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North Dakota | Pros and cons?
Which rides better?
What are the maintenence issues with tracks? |
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northern ny, | how bout a quad trac |
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Chebanse, IL..... | Following is from JD website:
Here's link: http://salesmanual.deere.com/sales/salesmanual/en_NA/tractors/2011/feature/undercarriage_and_tracks/9030/9030_tracks_advantages_disadvantages.html?sbu=ag&link=prodcat
| | 9030 Series Track Tractor advantages and disadvantages | | | Since track tractors act and ride differently than wheel (tire) tractors, a thorough review of the advantages, disadvantages, and operating considerations of tracks should be reviewed before determining whether tracks or tires are the best choice for the applications.
Tracks advantages:
Better flotation Smoother ride on rough fields (diagonally across rows) Higher level of tractive efficiency over a wider range of soil conditions More stability on hillsides (able to maintain traction) Better maneuverability (zero turn radius possible) Easier implement hookup Minimal ballast changes and no tire pressure to adjust No power hop
Tracks disadvantages:
Reduced steering control under heavy draft load (following terraces, contours) Possible PTO and drawbar interference when making sharp turns Not compatible with loaders and dozers Rough ride and/or vibration on hard surfaces Soil berming and more crop damage on end rows
Other considerations:
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| | Operating considerations: | | | A track tractor will exhibit a higher level of flotation in wet conditions and ride smoother on rough fields than a tire tractor. This is because of the tracks' ability to bridge over ruts and irregularities rather than dropping into them like each set of tires on a tire tractor; however, when crossing ditches or waterways, the bridging effect of tracks creates different characteristics. As the tracks tractor rides up to the top of the ditch or levee, it will teeter forward and drop down on top of the road surface or field.
Track tractors are more maneuverable than tire tractors. The 9030T Series Tractor has the ability to counter-rotate, providing a zero turn radius. They also have the ability to make turns even when the tractor is stationary. With the shift lever in neutral, forward, or reverse and the clutch pedal fully depressed, the tractor will counter-rotate when the steering wheel is turned, providing the ability to make small side-to-side adjustments when hooking up implements. Because the 9030T Series Tractors have the ability to counter-rotate when making turns, it will cause berming when turning on end rows. Also, when turning on end rows with an implement that is hooked to the drawbar, it is possible to jackknife the tractor into the implement. Special care should be taken to prevent this from happening. It is recommended to make two 90-degree turns when making headland turns. Make two short turns, leaving plenty of room between the track and the implement. This will also reduce the berming and crop damage that is caused by tracks when making sharp headland turns.
9030T Series Tractors will exhibit a higher level of straight-ahead drawbar pull when operating at the same weight-to-horsepower ratio as a tire tractor. However, when turning under load, such as following contours or waterways, most track tractors will exhibit some speed loss. 9030T Series Tractor engines can provide up to 10 percent power boost at engine speeds above 1200 rpm during turns in order to minimize any speed loss. It simply requires more power to turn a tracked tractor than it does to turn a wheeled tractor pulling the same load. To improve steering performance when under load, follow these recommendations:
Use gradual turns (larger turn radius) or small frequent turns (ratchet- or bump-steering). Add ballast if slip is greater than 5 percent. Reduce the load and/or downshift. Allow drawbar sway with towed implements. Allow hitch sway with 3-point implements and carry implement weight with gauge wheels.
When operating on road surfaces where traction is less than optimum such as ice, wet black tops, or gravel roads, transport speed should be reduced in order to maintain steering control.
Tracks tractors have a harsher ride than a tire tractor on hard surface roads due to a lack of the suspension system that the air inside tires provides. Just like a tire tractor, it is important to have proper balance on the tractor in order to attain the best possible performance and steering control.
Due to the unique operating characteristics of the track tractors, the 9030T Series Track Tractors are not recommended for scraper applications. If a scraper operator has the need to operate with a machine at 12-ft width or less, the 9030 Series 4WD Tractors with 76x50-32 flotation or 78x45-32 logger single tire should be considered.
Tracks and tires both have strong performance features, depending on the application. Do a needs analysis prior to making a choice.
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| | Needs analysis: | | | The items marked with an ''X'' identify considerations where tracks or tires may work best for a particular application. It is important to identify which of these are most important prior to making a buying decision.
| | Tracks | Tires | | Performance considerations | | Tractions: | | Power to ground | X | --- | | Turning under load | --- | X | | Soil type | X | --- | | Flotation (soft, wet conditions) | X | --- | | Compaction | X | X | | Application considerations | | Straight rows | X | X | | Curved rows | --- | X | | Hillside (steep grade) | X | --- | | Broad acres (non row-crop) | X | X | | Crop clearance | --- | X | | Crop damage | --- | X | | Hitch-mounted implements | X | X | | Drawn implements | X | X | | PTO implements | --- | X | | Attachments (dozers) | --- | X | | Dryland | X | X | | Irrigation | | Flood | X | X | | Pivot | --- | --- | | Ride characteristics | | Field ride | X | --- | | Hard surface ride | --- | X | | Steering | | Infield steering corrections | X | X | | Headland turning | X | X | | Turning under load | --- | X | | Implements with side drafts | --- | X | | Maneuverability | X | --- | | Implement hookup | X | --- | | Stability | X | X | | Minimal berming | --- | X | | Ease of operation | --- | X | | Tractor management | | Minimal ballast adjustments | X | --- | | Daily serviceability | X | X | | Maintenance expense | --- | X | | Implement adjustment sensitivity | --- | X |
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|  | | | | | Last Updated : 07-May-2010 |
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Malinta Ohio | if you do any tillage in the frost the track suck. road travel is also hard on tracks. I had both and will stick will the 4 wheeler |
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| Ron:
Good of you to post a very detailed overview. So, it does seem the rubber tired JD's easily outsell the tracks, and why, ? they offer better all-around performance.
Check, used values, the rubber has a nice advantage also.
I am mostly green here, but if thinking track, it would be, Red, Case Quadtrack.
The other thing to consider is the cab air suspension, both Cat, JD, and Case. They are now introducing more improvements. |
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WC IN | Since you didn't mention what specific models you are looking at, it is important to note that 8030T series and earlier and 9020T series and earlier will ride considerably rougher than the 8R series and 9030T series. These newer models have an air suspended undercarriage where the older models have a solid beam.
Edited by aggar 3/1/2011 19:59
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| wheel tractors are much easier on pulling hitched implements because the tracks dont turn with ease, they jerk. I've rewelded frame welds on an anhydrous bar being pulled by a JD9630T. |
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SW KS, near Dodge City | I bet that's more a result of the tracks maintaining traction during hard pulls, thus putting more stress on the bar. Where as a wheel machine would slip and not keep pulling as well through the hard spots.
There's no real way a track tractor can "jerk" the implement.
Edit: I just realized you might be talking about turning w/ the bar in the ground, in which case, I definitely agree w/ you.
Edited by pknoeber 3/1/2011 20:22
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Ionia Co. Michigan | The jerkiness of any 2 track tractor is completely dependant on the jerkiness of the steering wheel holder. I sidedress with an 8410t and can almost bet I am as smooth as a wheel tractor on turns. You can jerk a 3 point implement with tires also if you stand on the brakes at every turn. Tracks can turn everybit as smooth as tires if you try. |
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Brazilton KS | A heavily ballasted wheel tractor or a quad trac will tear stuff up a lot more turning then any two track will. You raise the implement to turn around with a two track. If you don't, you will pretty much go straight. A quad trac or heavily ballasted wheel tractor will go ahead and turn until it tears something off. Absolute drawbar pull will be higher with the track or the quad trac. Absolute drawbar pull is certainly capable of tearing stuff up. It's also sorta what gets work done, though. |
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| Ha Ha - Tracks are not compatible with dozer blades. Gotta love John Deere Marketing!!! |
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Ohio | I know a John Deere service manager who "highly recommends" that you avoid tracked tractors at all costs just to avoid fixing them all the time. I haven't heard his opinion on the 8030T/9030T tractors, but I bet he has the same attitude. If I were going tracks I would go CAT. |
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Track vs. 4WD John Deere
