Complete Guide to Rubber Track Pads: Types, Benefits, and Maintenance
Rubber pads are essential wear products in the construction industry. Used on heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, backhoes, and some specialty equipment, these products are used to protect sensitive surfaces from scarring or abrasion damage. At Wearparts, we offer a wide line up of pads from 230 millimeters all the way up to 900 millimeters.
Rubber pads offer the most cost-effective solution for ground protection. Alternatives like wood or plastic matting can serve the same purpose but are significantly more expensive.
Benefits of Rubber Track Pads
Pavement Protection
One of the main reasons operators use rubber track pads is to protect the surfaces the machine is running on. Without pads, the steel tracks can cause serious damage to concrete and asphalt. Many municipalities have regulations regarding construction equipment. Often, they prohibit the use of steel tracks on public roads entirely. Rubber track pads offer a solution, attaching over the steel track grousers and eliminating the contact of steel with the pavement.
Traction & Grip
Rubber pads help to improve machine traction and grip. Rubber conforms slightly to microscopic texture and surface changes in solid surfaces, resulting in more surface area in contact with the asphalt or concrete. Rubber as a compound has inherent elasticity and high coefficient of friction which forms molecular bonds (Van der Waals forces) with the atoms of the surface.
Vibration & Shock
Rubber pads absorb vibration and shock, which maintains steadier ground contact and reduces slippage during acceleration, braking, or turning, whereas steel tracks are more prone to slipping. The absorption of vibration and shock enhances operator comfort especially when operating on uneven terrain or transitioning between surface types. This results in less operator fatigue by creating a smoother, more stable ride.
Workplace Noise
Pads also help reduce workplace noise, which is crucial in urban and residential work environments.
Undercarriage Life
Rubber pads prolong the life of heavy equipment undercarriages. They cushion impact and reduce wear on metal-to-metal components like drive sprockets, rollers, and idlers.
Individual/Small Batch Purchasing
One of the biggest advantages of track pads is if one is damaged on the machine, you don’t have to purchase an entire new set to replace. You can buy one or just a few pads to switch out for any damaged ones, saving money instead of having to replace an entire steel or rubber track.
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Types of Rubber Track Pads
Clip-On Track Pads
Clip-on track pads are a quick install option that clamps directly onto the steel grousers. They are designed for maximum time efficiency, easy to install to equipment without additional hardware. This pad option is a great option for short term use, contractors, and rental fleets. They can be installed on the machine, used for a few months, and taken back off for a different jobsite. Many rental companies offer clip-on pads as an additional option to rented equipment, an upsell.
These products have clips on each end of the pad, once you set the pad onto the steel grouser you tighten the bolts on each clip and it locks into place.
Some consumers show concern about clip-on pads staying on, but if the pad is fitted correctly, there is nothing to worry about. If the pad is improperly fitted, it will be loose and sloppy, with the risk of twisting off the steel grousers. All Wearparts clip-on pads have mounting lugs on the bottom site that set down into the grousers, locking it into place.
Bolt-On Track Pads
Bolt-on track pads are a semi-permanent option that bolts through the steel grousers. The grousers would need to have holes to install the bolts through, sometimes it is necessary to torch the holes or drill them into the grouser with a mag drill. Often times, grousers come from the OEM with pre-drilled holes for easier installation. This is a huge benefit, as drilling holes after production compromises the heat treatment process and potentially poses a risk to lowering the lifetime of the grouser.
These pads are a more permanent option than the clip-on pads, as they are a longer process to put on and take off, which eats into the downtime of the machine. These pads are great choice for projects where the machinery is consistently working on surfaces that require the extra protection.
Bolt-on pads have the added benefit of lower maintenance, as they require fewer inspections and adjustments compared to the clip-on pad option, which sometimes requires repositioning or tightening over time.
Roadliner (Chain-On) Track Pads
Roadliner track pads are a heavy-duty, permanent option. These bolt directly to the steel track chain for maximum stability. These offer an integrated, secure fitment for heavy machinery. Oftentimes, roadliner pads are used in high-hour, high-impact, or heavy-duty jobsites.
These pads offer the best load distribution and greatest structural strength of all of Wearparts’ pad options. As it is an integrated pad/shoe design, roadliners run quieter and smoother than clip-on or bolt-on styles. Fewer moving parts results in less hardware loosening and less maintenance over time.
When purchasing new machines, roadliner pads often come as a kit on the chain, ready to go. Initially it can be twice to three times the cost of rubber tracks, but they are much more durable.
Stabilizer Pads
Stabilizer pads are for a completely different application than the previous three pad styles. These pads go on the bottom of backhoe stabilizer arms or outrigger feet. These are completely smooth rubber.
Stabilizer pads play a key role in protecting paved surfaces, without them, the exposed metal of the stabilizer arms can cause abrasions on the asphalt or concrete.
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Choosing a Pad Style
| Feature / Benefit | Clip-On Pads | Bolt-On Pads | Roadliner Pads | Stabilizer Pads |
| Attachment Style | Clamp directly over existing steel shoes with clips and hardware | Bolt through pre-drilled holes in the steel shoe | Integrated one-piece pad + shoe assembly | Bolted to the stabilizer leg or outrigger foot |
| Installation Speed | ⏱️ Fastest – quick install/remove | Moderate – bolt alignment required | Slowest – replaces entire shoe | Simple – direct bolt replacement |
| Durability | Good for light- to medium-duty use | Excellent for heavy duty, long-term work | Superior – strongest and most durable | Very high – built for static load wear and tear |
| Surface Protection | Great for temporary pavement work | Excellent on asphalt/concrete | Excellent – thickest rubber coverage | Prevents cracking and scarring during machine stabilization |
| Traction & Stability | Good – flexible, lighter-duty | Strong – solid mounting for better grip | Outstanding – thick rubber + steel base | Maximum stability – anti-slip rubber compound |
| Noise & Vibration | Quieter than steel, slight rattle possible | Very quiet and smooth | Quietest, lowest vibration | Significantly reduces shock and impact noise |
| Maintenance | May need re-tightening or clip replacement | Low – periodic bolt checks | Minimal – no hardware loosening | Low – replaceable rubber pad inserts available |
| Best For | Short-term or mixed-surface projects | Long-term pavement or heavy construction | High-hour, permanent pavement operation | Stationary support – backhoes, excavators, cranes |
| Key Advantage | Quick changeover and flexibility | Secure, durable mounting | All-in-one, strongest design | Protects surfaces while improving stability |
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Non-Marking Rubber Pads
We also offer non-marking pads, for when operators are working on finished or extra-sensitive surfaces. These pads are made of an off-white rubber, which does not leave black scuff marks or streaks on the ground. They offer the same traction and cushioning as standard rubber pads, while offering benefits such as reduced cleanup costs. These are ideal for interior work.
All non-marking rubber pads are special order.
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How to Determine When A Pad Needs Replaced
There are many different circumstances that affect when a rubber pad needs replaced.
- Worn Tread
- Similar to rubber tracks or tires, the tread can wear down, reducing traction and stability. On clip-on pads, you can wear the rubber all the way down to the metal clips, then it will need replaced.
- Cracks, Cuts, or Chunking
- Look for splits or missing chunks of rubber, especially around the edges and mounting points.
- Exposed Steel
- All of Wearparts’ pads have steel cores inside, if any there is any visible steel it is time to replace the pad as it could cause damage to the pavement.
- Loose or Damaged Hardware
- Sometimes bolt heads can strip out or shear off, clips can break, and other hardware components can be compromised. This can cause the pad to shift or detach from the machine.
Performance Indicators
Worn pads lose their cushioning, resulting in increased vibration. The machine could also start slipping more than usual, or uneven wear patterns can cause improper alignment.
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How Wearparts Rubber Pads Are Made
Our pads are manufactured using a proven vulcanization process that ensures a strong bond, resisting delamination and peel-off defects. They are engineered to endure heavy stress and resist tearing. Our specialized rubber compound maintains shape and strength. All pads contain a strong steel core.
Rubber pads last 2-3 times longer than rubber tracks. Wearparts rubber pads have a durometer reading of about 81, whereas rubber tracks have a reading in the low seventies. Tracks need to be more malleable as they need to bend around the idler and sprocket.
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Conclusion
At Wearparts, we pride ourselves on quality and wear life. We strive to maximize uptime for our customers, while providing exceptional customer service and quick delivery times. Get in contact with our experienced sales team for all rubber tracks, pads, and ground engaging tools needs!