03/11/2026
How to choose rubber tracks for a mini excavator: read the track size, match the pitch, link count and letter listed for your machine, and check the undercarriage before you order.
Mini excavator tracks come in hundreds of sizes, and two tracks that look alike can differ by a few links or a letter. The right track is the one that matches the size, pitch and guide type listed for your machine. This guide explains how to read a mini excavator track size, what to match before you order, and what to check on the undercarriage first.
Key takeaways
Most people searching for mini excavator tracks need a replacement rubber track, and that is what this guide covers. Rubber tracks run on the same undercarriage as steel tracks: a drive sprocket, a front idler, bottom rollers and, on many machines, carrier rollers on top.
If you are weighing rubber against steel for your machine, our guide to rubber tracks vs. steel tracks for mini excavators sets out the differences. Our rubber tracks range lists each track against the machine it fits.
Mini excavator track sizes are written as width x pitch x number of links. Width and pitch are in millimeters. Many sizes end with one or two letters. Here is how to read a 400 x 72.5 x 72W track:
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| 400 | Track width: 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| 72.5 | Pitch, the distance between link centers: 72.5 mm (2.85 in) |
| 72 | Number of links around the track |
| W | On our listings, a letter in the size denotes the tread or guide type. Match it as well as the numbers. |
Tip
Look for a size that is still readable on the old track before you measure. If you need to measure, our guide to measuring rubber tracks shows how to take the width, pitch and link count. Sizes are given in millimeters: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
Mini excavator tracks come in several pitches. Our mini excavator listings include pitches of 48 mm (1.89 in), 52.5 mm (2.07 in), 55.5 mm (2.19 in) and 72.5 mm (2.85 in). A track that is the right width but the wrong pitch will not engage the sprocket properly.
The sprocket pitch must match the track. If you are changing the sprocket at the same time, order the one listed for your machine from our sprockets range rather than one listed for a similar model.
The link count sets the length of the track. One or two links too many and the track adjuster may not have enough travel to tension it. One or two too few and the track may not go on at all.
Our advice
Check all three numbers, not just the width. Two tracks can share a width and pitch and still differ by a few links.
Some machines take more than one size, so the width on the old track is the safest guide. Our listing for the Bobcat E35, for example, shows a 300 x 52.5 x 84N track. A different width is only an option if it is listed for your machine, so do not guess.
The letter matters too. Our listings use letters such as W, N, Y and KW in the size. A track with the same numbers but a different letter has a different tread or guide type, so treat it as a different track.
New tracks run on the same sprockets, idlers and rollers as the old ones. If those parts are worn, they can shorten the life of the new tracks and cause them to jump or come off. Check these parts before you fit new tracks:
Sprockets
Look at the shape of the teeth and compare them with a new sprocket. Our guide on how to tell if a sprocket is worn shows what to look for.
Front idler
Check the idler for worn treads and flanges, oil leaks and play. Replacement idlers are listed by make and model.
Bottom rollers and carrier rollers
Check that every roller turns freely and none is leaking. Change bottom rollers together rather than one at a time. Our guide to bottom rollers and carrier rollers explains the wear signs. Replacement rollers are listed by make and model.
Track adjuster and tension
Make sure the track adjuster holds tension. A track that will not stay tight often points to a leaking adjuster. Our guide to track adjusters explains how they work. Set the tension on the new tracks to the figure in your machine's operator's manual.
For a full picture of how these parts work together, see our guide to excavator undercarriage parts.
The table shows the sizes listed for a selection of mini excavators on our site. It shows how widely width, pitch and link count vary, even between machines of a similar size.
| Machine | Size listed | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Takeuchi TB216 | 230 x 48 x 68 | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Yanmar Vio35 | 300 x 55.5 x 82Y | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Takeuchi TB235 | 350 x 52.5 x 86W | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Takeuchi TB240 | 350 x 52.5 x 86W | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Kubota KX040 | 400 x 72.5 x 72W | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| CAT 305 CR | 400 x 72.5 x 72W | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Kubota U55-4 | 400 x 72.5 x 74KW | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
Sizes as listed on our product pages, November 2026. Each track is listed for a named machine. Order the track listed for your model, and do not assume a track listed for one machine fits another.
How long a set of tracks lasts depends on the ground, the work and how well tension is kept. Our guide to rubber track wear explains what to look for and how to make tracks last longer. As a rule, plan a replacement when you see:
Our rubber tracks are sold individually, and the price shown on each listing is for one track. Check whether you need one track or two before you order.
The bottom line
Look at the total cost of ownership, not just the price of the track. The right size on a sound undercarriage is what keeps the machine working.
Use the size of the track you are taking off, or the size on the listing for your make and model. Mini excavator track sizes are written as width x pitch x number of links, often followed by a letter, for example 400 x 72.5 x 72W. If the size on the old track can no longer be read, measure the width, pitch and links.
On our listings, a letter in the size, such as W, N or Y, denotes the tread or guide type. Two tracks with the same width, pitch and link count but a different letter are not the same track, so match the letter as well as the numbers.
Only if that width is listed for your machine. Some machines take more than one size. Check the sizes approved for your machine in its operator's manual, or send us the make, model and serial number and the team will check the options.
Our rubber tracks are sold individually. The price shown on each listing is for one track, so check whether you need one track or two before you order.
Set the tension to the figure in your machine's operator's manual. Too loose and the track can come off. Too tight and the undercarriage wears faster. Our rubber track care guide explains how to check it.
Related guides
Not sure which track fits your mini excavator?
Send us the make, model and serial number, or the size on the track you are taking off, and the team will check the size, pitch and guide type for your machine.
Talk to the teamGet a quoteManufacturer names and model numbers are used for identification only. Excavator Parts Direct is an independent supplier of aftermarket parts and is not affiliated with any manufacturer named.
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