How long do rubber pads last on steel tracks?

Expert_Answer

Service life depends mainly on the surface and the share of travel in the machine's work. Pads used occasionally for road crossings can last several seasons, while pads on a machine that tracks long distances on abrasive asphalt every day wear much faster. The usual wear-out modes are tread abrasion, cut damage from kerbs and debris, and — on cheaper pads — rubber separating from the metal base plate, which is a bonding quality issue rather than normal wear. To maximise life: keep correct track tension, avoid spinning turns on abrasive surfaces, and replace individual damaged pads promptly so neighbouring pads don't overload. VANROCK rubber pads are vulcanised to the base for exactly this reason; individual replacements are available through dealers.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 7/25/2026