What is a track link and why does link wear matter?

Expert_Answer

Track links are the steel side pieces that form the chain — each link pair is joined to the next by a press-fitted pin and bushing, and the track shoes bolt onto them. Links do two jobs: they transmit the machine's weight from the rollers to the ground, and their machined top surface (the rail) is what the rollers actually run on. Link wear is measured as rail height loss: as rollers grind the rail down, the chain sits lower, alignment suffers and roller flanges start contacting parts they shouldn't. Deep roller grooves in the rail, scalloping between links, or links worn below the service limit mean the chain is due for replacement — worn links cannot be rebuilt economically. VANROCK manufactures track chains with matched links, pins and bushings for 54+ machinery brands, quoted on request through its dealer network.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 7/25/2026