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Cat® Small Excavators: Best Tracks For Your Needs
Estimated read time: 2 minutes
When you’re working on soft, rocky or uneven ground, a steel track undercarriage provides the strength you need. Cat® 311, 313, 315 and 317 Small Excavators have a range of steel track options, each built to support the work you do.
Selecting the Right Track
Choosing the best steel track for your small excavator involves considering three key factors: machine usage, material type and cost parameters. Here’s how the answers affect your track choice:
- Machine usage: Think about how often you’ll use the excavator and the work it’ll do. If the excavator will take on lighter or occasional tasks, you may not need the same track type as someone handling heavy-duty projects.
- Material type: Ground conditions can make a big difference in track performance. Tracks suited for soft soil may not perform as well in rocky or abrasive environments.
- Cost: Evaluate the expected lifespan of your tracks based on how long you plan to keep the excavator. The upfront investment in steel tracks should match your needs for durability and longevity.
Once you’ve figured out your needs, talk to authorized Cat dealer. They’ll help you select a track for your work demands and budget. You can also check out the options for your specific equipment on Parts.Cat.com by entering your machine’s serial number.
Here are the three steel track options for Cat small excavators:
General Duty
- Ideal for: Low- to moderate-impact applications
- Designed for: Minimal hour usage with lighter work demands
- Why choose: This is a cost-effective choice for regular but lighter-duty work, making it a great option for basic earthmoving tasks where high impact is not a concern.
Heavy Duty
- Ideal for: Demanding jobs and tougher terrain
- Designed for: Applications such as heavy construction, pipelaying, demolition, scrap handling, and forestry
- Why choose: Built to withstand intense conditions, Heavy Duty tracks provide a longer lifespan in challenging environments. Their durability makes them well-suited for high-impact applications where regular tracks might wear out more quickly.
- Note: Heavy Duty and General Duty track components are interchangeable. You can switch between them as needed without requiring extensive downtime or modifications.
Heavy Duty XL
- Ideal for: Extreme applications with high-stress conditions
- Designed for: Cat 315 and 317 Excavators in severe environments
- Why choose: Engineered for the most rugged jobs, Heavy Duty XL tracks have reinforced links and a pin-locking retention system for better durability. You might go for this one if you’re concerned about track breakage on challenging terrain. Another reason would be if your excavator covers a lot of ground on abrasive surfaces.
The right steel track supports your Cat small excavator’s performance and efficiency. And by considering your usage, terrain and budget, you’re getting the right one for your application. For extra help, get in touch with your Cat dealer. They’ll recommend the best track for your needs.
