Rubber track sizes follow a three-number formula: pitch x width x number of links, all measured in millimeters (except the link count, which is just a number). Getting these three measurements right is the only way to guarantee a correct replacement fit. Here’s how to take each one.
Check for a Size Stamp First
Before you pull out a tape measure, look along the inside surface of the track. Many manufacturers stamp or emboss the size directly into the rubber on the inner carcass. If you find it, you’ll see something like “72.5 x 450 x 86,” which tells you the pitch, width, and link count in that order. If the stamp is worn away or missing, you’ll need to measure manually.
The Three Measurements You Need
Width
This is the simplest measurement. Lay a tape measure straight across the face of the track from one edge to the other. Measure in millimeters. Common widths fall into predictable ranges based on machine size:
- 180 to 230 mm: Mini skid steers and stand-on loaders
- 300 to 320 mm: Compact track loaders and small excavators
- 400 to 450 mm: Full-size track loaders and larger excavators
- 500 mm and above: Heavy-duty track loaders and specialty machines
Track specs are always metric. Even if you’re more comfortable with inches, convert to millimeters before ordering. A 450 mm track is about 17.7 inches, for reference, but suppliers list everything in metric.
Pitch
Pitch is the distance between the drive lugs, those raised teeth on the inside of the track that engage the sprocket. Measure from the center of one lug to the center of the next lug. Again, use millimeters. Common pitch values include 72.5 mm, 84 mm, and 101.6 mm, though many other sizes exist depending on the machine.
Accuracy matters here. Even a few millimeters off means the track won’t seat properly on the sprocket, which leads to premature wear or the track jumping off entirely. If your lugs are worn down and hard to center on, try measuring across several lugs and dividing. For example, measure from the center of lug one to the center of lug six, then divide by five to get your per-lug pitch.
Number of Links
Count every drive lug around the entire circumference of the track. The easiest method is to mark your starting point with chalk or a strip of tape on one lug, then count each lug as you rotate the track past that mark. Don’t estimate. Small machines typically have 32 to 40 links, while larger compact track loaders run 55 to 60 or more.
If the track is still on the machine and too tight to rotate by hand, you can use a pry bar to inch it along, counting as you go. Just make sure you return to your starting mark and haven’t double-counted the first lug.
Putting the Numbers Together
Once you have all three measurements, the industry-standard format is:
Pitch (mm) x Width (mm) x Number of Links
So a track with a 72.5 mm pitch, 400 mm width, and 72 links would be listed as 72.5 x 400 x 72. This is the format every major supplier uses, so quoting your size this way makes ordering straightforward.
Short Pitch vs. Long Pitch Tracks
When you measure your pitch, you’re also identifying whether your machine uses short pitch or long pitch tracks. Short pitch tracks have lugs spaced more closely together, which means the track grips every tooth on the sprocket. This produces a smoother ride, less vibration, and less wear on the undercarriage components.
Long pitch tracks have wider spacing between lugs, causing the track to skip a tooth on the sprocket as it rotates. The ride is rougher and undercarriage wear increases. The tradeoff is that long pitch tracks resist packing in sandy or loose soil, since the wider gaps between lugs shed material more easily. You can’t swap between pitch types without changing the sprocket, so always match your replacement to the original pitch your machine was designed for.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is measuring in inches and then trying to convert. Start in millimeters and stay in millimeters. A small rounding error during conversion can land you on the wrong size entirely.
Another common mistake is measuring pitch from the edge of one lug to the edge of the next instead of center to center. Worn lugs make this worse because the edges are no longer crisp. Always aim for the center point of each lug.
Finally, don’t assume two machines of the same brand or similar size share the same track. Manufacturers frequently use different track specs across model years or between similar-looking models. Measure every time you order, even if you’ve bought replacement tracks before.