Tracked vehicles can be a game changer in certain circumstances. Learn how your farm may benefit from the use of a vehicle with tracks instead of tires.
What are tracks?
Tracks go by a few different names. You might know them as caterpillar treads, and vehicles that have them are sometimes known as crawlers. Picture a military tank driving around on continuous bands of interconnected metal plates instead of tires—that’s an example of a tracked vehicle.
Many tracked vehicles have two tracks, one on each side. Some large agricultural tractors have four tracks, with two on each side. The length, width, and configuration of the tracks can vary depending on the vehicle and its purpose. Tracks can be made of metal, rubber, or a combination of both.
You don’t have to invest in a powerful agricultural tractor to gain the advantages of a tracked vehicle. A skid steer with tracks is a more affordable and practical option for small-scale farmers looking to benefit from tracks without breaking the bank. Also, some utility tractors are either designed to work with tracks or can be fitted with them. An example is the John Deere 40C, a version of the John Deere 40 that came with tracks instead of tires.
Advantages of tracks vs. tires
Tracks offer a big advantage over tires: improved flotation. What does this mean? It means the tracks spread the weight of the vehicle across a larger footprint and decrease the likelihood of the machine sinking into soft or wet ground. They “float” across the ground and won’t rut the soil as much as tires, especially if you opt for wide tracks that spread weight even more. With improved flotation, a tracked vehicle is less likely to get bogged down or stuck in wet ground. Traction in soft conditions can be much superior with tracks than tires.
Another advantage of tracks compared to tires is the fact tracks can’t go flat. Tracks can become damaged, true, but you don’t have to keep an eye on tire air pressure and won’t be interrupted by flat or punctured tires.
Tracked vehicles can also offer a smooth ride, since their large footprint evens out bumps and dips in the terrain. And they can be quite maneuverable, even turning in place by driving the tracks in opposite directions, much like a zero-turn mower. Most farm vehicles with tires don’t have this turn-in-place ability.
Disadvantages of tracks vs. tires
Of course, it’s hard to engineer perfection, and tracked vehicles have disadvantages too. Maintenance is a downside; the components of the tracks suffer a lot of strain while in operation, so you may find yourself replacing parts (like rollers, idlers, etc.) as they wear out. Maintaining proper track tension is another area requiring attention. And while specifics may vary, the track components also require grease and oil. Regularly cleaning the tracks can help prevent excess wear and mechanical issues, but that’s an extra chore, and not always an easy one.
Another disadvantage? Tracks can inflict damage to the terrain over which they drive. Tracked vehicles steer by driving their tracks at different speeds. This method of turning can be damaging to various types of ground, including lawns and grassy fields. Plus, metal tracks can damage pavement. Rubberized tracks can help alleviate these issues, but no solution is perfect.
Also, tracked vehicles tend to be more expensive than similar vehicles with tires.
Will your farm benefit from a tracked vehicle?
It comes down to this: if you need to tackle farming jobs over wet or soft ground, a tracked vehicle can allow you to power through conditions that would stop wheeled vehicles, either because they would get stuck or because they would cause too much rutting. And if you need to operate, say, a front-end loader in tight spots where maneuverability is critical, a small tracked vehicle like a skid steer might be perfect.
However, if you don’t see yourself in these circumstances—if your land is typically dry and firm and you don’t need to maneuver in tight spots—a vehicle with tires can alleviate the disadvantages of tracks and serve your needs just fine.
This article about tracked vehicles was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
