Continental
Rob Schultz: Marketing Communications Americas
Reading the track size is typically the same for all manufacturers, but there are two different ways to write it: e.g. 252”x 36” or 36”x 252”
The larger number is the length of the track if you were to cut it and lay it flat. The smaller number is the width of the track. Tracks to date have been most prevalent in the US and are therefore in inches.
Similar to tires for a vehicle, the owner should refer to the OEM documentation for guidance on the proper size track for their equipment.
Regardless of the undercarriage type, the width of the track must be large enough to support the wheel of the undercarriage. Improper support of the wheels can damage the track and potentially the wheels as well.
The length and guide lug specifications for a positive drive undercarriage is especially critical due to the tooth and gear engagement of the track with the drive wheel. If not correct, the wheel can damage the track and cause it to fail. For the friction drive undercarriage the track length is important for the tension settings to keep the track in place.
As always, to ensure correct fitment, please contact your local Continental AG Track Dealer.
Soucy Track
Eric Halstead, Eng: Rubber Tracks Technical Expert / Agricultural Products
Unfortunately, AG tracks do not have standardized naming conventions like tires for their size and capabilities. The fit between a vehicle and a track might be trickier than it appears at first look.
For example, for a positive drive track, the number of drive lugs and an “approximate” pitch length may not be enough. Other factors will influence the correct meshing of the track on the sprocket, like the position of the neutral axis in the track belt, the track elongation under high tractive effort, and the exact pitch length (never exactly 6 inches). Drive lug size (width and height) can be checked quickly to make sure there is no interference between the inside of the track and the undercarriage. The weight it can support and the speed at which the vehicle could go is also very important, and there is unfortunately no way to know if a track, even with exact same dimensions, can support a specific application. Number of plies or belting thickness are false indications and should not be used as equivalence factors.
My best advice is to consult manufacturers websites and look for vehicle compatibility lists, or contact manufacturers engineering to establish the application compatibility with specific application: http://info.soucy-track.com/compatibilities-list-download
All information is provided in this blog solely to provoke thought. All deductions made from information on this site must be confirmed by Certified Ag Track Dealer before use. Ag Track Talk does not recommend anyone conduct track service work with exception of Certified Ag Track Dealer Professionals.
