If you’re looking for track pads, the biggest challenge usually isn’t finding them. It’s knowing which ones you actually need.
There are different attachment types, sizes, and applications to consider, and getting it wrong can lead to damage to your tracks, premature wear, poor fitment, or wasted time returning parts.
This guide breaks down what actually matters so you can choose the right track pads the first time.
Start With How Your Machine Is Used
Before looking at sizes or styles, the first question is simple: how is your machine being used day to day?
- Are you working mostly on finished surfaces like concrete or asphalt?
- Are you switching between dirt and hardstand regularly?
- Is this a long-term project setup or something you need to change often?
Your application will usually determine the type of pad you need before anything else.
If you’re regularly working on sealed or sensitive surfaces, durability and consistent contact matter more. If your work changes from site to site, flexibility and ease of changeover become more important.
Choosing the Right Type of Pad
There are two main options when it comes to track pads: bolt-on and clip-on.
Bolt-on pads are better suited to machines that stay set up the same way. They offer a more secure fit and tend to last longer under consistent use.
Clip-on pads are designed for flexibility. They can be installed and removed quickly, making them a good option for machines that move between different types of work.
If you’re unsure which direction to go, it’s worth understanding the differences in more detail. You can read our breakdown here: Bolt-On vs Clip-On Track Pads.
Getting the Right Size and Fitment
Once you’ve worked out the type of pad, sizing becomes the next priority.
Track pads need to match your machine correctly. Even small variations in width or bolt spacing can cause fitment issues.
The key things to check are:
- Track shoe or grouser plate width
- Bolt hole spacing (if applicable) and number of holes
- Number of shoes/grousers per track
If you’re unsure, using a measurement guide or checking your machine specifications will help avoid ordering the wrong size.
Watch: How to measure for the correct track pad fitment below
Why Quality Makes a Difference
Not all track pads are built the same.
Rubber compound, bonding quality, and internal structure all affect how the pad performs over time. Lower-quality pads may look similar initially, but they tend to wear faster, move under load, or fail prematurely.
For example, Everpads outlines how their rubber track pads use proprietary compounds designed for specific applications, including cut-resistant and tear-resistant molecular structures for excavators working across harsh surfaces like rail, glass and rugged terrain (see their breakdown of E15, E22 and E30 rubber compounds). These compounds are engineered to keep pads intact even after repeated contact with sharp objects, which is a common failure point in lower-grade products.
They also reference extended service life through compound design and reduced heat build-up in high-load applications, both of which directly influence how long a pad will last in real-world site conditions.
This is the difference that shows up when working on-site. Not in how the pad looks when it arrives, but how it performs after weeks and months of use.
Installation and Practical Considerations
Before choosing, it’s worth thinking about how the pads will be used day to day:
- How often will you need to remove or refit them?
- Are you working mostly on finished surfaces or switching between conditions?
- Do you have time on site for install, or does it need to be quick?
These factors usually matter more than the product itself.
Wear, Environment and Common Mistakes
These factors are often where the right or wrong choice shows up in practice. A quick reference:
Scenario / Factor | What It Means | What to Do |
Hardstand / concrete surfaces | Higher abrasion and heat build-up | Prioritise more durable compounds and secure fitment |
High utilisation machines | Constant load and repetition accelerates wear | Choose longer-life pads over convenience |
Mixed environments (dirt + finished surfaces) | Frequent change in conditions | Consider flexible multiple setups that can be removed when needed |
Choosing based on price only | Short-term saving, faster wear or failure | Match the pad to the application first, then compare options |
Incorrect measurements | Poor fitment, movement, premature failure or Track damage | Always confirm width and spacing before ordering |
Using a flexible setup for long-term work | Increased movement and wear over time | Use a more permanent, secure option |
Matching the pad to how and where the machine is used will have a bigger impact on performance than the product itself.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right track pads comes down to three things:
- How your machine operates on your application
- Getting the correct size and fitment for your track
- Selecting a pad that will hold up in your applications environment
If you get those right, everything else falls into place.
If you’re unsure, our team can help you work through the options and make sure you’re getting the right setup for your machine and the type of work you’re doing.
