Skid steer tracks on heavy equipment

Track Solutions

Skid Steer Tracks

While many commercial machines run on heavy-duty tires, some construction equipment uses tracks for better traction and stability. Tracks are designed to ensure smooth equipment operation even in the most challenging terrain.

If you're looking to buy replacement tracks for your construction and industrial equipment, visit CFI Tire Service in Council Bluffs and Glenwood, IA today.

Why Does Heavy Equipment Use Tracks Instead of Tires?

Construction and industrial equipment is extremely heavy and must be capable of traversing any terrain. Tracks provide better traction and allow heavy machinery to move around without getting stuck or damaging key components. Tracks are highly resistant to cutting and tearing and can perform on rough, rocky, and muddy surfaces.

Skid steer track close-up Skid steer tracks at work

Which Vehicles Use Tracks?

Tracks are installed on heavy equipment machines primarily used in construction, agriculture, landscaping, demolition, and recycling industries. Some machines that use tracks include:

  • Mini Excavators
  • Skid-Steers
  • Multi Terrain Loaders
  • Compact Track Loaders

Benefits of Using Tracks

  • Better flotation
  • Smoother ride on rough fields
  • Higher level of tractive efficiency over a wide range of soil conditions
  • More hillside stability
  • Easy implement hook-up
  • No tire pressure to adjust
  • Minimal ballast changes
  • No power hop

Track Comparison

What Tread Should I Use?

Choose the right pattern for your surface and workload

Rubber track tread matters just as much as track size. ZigZag tread is a strong choice for softer ground, winter work, and mixed off-road use, while C-Lug tread is built for harder, more abrasive surfaces that demand durability and bite.

Best on softer ground

ZigZag tread helps maintain traction in mud, dirt, farm use, snow, and mixed terrain.

Best on harder surfaces

C-Lug tread stands up to rock, gravel, concrete, asphalt, and demanding jobsite conditions.

Soft Terrain Favorite

ZigZag Tread

Flexible Grip
ZigZag tread pattern on rubber tracks

Best for

Mud and soft surfaces

Common use

Farm, dirt, and winter work

  • Excellent traction on soft, uneven ground
  • Works well in dirt, farm applications, and mixed terrain
  • Strong option for snow-pushing and icy conditions

ZigZag tread is ideal when you need a little more flexibility and consistent traction on softer or seasonal surfaces without getting overly aggressive.

Hard Surface Favorite

C-Lug Tread

High Durability
C-Lug tread pattern on rubber tracks

Best for

Rock, gravel, and construction sites

Common use

Concrete, asphalt, and high-abuse jobs

  • Built to handle hard terrain and abrasive material
  • Performs well on concrete, asphalt, and crushed rock
  • Durable choice for heavier construction and demolition work

C-Lug tread is the better fit when your machine spends more time on hard, abrasive surfaces where durability and consistent bite matter most.

OE quality tracks with continuous steel cabling and drop forged links

Interactive Demo

Skid Steer Tread Choices

Pick a tread, choose a job site, and see whether your machine makes it through the route. The idea is simple: ZigZag shines on softer terrain, while C-Lug holds up better on harder, abrasive surfaces.

1

Choose Your Tread

Select the pattern you want to run on the machine.

2

Choose A Job Site

Match the track to the ground conditions.

Pick both a tread and a job site to start. The machine will either complete the route or struggle based on your choice.

Quick rule of thumb: ZigZag is usually the better match for softer ground. C-Lug is usually the better match for harder, more abrasive surfaces.

Shop Rubber Tracks for Your Equipment

CFI Tire Service is your trusted provider of high-quality rubber tracks for all of your compact construction equipment. Visit our store in Council Bluffs and Glenwood, IA or contact us today. We're sure to have the right rubber tracks for your equipment.

Skid steer equipment with tracks