Rubber Track Pads Explained: Types, Benefits, Applications and Buying Tips

Rubber track pads are used when a steel tracked machine needs to work on surfaces that steel grousers can damage. They are common on excavators, dozers, crawler cranes and road related equipment. In 2026, they remain important for contractors working around finished concrete, asphalt, car parks, streets, warehouses, landscaping and urban construction sites.

The practical problem is simple. Steel tracks are strong, but they can tear up finished surfaces and create noise and vibration. Rubber track pads add a rubber contact layer between the machine and the ground. This helps protect the surface, improve comfort and reduce avoidable repair costs.

Tradefaire supplies rubber track pads in Australia for heavy duty use, including pads for machines working in construction, mining, forestry, agriculture and material handling.

What are Rubber Track Pads?

Rubber track pads are rubber covered attachments fitted to the steel track system. Some fit over existing steel shoes. Some bolt through pre drilled shoes. Some replace the shoe and connect to the chain. The purpose is to keep the strength of a steel track system while adding rubber contact with the ground.

They are different from continuous rubber tracks. A continuous rubber track is a complete rubber loop. A rubber track pad is fitted to a steel tracked machine, one pad at a time or as part of the track chain system.

Main Types of Rubber Track Pads

Bolt on pads

Bolt on pads are fixed to steel shoes using bolts. They suit machines where the shoe has pre drilled holes or can accept the correct fitting. They are a strong choice for regular use because the connection is secure and the pad can be removed when needed. Tradefaire supplies bolt on rubber track pads for excavator applications.

Clip on Pads

Clip on pads clamp around the steel shoe. They are useful when fast fitting and removal matter. They can suit short term work on sealed surfaces, but they need proper checking because loose clips can cause pad loss or uneven wear.

Chain on Pads

Chain on pads connect directly to the track chain and are often used when a machine will spend most of its working life on finished surfaces. 

Benefits of Rubber Track Pads

Rubber pads are not only about protecting the ground. They also help the machine work with less vibration and better control on hard surfaces.

Key benefits include:

1. Less damage to asphalt, concrete, paving and finished slabs

2. Lower vibration through the machine and cab

3. Reduced noise in urban and residential work areas

4. Improved grip on some hard surfaces compared with bare steel

5. Lower risk of surface repair costs after the job

6. More suitable operation near finished property and public areas

Where are Rubber Track Pads Used?

Rubber track pads are useful wherever the machine needs steel track strength but cannot leave deep steel marks. Common jobs include:

1. Road maintenance and civil works

2. Urban excavations and drainage jobs

3. Commercial car parks and loading areas

4. Warehouse and factory sites

5. Landscaping and estate work

6. Residential demolition support

7. Paving, asphalt and concrete work zones

They can also help when machines travel between work areas on sealed ground. However, rubber pads do not make every surface safe. Sharp rubble, exposed steel, broken concrete and extreme side loading can still damage pads.

Real Site Problem: Surface Damage After the Job

A common dispute happens when an excavator finishes the work but leaves steel track marks on a driveway or slab. The contractor then faces surface repair, cleaning or client complaints. The machine did the digging correctly, but the wrong ground contact choice caused an avoidable cost.

The solution is to assess the surface before the machine arrives. If the machine must cross concrete, paving, asphalt or a finished access path, rubber pads should be considered before the job starts. For short access work, mats may also help. For regular sealed surface work, the right pad type is a better long term answer.

How to Choose the Right Rubber Track Pads

Do not choose pads by width alone. Check the full fitment and work type. The correct pad needs to suit the machine, the shoe, the chain, the surface and the work hours.

Before ordering, confirm:

1. Machine make, model and operating weight

2. Track shoe width and bolt pattern if using bolt on pads

3. Whether the job is short term or ongoing sealed surface work

4. Ground type, slope and turning space

5. Expected hours per week

6. Whether the machine also works on rough rock or demolition debris

The wrong pad type may still fit but wear too fast or create extra movement. A supplier should ask how the machine works, not only what model it is.

Maintenance Tips for Rubber Track Pads

Rubber pads need regular checks. Dirt and loose hardware can cause movement, pad loss and uneven wear.

1. Clean the track area after dirty work.

2. Check bolts, clips or chain fittings as recommended by the pad supplier.

3. Replace missing pads quickly to avoid uneven load on nearby pads.

4. Look for deep cuts, chunking, uneven wear and exposed steel.

5. Avoid sharp turning on dry concrete where possible.

Rubber track pads help protect surfaces, but they work best when chosen and maintained properly. For sizing, pad type and local supply advice, contact the Tradefaire contact team.