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

Expert Answer

Bolt-on rubber pads are removable rubber wear pads that fasten directly to steel track shoes to reduce surface damage and lower noise on finished ground. They are commonly used when an excavator or other crawler machine must travel on asphalt, concrete, paving blocks, or other sensitive surfaces, but still needs the durability of steel tracks off-road.

They are a good choice when you want a balance of traction and surface protection, especially for mixed-duty work. Compared with running bare steel shoes, bolt-on pads can help reduce scarring and vibration, but the right pad depends on your track shoe type, grouser height, shoe width, and bolt pattern. That is why fitment must be checked carefully before ordering.

In practice, the main things to confirm are:

• Steel shoe width and grouser style

• Bolt-hole spacing and pad fixing pattern

• Machine model and track shoe design

• Whether the machine works mostly on paved ground or rough terrain

VANROCK supplies undercarriage parts including rubber pads through its appointed dealer network, and pricing is quoted on request. If you need pads for a specific machine, exact fitment should be confirmed from the shoe dimensions or machine model before purchase.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 9/4/2026