F.A.Q - Agriculture

How long will the tracks last?

How long will the tracks last? There are many variables that determine overall track life. Track life is dependent on: the amount of roading, soil types/conditions, amount of slip , weight/ballast, side slope usage, frequency of turning, track alignment, crop types/residue. application/implement: In general, the Camoplast Durabuilt 5500 Series will have the greatest life due to its thicker carcass construction and in most cases, taller/thicker treadbars.

Are the tracks available from the tractor manufacturers the same tracks as Camoplast offers through its dealers/distributors?

In many cases, yes, Camoplast offers the exact same track. When there are differences, the Camoplast offered track is of improved construction, i.e. thicker track carcass. If a track has both the tractor manufacturer part number and the Camoplast part number on the side of the track, the tractor manufacturer track is identical to the Camoplast offered track.

When should tracks be replaced?

Tracks should be replaced when any of the following conditions are met: the treadbars are worn to less than 1/2 inch (12 mm), track to ground slippage consistently exceeds 10 to 12 percent, several treads are missing in a row, multiple guide lugs are missing in a row, guide lugs have excessive wear, de-tracking occurs due to missing or worn guide lugs, tear in the carcass, cables are showing on the inside surface, drivewheel to track slippage is excessive. Depending on the reason for track replacement, the customer may want to consider a different Durabuilt track series to improve overall track life with the replacement track.

Why should I use tracks over wheels?

Improved productivity: Tracked tractors typically slip between 1 and 4 percent, whereas wheeled tractors slip between 8 and 15 percent. Increased slip with the wheeled tractors means you are burning more fuel and covering less ground than tracked tractors. Less compaction: Tracked equipment has greater surface area and more axles, reducing overall soil compaction. Several university studies have shown that reduced soil compaction can significantly increase crop yields. Wet conditions: Tracked tractors/implements have greater surface area and more axles, allowing tracked equipment to get into the field in wetter soil conditions than wheeled equipment. This allows operators to maintain the tight planting and harvesting windows required for today's farming practices. Powerhop: Powerhop may vary dependent on implement and field conditions on wheeled tractors. Powerhop is corrected by increasing weight/ballast and increasing tire pressure and may need to be adjusted for differing field conditions and/or when changing implements. Both increasing weight/ballast and increasing tire pressure have a negative impact on soil compaction. Tracked tractors do not exhibit powerhop. Machine Width: Tracked tractors are typically narrower than comparable wheeled tractors. This allows tracked tractors to be transported much easier than wheeled tractors.

Why do the Camoplast Durabuilt tracks have a component assembled look compared to a one-piece molded appearance of other track manufacturers?

The Camoplast track is an assembled track instead of a molded track. The assembled components allow better optimization of material properties in different areas of the tracks. Camoplast uses materials optimized for guide lug, treadbars, and carcass and can accurately control the placement of the materials. It also allows Camoplast to easily customize tracks for specific applications.