the track sidewall first, the size is usually molded right into the rubber
- Pitch is always measured center to center between drive lugs, not edge to edge
- Count links twice, one off and the track will not sit correctly on your machine
- Your machine model and serial number can confirm the size when the markings are worn off
- Check sprockets, rollers, and idlers before ordering, worn parts cut new track life short
| Table of contents |
|---|
| The 3-Number System |
| Finding Your Size |
| Measuring Width |
| Measuring Pitch |
| Counting Links |
| Common Mistakes |
| FAQs |
What Does the 3-Number System Mean on a Rubber Track?
Every rubber track is sold by a three-number size code stamped or molded into the rubber. Something like 230x72x41 or 320x86x49. These are not model codes. They are measurements, always written in the same order: width, pitch, links.
Width is the first number. It is how wide the track is in millimeters across the part that contacts the ground. A track marked 230 is 230mm wide, roughly 9 inches. Mini excavators typically run tracks between 180mm and 300mm wide. Compact track loaders and skid steers generally use wider tracks from 320mm to 450mm.
Pitch is the middle number. This is the center-to-center distance in millimeters between drive lugs on the inside of the track. Drive lugs are the raised teeth the sprocket grabs to move the machine. A pitch of 72 means each lug sits 72mm from the next. Your sprocket is built to a fixed tooth spacing and the pitch must match it exactly. A wrong pitch means the track skips on the sprocket or will not seat at all.
Links is the last number. This is a count of how many drive lugs run all the way around the inside of the track. A 41 means 41 lugs total. Links set the total length of the track loop. Too few links and the track is too short to fit over the sprocket and rollers. Too many and it sits loose on the undercarriage and comes off during operation.
230x72x41 means: 230mm wide, 72mm pitch, 41 links. All three must match your machine.
| Number | What It Measures | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| First | Track width | Millimeters |
| Second | Pitch - lug center to lug center | Millimeters |
| Third | Total link count | Count |
Where Do You Find Your Size Before Measuring?
Before you grab a tape measure, check these three sources. Most people find the answer here in under two minutes.
The track sidewall
Wipe the mud off the outer edge of your track and look along the side wall near the lugs. The size is almost always molded or stamped right into the rubber. If the track has any rubber left, the numbers are usually still readable. This is the fastest and most reliable source.
The machine manual
Every operator and parts manual lists the factory track size in the specifications section. If you do not have the paperwork, most manufacturers publish spec sheets online. For Bobcat machines specifically, our Bobcat rubber track size chart lists verified OEM sizes for every major model including serial number ranges where they apply. For all other brands, the rubber track size chart covers standard sizes organized by machine class. For broader industry guidance on how track sizes relate to machine specs, the Equipment World undercarriage guide is a reliable US reference.
Your model and serial number
Some machines were offered with more than one track size depending on the production year. Your serial number identifies which version you have. Enter your model into our Product Finder and it will match you to the correct track without any guesswork.
If none of those work, measure it by hand using the steps below.
How Do You Measure Track Width?
Place the track flat with the tread side down. Run a tape measure straight across from one outer edge to the other and read the result in millimeters.
Tracks are made in standard set widths, so round to the nearest standard size. Common widths are 180, 230, 250, 300, 320, 350, 400, and 450mm. A reading of 228mm rounds to 230. A reading of 317mm rounds to 320.
You will sometimes see tracks listed with an inch label, like a 9-inch or 12-inch track. That is a rounded reference for width only. The millimeter number is the actual spec and what you need to order correctly. Our rubber track dimensions cross-reference lists every standard width alongside the pitch and link count combinations that go with it, which is useful when you have one number and need to confirm the other two.
How Do You Measure Pitch on a Rubber Track?
Flip the track over so the inside is facing up. Place your tape on the center of one drive lug and measure straight to the center of the next lug. That distance in millimeters is your pitch.
Take two or three readings from different spots around the track and average them. A single worn lug can give a slightly off reading, so averaging gives you a clean, accurate number.
Common pitch sizes are 52.5, 72, 72.5, and 86mm depending on the machine. Two tracks can share the same width but have different pitches. A track with the correct width but a wrong pitch will not align with your sprocket and will not run properly on your machine.
How Do You Count Links on a Rubber Track?
Mark one drive lug with chalk or a piece of tape so you know your starting point. Count every lug all the way around the inside of the track until you return to your mark. Do not count the starting lug twice. That total is your link count.
Do it again to confirm. On a track with 45 or more lugs it is easy to lose your place, and one count off means a track that will not fit. The second count takes one extra minute and saves a return shipment.
On most compact machines link counts run between 37 and 58. A track that is off by even one or two links will either be too tight to seat over the undercarriage or too slack to stay on during operation.
What Are the Most Common Rubber Track Sizing Mistakes?
Ordering by inches
Inch labels are rough width references only. The spec is in millimeters. Confirm the millimeter number before placing any order.
Measuring pitch edge to edge
Pitch is center to center, not front edge to front edge. Edge-to-edge readings come in slightly high and cause sprocket fitment problems. Find the center of each lug before you measure.
Guessing the link count
One link off means the track will not fit. Mark your starting point and count twice.
Assuming both tracks match
On most machines they do, but if a previous owner replaced only one side, both tracks may not be the same size. Measure both before buying a pair. Check your undercarriage parts at the same time worn sprockets and rollers will shorten new track life fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the three numbers on a rubber track mean?
The first is the width in millimeters, the second is the pitch in millimeters (center-to-center distance between drive lugs), and the third is the total link count. A track marked 230x72x41 is 230mm wide, has a 72mm pitch, and 41 links.
Do all three numbers have to match when ordering a replacement?
Yes. All three must match your machine. A wrong pitch will not work with your sprocket. A wrong link count means the track is too short to fit or too loose to stay on.
My track size is listed in inches. Is that the same as millimeters?
No. Inch labels are a rounded width reference only. The spec is in millimeters. Confirm the exact millimeter size before placing your order.
How do I measure pitch without getting it wrong?
Measure from the center of one drive lug to the center of the next in millimeters. Take readings from two or three spots and average them. Never measure edge to edge.
The markings on my track are worn off. What do I do?
Check your machine manual, look up your model and serial number on the manufacturer site, or measure by hand using the steps in this guide. You can also call us at (866) 516-8473 and we will help identify the right size.
Can a track with the same width but a different pitch fit my machine?
No. The pitch must match your sprocket spacing. Even if the width is correct, a different pitch will not align with the sprocket and the track will not run properly.
Ready to Order?
Browse our full range of Excavator Tracks or Skid Steer, CTL and MTL Tracks depending on your machine. Use the Product Finder to match by model for the fastest route. Before you order, check your sprockets, rollers, and idlers too. Worn undercarriage parts will shorten the life of a new track fast.
Not confident about one of your numbers? Do not guess. Contact us and we will confirm the right size before anything ships.
Call: (866) 516-8473
Email: support@ultratrack.com
Available 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm CST. Every order ships free.