What are screw-on rubber pads, and are they used on excavator steel tracks?

Expert Answer

Screw-on rubber pads are a type of rubber pad that fastens mechanically to steel track shoes with screws or bolts. On excavators and other crawler machines, they are used to protect paved or finished surfaces, reduce noise, and improve traction on hard ground while keeping the benefits of steel tracks.

The exact pad style depends on the track shoe design, bolt pattern, and the machine’s working conditions. For example, some pads are best for short travel on roads or indoor work, while others are chosen for frequent transitions between abrasive ground and concrete. It is important to match the pad mounting method to the shoe and to check that there is enough clearance so the pad does not interfere with the undercarriage or loosen in service.

If you are choosing pads for a machine, the main checks are shoe width, hole spacing, shoe profile, and whether the pads need to be removable for mixed-site work. Over-tightening or using the wrong fasteners can damage the pad or shoe, so fitment should be confirmed before ordering.

VANROCK supplies undercarriage parts through its appointed dealer network and quotes pricing on request. If your machine is a Caterpillar, Komatsu, Case, Kubota, or another OEM brand, VANROCK is an independent manufacturer and is not affiliated with the OEM.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 9/8/2026