What are the tracks on an excavator called?

Expert Answer

On an excavator, the tracks are called track chains, and if the machine runs on rubber, they are usually called rubber tracks or rubber crawler tracks. The full undercarriage also includes track shoes, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and track bolts and nuts.

If you are trying to identify a specific part, it helps to separate the running gear into two groups: the drive side and the support side. The drive side includes the sprocket and track chain; the support side includes the rollers and idler that carry and guide the track around the frame. On machines with steel tracks, individual track shoes are often bolted to the chain links. On compact excavators and many mini excavators, the term rubber track is more common.

VANROCK manufactures undercarriage parts for 350+ machinery brands and supplies through an appointed dealer network. If you need the right replacement for a specific excavator model, the exact fitment is confirmed on request and pricing is quoted through the dealer network. If you mean a Caterpillar, Komatsu, or another OEM machine, VANROCK is an independent manufacturer and is not affiliated with that OEM.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 10/10/2026