Steel Tracks vs. Wheels: A Complete Guide to Operating Different Types of Excavators
- RALPH COPE
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
If you’ve ever stood on a construction site and watched two excavators side by side — one with steel tracks grinding through the mud and another with rubber tyres rolling smoothly over asphalt — you’ve probably wondered: Why the difference?
It’s not just about looks. The choice between a steel-tracked excavator and a wheeled excavator completely changes how the machine behaves, what kind of terrain it can handle, how it’s maintained, and even how the operator should think behind the controls.
Whether you’re an owner, operator, or fleet manager, understanding these differences isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s money in the bank. The right machine in the right environment saves you time, parts, and headaches.
Let’s dig in (pun intended) to what really separates the two.
1. Steel-Tracked Excavators: The Heavyweight of the Earthmoving World
If excavators were boxers, the steel-tracked version would be the guy who trains in the mud, eats gravel for breakfast, and doesn’t care what the weather looks like.
Steel tracks are all about traction, stability, and brute strength. They’re made for rough terrain — think soft clay, rocky ground, or uneven surfaces where wheels would sink or spin.
Because tracks spread the excavator’s weight over a larger area, the ground pressure is much lower. This allows the machine to float over soft terrain without getting bogged down.
That’s why you’ll find tracked excavators in mining, forestry, and large-scale earthworks where conditions are unpredictable.
But there’s a trade-off. Tracked excavators move slowly — often only 5 to 10 km/h — and can chew up asphalt or concrete if you try to drive them across a paved road. They also require more frequent undercarriage inspections, as the track chains, rollers, and idlers take a beating every time the machine moves.
2. Wheeled Excavators: The Agile Urban Operator
On the other hand, wheeled excavators are like the city slickers of the family — nimble, quick, and surprisingly versatile.
Instead of tracks, they run on large rubber tyres, allowing them to travel at speeds up to 35 km/h on roads. That means no low-bed transport between job sites, which can save significant time and logistics costs.
They shine in urban and road maintenance work, where stability on hard ground matters more than raw traction. They can hop between jobs, navigate tight city spaces, and work on paved surfaces without damaging them.
Most wheeled excavators are fitted with stabilizers and a dozer blade for balance during digging. When deployed, these legs keep the machine from tipping or rocking, effectively compensating for the lack of tracks.
The downsides?
They’re not great in muddy, loose, or uneven terrain.
Tyres can wear quickly if overloaded or operated on sharp debris.
The lifting capacity is often slightly lower than tracked counterparts of the same weight class.
Still, for speed, mobility, and efficiency in city projects, wheeled excavators are hard to beat.
3. Operating Differences: Tracks vs. Wheels in the Real World
A. Movement and Speed
Tracked excavators “walk” by turning their steel tracks with hydraulic motors. It’s slower and more deliberate, but gives incredible control on uneven ground. They can even pivot 360° in place — a huge advantage in confined areas like trenches or slopes.
Wheeled excavators, meanwhile, drive like heavy trucks, complete with steering axles. They can zip around job sites and travel between them under their own power. However, they need more space to turn and can’t pivot on the spot.
If you’re working across multiple small sites in a day, the wheeled model wins. If you’re staying put on one large site, tracked is the way to go.
B. Terrain and Stability
Steel tracks distribute the excavator’s weight across a much larger surface area. That means less pressure per square centimetre — crucial when working on soft ground.
Wheels, by contrast, focus the weight on four points, increasing ground pressure and making them more likely to sink or slip on loose material.
In short:
Steel tracks: dominate on mud, gravel, and slopes
Wheels: ideal on concrete, asphalt, and compacted soil
C. Turning and Control
Tracked excavators turn by skid steering — running one track faster than the other or in opposite directions. This lets them spin on the spot but also increases wear on the track pads, rollers, and surface underneath.
Wheeled excavators use hydraulic steering, similar to a loader or truck. It’s smoother and faster, but with a wider turning radius.
For delicate positioning or trenching in uneven conditions, tracks feel steadier. For speed and comfort on flat ground, wheels take the win.
D. Operator Technique
Operating a tracked excavator is a bit like playing chess — slow, controlled, and focused on stability. The operator constantly adjusts the boom and bucket to balance the machine on slopes, avoiding sudden jerks or overloading the undercarriage.
A wheeled excavator operator, on the other hand, must think like a driver. They manage stabilizers, road traffic rules, and uneven tyre pressure. When digging, stabilizer placement and proper leg extension are key to maintaining balance and precision.
Both require skill — but different kinds of it.
4. Maintenance and Wear: The Hidden Cost of Movement
Here’s where the difference really shows up in your wallet.
Steel-Tracked Machines
The undercarriage makes up about 50% of the machine’s total maintenance cost. Each roller, link, and idler wears as the tracks grind over dirt, rocks, and debris. Regular cleaning and inspection are critical to prevent premature wear.
Key maintenance points:
Keep the undercarriage clean after each shift.
Check and adjust track tension regularly.
Inspect for loose bolts and uneven pad wear.
Failing to do this can shorten track life dramatically — sometimes by thousands of hours.
Wheeled Machines
Tyres are easier (and cheaper) to replace than full track assemblies, but they’re still not cheap. Running with the wrong inflation pressure, hitting curbs, or overloading the axles can quickly damage them.
Operators should:
Maintain correct tyre pressure for load and surface type.
Avoid spinning tyres on soft ground.
Check stabilizer pads and hydraulic systems frequently.
Wheeled excavators also tend to need more frequent brake and axle inspections, especially if used for long-distance travel between sites.
5. Efficiency and Fuel Consumption
Tracked excavators consume slightly more fuel — partly because of higher friction and the extra effort required to move the heavy undercarriage. But that’s offset by superior traction in tough conditions, meaning fewer slips, better digging power, and less wasted motion.
Wheeled excavators are more fuel-efficient on firm ground and can save significant diesel on road travel and repositioning. However, pushing them into muddy or uneven terrain will spike fuel usage fast.
As a rule of thumb:
Steel tracks: higher fuel burn, higher productivity on difficult ground
Wheels: lower fuel burn, best performance on flat or paved terrain
6. Cost and Lifecycle Considerations
Let’s talk numbers.
While initial purchase prices vary depending on brand and model, wheeled excavators generally cost 10–20% more upfront. That’s because of the added components — steering systems, axles, and stabilizers.
However, tracked excavators can cost more to transport (since they need a trailer for road moves) and maintain (especially undercarriages).
If your jobs are mostly urban, wheeled machines can easily make up that difference in saved transport and downtime. But if your work is rural, remote, or off-road — the durability and longevity of steel tracks will more than pay for themselves.
7. Safety Considerations
Both machine types can be incredibly safe — or dangerously unpredictable — depending on how they’re used.
Tracked Excavators:
Always inspect track condition before operating on slopes.
Avoid high-speed turns on uneven ground — it stresses rollers and can destabilize the cab.
Keep the upper structure level to prevent tipping during deep digs.
Wheeled Excavators:
Always deploy stabilizers before digging or lifting.
Use caution when traveling on public roads — even at 35 km/h, they’re not built for sudden braking.
Avoid operating on steep slopes or soft ground without stabilizers.
Training, terrain awareness, and proper load management are key safety pillars for both types.
8. Choosing the Right Machine for Your Operation
So, which one is “better”?That depends entirely on what you’re doing — and where you’re doing it.
Pick Steel-Tracked Excavators if you:
Work mostly on soft, muddy, or uneven terrain
Need maximum stability and digging power
Have dedicated transport between sites
Prioritize traction and precision over speed
Pick Wheeled Excavators if you:
Operate in urban or paved environments
Need to travel between multiple sites daily
Want faster repositioning and reduced transport costs
Don’t often face soft or sloped terrain
A mixed fleet often makes the most sense — tracks for the heavy lifting, wheels for the quick and mobile work.
9. Real-World Example
A contractor in Johannesburg handling both urban roadworks and rural trenching projects might deploy two excavators:
A Volvo EC210B with steel tracks for rural and muddy trenching
A Volvo EW160E wheeled excavator for quick response and road jobs
The combination covers both mobility and stability, reduces downtime, and extends equipment lifespan through proper machine matching.
10. Conclusion: Grip vs. Speed
At the end of the day, it’s simple:
Steel tracks win on traction, power, and stability.
Wheels win on speed, mobility, and roadworthiness.
One’s the mountain goat, the other’s the racehorse. Choose based on the battlefield, not just the brochure.
Whatever you choose, operating technique, maintenance, and site awareness will determine how long your excavator performs — and how much it costs you in the long run.
About Vikfin
At Vikfin, we’ve spent years supplying quality used excavator parts to operators across South Africa — from undercarriage components for tracked machines to hydraulic and steering parts for wheeled models.
We understand how every bolt, pin, and seal contributes to keeping your machine running efficiently. Whether you’re rebuilding, upgrading, or maintaining your fleet, our team can help you find the right part — fast.
Talk to Vikfin today for expert advice, dependable parts, and service that keeps your excavator working as hard as you do.
#ExcavatorParts #SteelTracks #WheeledExcavator #ExcavatorMaintenance #ConstructionEquipment #Earthmoving #HeavyMachinery #TrackedExcavator #ExcavatorGuide #OperatorTips #Vikfin #ExcavatorRepair #UndercarriageCare #HydraulicSystems #Earthworks #MachineMaintenance #ConstructionSouthAfrica #ExcavatorFleet #EquipmentComparison #VikfinBlog
Comments