Key Takeaways
- Every rubber track is identified by three numbers in this format: width x pitch x links. For example, 230x72x41 means 230mm wide, 72mm pitch, 41 links.
- Width is the measurement across the track from outer edge to outer edge, in millimeters.
- Pitch is the center-to-center distance between drive lugs on the inner surface of the track, in millimeters.
- Links is the total count of drive lugs running around the entire loop of the track.
- All three numbers must match exactly when ordering a replacement. One wrong number means the track will not fit correctly.
- The size is typically stamped or molded into the inner surface of the track, the side that faces the undercarriage, not the ground.
- If the markings are worn off, you can measure all three numbers directly. If you are unsure, the Product Finder matches your machine make and model to the correct size automatically.
| Table of contents |
|---|
| The Three Numbers |
| Finding the Markings |
| Measuring Without Markings |
| Common Ordering Mistakes |
| Ordering the Right Track |
| FAQs |
What Do the Three Numbers on a Rubber Track Actually Mean?
Every rubber track in the market is described by three numbers separated by an x. Take 230x72x41 as a working example, the same one used by Ultra Track and Tire on their own site. The first number is the track width in millimeters. The second is the pitch. The third is the link count. Each one is a distinct measurement. All three must be correct for a track to fit your machine.
What does the first number (width) mean?
Width is the measurement across the track from one outer edge to the other, in millimeters. On a 230x72x41 track, the width is 230mm, which is roughly 9 inches. On a 450x86x60 track, the width is 450mm, roughly 18 inches.
Width determines whether the track fits the undercarriage frame of your machine. A track that is too narrow will have excessive side play and can de-track. A track that is too wide will bind against the machine frame. The width must match the OEM specification for your machine exactly.
Common widths run from around 180mm for the smallest walk-behind machines up to 450mm or more for large compact track loaders. Most mini excavators fall between 180mm and 400mm wide. Browse our Excavator Tracks by machine model to find your size. CTLs and skid steers typically run wider tracks from 320mm to 450mm, available through our Skid Steer, CTL and MTL Tracks finder.
What does the second number (pitch) mean?
Pitch is the center-to-center distance between drive lugs on the inner surface of the track, measured in millimeters. On a 230x72x41 track, the pitch is 72mm. This means each drive lug is spaced 72mm from the center of the next one.
Pitch must match the tooth spacing on your machine's drive sprocket. If the pitch is wrong, the sprocket teeth will not engage the track drive lugs correctly. The result is accelerated wear, noise, and eventually de-tracking or sprocket damage.
Common pitch values include 52.5mm, 72mm, and 86mm, among others. The pitch does not always scale simply with machine size, so do not assume a larger machine always uses a longer pitch. Always confirm the specific pitch for your machine model.
What does the third number (links) mean?
Links is the total number of drive lugs running around the complete loop of the track. On a 230x72x41 track, there are 41 links around the full circumference.
Link count determines the overall length of the track loop. A track with the right width and pitch but the wrong link count will be either too short to go around the undercarriage or too long and will sag. Both create tension problems that cause premature failure.
Link count is the number buyers most commonly get wrong, particularly when a machine has had its track replaced before and a prior owner fitted a slightly different variant. Always confirm the link count against your machine's OEM specification, not just the old track you are removing.
Where Do You Find the Three Numbers on Your Track?
The size is typically stamped or molded into the inner surface of the track, the side that faces the undercarriage rather than the ground. Look along the inner face near the drive lugs. You are looking for a sequence of three numbers separated by x marks, for example 320x86x49.
On some tracks the markings are stamped in relief. On well-worn tracks they may be difficult or impossible to read. If you cannot find the size on the track itself, check your machine documentation. The OEM track size is listed in the operator manual and the parts manual. It is also often on a data plate on the machine frame near the undercarriage. Ultra Track and Tire also publishes a Track Information Guide that covers track sizing, tread patterns, and fitment in one place worth downloading if you are still building your knowledge on this.
For Bobcat machines, the Bobcat rubber track size chart lists the correct size for every model. For other brands, the rubber track size chart covers the most common machine classes, and the rubber track dimensions cross-reference lets you search by size to confirm compatibility.
What If the Numbers Have Worn Off? How Do You Measure?
If the size markings are no longer readable, you can measure all three numbers directly. You need a tape measure and about ten minutes.
Measuring width
Measure straight across the track from outer edge to outer edge. Do this across the full face of the rubber body. Record the measurement in millimeters.
Measuring pitch
Look at the inner surface of the track where the drive lugs sit. Measure from the center of one drive lug to the center of the next adjacent lug. That measurement in millimeters is your pitch. For accuracy, measure across five or more consecutive lugs, divide the total by the number of spaces between them, and use that average. A single lug-to-lug measurement can be thrown off by wear or rubber distortion.
Counting links
Count every drive lug around the full loop of the track. Mark your starting lug with chalk or tape so you do not count it twice. Count each one individually. Do not estimate. A count that is off by even one gives you a track that will not fit or tension correctly.
Once you have all three measurements, write them down in width x pitch x links format and use the Product Finder or the how to measure rubber track size guide to confirm the correct replacement before ordering.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Reading Track Numbers?
Looking on the wrong surface
The size markings are on the inner surface of the track, not the outer tread face. If you are looking at the outside of the track and cannot find the numbers, flip your search to the inside.
Misreading pitch as width
The width is always the largest number in the sequence. In 230x72x41, the 230 is width and 72 is pitch. Some buyers reverse these when reading worn or partially obscured markings.
Rounding pitch
Pitch values like 52.5mm are exact. Rounding to 53mm or 52mm returns the wrong track. The decimal matters. Always record pitch to one decimal place.
Using the old track count without verifying
If a machine has had its tracks replaced before, a prior owner may have fitted a slightly different link count that worked but was not the OEM specification. Counting the links on the current track and ordering the same count may repeat that error. Cross-reference against the OEM spec for your machine model.
Assuming the same model always uses the same size
Manufacturers update undercarriage specifications across model years. A Bobcat T590 from one production year may use a slightly different size than a T590 from a later year. Always confirm against the specific serial number range for your machine. The Bobcat rubber track size chart notes serial number ranges where relevant.
Working in inches
Rubber track sizes are always in millimeters. Do not convert and round. Work in millimeters throughout.
How Do You Use the Three Numbers to Order the Right Track?
Once you have all three numbers confirmed, you have two options.
The first is the Product Finder, enter your machine make and model and the system cross-references thousands of verified fitment records to return every compatible track for your machine. This is the fastest method and removes the risk of a measurement error.
The second is to search by size using the rubber track dimensions cross-reference. Enter your width, pitch, and link count and the tool returns all compatible tracks in that size across available tread patterns and series options.
If you need to browse by machine type, go straight to Excavator Tracks or Skid Steer, CTL and MTL Tracks depending on your machine class.
If you have any doubt about fit, call before you order. The team at Ultra Track and Tire can verify your size against your machine's OEM specification before anything ships. Getting the size right the first time avoids the time and cost of a return and the downtime of waiting for a second shipment.
While the machine is stopped, check the rest of the running gear too. Worn sprockets, rollers, and idlers shorten new track life fast. Browse our full range of undercarriage parts while you are ordering. For full delivery details, see our shipping policy. For warranty coverage on every order see our warranty information.
All orders ship free with no minimum. Orders placed before 1 pm CST ship the same day from multiple U.S. fulfillment locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the three numbers on a rubber track mean?
The three numbers identify the track's exact size in this format: width x pitch x links. Width is the measurement across the track in millimeters. Pitch is the center-to-center distance between drive lugs in millimeters. Links is the total count of drive lugs around the full loop of the track. All three numbers must match your machine's OEM specification for the track to fit and perform correctly.
Where is the size marked on a rubber track?
The size is typically stamped or molded into the inner surface of the track, the side that faces the undercarriage. Look near the drive lugs for a sequence of three numbers such as 320x86x49. If the markings are worn, check your operator manual or parts manual, or use the Product Finder at ultratrack with your machine make and model.
What happens if I order the wrong link count?
A track with the wrong link count will either be too short to install or too long, creating incorrect tension around the undercarriage. Too short means it cannot go around the sprocket and idler. Too long creates sag, accelerates wear on the sprocket and rollers, and can cause the track to de-track under load. Link count must match exactly.
Can two tracks look the same but have different numbers?
Yes. Two tracks can have the same width and pitch but different link counts, making them different lengths. They can look similar laid flat but will not be interchangeable. This is one of the most common ordering errors. Always confirm all three numbers before placing an order.
What does pitch mean on a rubber track?
Pitch is the center-to-center distance between adjacent drive lugs on the inner surface of the track, measured in millimeters. It must match the tooth spacing on your machine's drive sprocket. Common pitch values include 52.5mm, 72mm, and 86mm. Using the wrong pitch causes poor sprocket engagement and accelerated wear on the undercarriage.
How do I find my track size without measuring?
Use the Product Finder at ultratrack, enter your machine make and model and the system returns the verified track size for your machine. You can also check your operator manual or parts manual, or call Ultra Track and Tire at (866) 516-8473 and the team will confirm the correct size for you.
Need Help Confirming Your Track Size?
Call or email the team at Ultra Track and Tire. Live 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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