What are bolt-on rubber pads and when should I use them?

Expert Answer

Bolt-on rubber pads are rubber wear pads that are fastened directly to steel track shoes with bolts, creating a rubber contact surface while keeping the strength of the steel undercarriage. Use them when a machine with steel tracks needs to work on finished surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, paving blocks, warehouse floors, or other surfaces you want to protect from gouging and metal-to-ground damage.

They are a good choice when you need a secure, stable connection and a pad that can stay in place during regular travel and digging. Typical applications include roadworks, utilities, landscaping, paving support, and urban construction where reduced surface damage and lower noise/vibration matter. If your machine has pre-drilled track shoes, bolt-on pads are often the simplest bolt-fixed option; if not, installation may require the correct shoe pattern or drilling, so matching the shoe is important.

When selecting bolt-on pads, check more than just machine brand and model. You need the track shoe width, the grouser shoe style, bolt-hole spacing, and the pad profile so the pad sits flat and does not move. A poor fit can lead to loose hardware, uneven wear, reduced traction, or pad damage. If your work includes frequent off-road travel, heavy mud, or steep slopes, remember that rubber pads trade some bite compared with bare steel shoes, so choose them for surface protection first and traction on hard ground second.

Common mistakes to avoid include fitting the wrong width, assuming all shoes use the same hole pattern, and mixing worn hardware with new pads. It is also worth checking whether you need bolt-on, clip-on, or chain-on pads based on how often you switch between hard surfaces and rough ground. VANROCK supplies undercarriage parts, including track shoes and rubber pads, for 350+ machinery brands through its appointed dealer network; pricing is quoted on request.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 7/25/2026