Rubber chain

Rubber tracks are caterpillar tracks that are mainly used on construction machines such as mini excavators , tracked dumpers, compact loaders (so-called skid steer loaders), work platforms and snow tracs . They offer several advantages over steel chains. They are much lighter and do less damage to the subsurface. In addition, due to the rubber and the smaller pitch, the driving comfort and driving behavior is significantly better, which is easy on man and machine.

Similar to a car tire , rubber tracks consist of a type of steel casing that is surrounded by rubber . Black rubber is typically used, which leaves stubborn black marks on light, hard floors. If these marks are not wanted, rubber chains are also available in a "non-marking" version made of gray rubber, which leaves hardly any marks behind.

Bridgestone rubber chains were introduced and initially sold exclusively . In the meantime, the range offered by other manufacturers can hardly be overlooked, and the qualities on offer are just as diverse.

Conventionally, rubber chains are constructed with loose wire ropes that are connected at one point with an overlap. This is the weak point of the construction and a selective overload of this point can lead to failure.

Endless rubber tracks have been produced in China since 2004 and are said to have a longer average service life. The steel band on the inside is wound and does not overlap as with conventional chains. There are no weak points at the connections, as there are no seams in these steel cables. Today there are already six manufacturers who manufacture this type of endless chain.