Explaining the Role of Track Shoes for Excavators and Other Equipment

Track shoes play an essential role in the performance of excavators and other heavy machinery. These components are designed to give your equipment better traction, protect the tracks themselves and help machines navigate difficult terrains. In this article, we'll break down what track shoes are, their primary uses and how they can impact the performance of your equipment.

What Are Track Shoes?

Track shoes, sometimes called grousers or grouser shoes, are plates attached to the tracks of heavy equipment like excavators, bulldozers and loaders. These plates provide the machine with the traction it needs to operate effectively on various surfaces. The key components of a track shoe include the shoe plate, bolts that fasten it to the steel crawler belt and raised ridges on the shoe that dig into the ground to give the machine grip.

It’s important to distinguish track shoes from track pads. While track shoes are generally made from metal and used for tough terrains, track pads are often made of rubber and are used to protect surfaces like roads or pavement. Track shoes are great for rugged, off-road conditions, while track pads are better for situations where you need to avoid damaging the surface you're working on.

Types of Track Shoes

Not all track shoes are the same. Depending on the job and terrain, different types of track shoes may be more suitable. Let’s go over some common types:

1. Single Ridge Shoes: Single grousers have one raised ridge or bar and are commonly used in dozers and excavators when operating on hard or compact surfaces. They offer strong traction and are good for pushing or pulling heavy loads.
2. Double Ridge Shoes: These shoes have two ridges and provide good traction while allowing for smoother turns and better handling. Double grousers are typically used on excavators working on a mix of terrain types.
3. Triple Ridge Shoes: Triple grousers have three ridges and offer a balance between traction and smooth movement. They are commonly used on excavators that need to operate on soft to medium-hard ground, providing stability without excessive ground disturbance.

Each type of shoe has its benefits and drawbacks depending on the specific working conditions, so choosing the right shoe is critical for optimizing your machine’s performance and impact.

Steel Track Shoes vs Rubber Track Pads

Track shoes are typically made from one of two materials:

• Steel: Steel track shoes are durable and offer excellent wear resistance, especially in harsh conditions like rocky or muddy terrain. However, steel shoes are heavy and can cause more wear and tear on the rest of your equipment. They are also noisy and can cause damage to paved surfaces.
• Rubber: Rubber track pads, often called roadliners, are lighter and more flexible, making them ideal for jobs that require working on asphalt or concrete without damaging the surface. However, they are less durable than steel and wear out more quickly, especially when used on rough terrain.

Primary Uses of Excavator Track Shoes

The primary function of track shoes is to provide traction and stability on various terrains. Excavators and other heavy equipment that operate on soft ground—like mud, sand or loose gravel—need track shoes to prevent sinking and getting stuck. Track shoes distribute the machine’s weight evenly over a larger surface area, which helps the equipment maintain balance even on uneven or soft ground.

Track shoes also help protect the actual tracks of the machine. By bearing the brunt of contact with the ground, track shoes can help extend the life of the machine’s undercarriage.

Benefits of Track Shoes on Machines

1. Improved Traction: Track shoes improve traction on a variety of surfaces, including mud, gravel and rocky ground. The grousers dig into the earth, helping the machine avoid slippage and making it easier to operate in challenging environments.
2. Smoother Turning Capabilities: Double grousers can particularly help the machine make smoother turns on different terrain types.
3. Even Weight Distribution: The design of track shoes allows for the even distribution of the machine’s weight across the surface. This is especially important on soft ground, where concentrated weight could cause the machine to sink.
4. Protection for Tracks and Other Components: Track shoes serve as the first point of contact with the ground, which means they take the majority of the wear and tear that would otherwise affect the tracks. This helps prolong the life of the entire undercarriage, saving you money on costly repairs or replacements.

Limitations and Drawbacks of Track Shoes

While track shoes offer many benefits, they also have their limitations. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

1. Terrain-Specific Use: While track shoes perform well on soft and uneven terrain, they are less effective on hard, flat surfaces like asphalt or concrete. In these environments, the grousers can cause excessive wear on the surface and may reduce the lifespan of the track shoes themselves.
2. Installation Complexity: Installing and removing track shoes is a time-consuming process that requires the right tools and experience. It can take hours to swap out a set of shoes, and improper installation can lead to safety hazards or equipment failure.
3. Wear and Tear: Track shoes are subject to heavy wear, especially when used on abrasive surfaces like rocky terrain. Regular inspection and maintenance are required to ensure they remain functional, which adds to the overall cost of ownership.

Installation and Removal of Track Shoes

Installing and removing track shoes requires specific tools and should always be done with caution. The good news is that track shoes can be installed without disassembling the track itself. Here’s a basic overview:

1. Tools Required: You’ll need a wrench set, jack stands and possibly a hydraulic jack to raise the machine. Make sure you also have the correct replacement bolts and washers.
2. Safety Precautions: Before beginning any work, make sure the machine is securely lifted and stabilized. Never work under an unsupported machine and always follow proper lockout/tagout procedures.
3. Installation Process: Begin by aligning the shoe plate with the track’s mounting holes. Insert and tighten the bolts, being careful not to overtighten, as this can lead to stripped threads or cracking in the shoe plate.
4. Removal Process: Loosen the bolts carefully to avoid damaging the threads. If the shoes are worn or damaged, inspect the track links for wear and replace any bolts that show signs of damage.

Cost and Other Considerations

The cost of track shoes varies depending on the material and type of shoe. A single steel track shoe for an excavator can range from $30 to $100 or more, while a full set could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the size of the machine. Rubber shoes tend to be cheaper but wear out faster, so consider the total lifespan when making your choice.

Final Thoughts

Track shoes are a helpful addition to any tracked machine, providing traction, stability and protection for your equipment’s undercarriage. Choosing the right type of shoe for your excavator or other equipment can significantly impact its performance and longevity. Keep in mind the limitations and additional costs associated with track shoes and be sure to maintain them properly to get the most out of your investment. The EquipmentShare Shop offers replacement parts for heavy equipment undercarriages, including track components. Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Reach out to our dedicated parts experts and get personalized assistance.