When shopping for replacement rubber tracks for a compact track loader, mini skid steer, or other compact construction equipment, finding the correct track size is only part of the equation. The tread pattern you choose can have a major impact on traction, ride quality, ground disturbance, wear life, and overall machine performance.

A contractor working primarily on gravel and hard-packed construction sites doesn't necessarily need the same rubber track as a landscaper working around finished lawns. Likewise, an operator pushing snow or working in deep mud needs considerably more traction than someone performing grading work on dry soil.

That's why Prowler offers several rubber track tread patterns designed for different operating conditions.

Our five primary tread styles include:

• AT – Multi-Bar Tread

• C-Lug – C-Block Tread

• Z-Tread – Zig Zag Tread

• EXT – Snow & Mud Tread

• RD – Staggered Block Tread

Understanding the strengths of each design can help you choose the best rubber track for your machine and the work you perform.

AT Multi-Bar Tread – Our Most Turf-Friendly Rubber Track

The Prowler AT Multi-Bar tread is our top recommendation when minimizing ground disturbance is a priority.

Its multiple bar design creates a large number of contact points across the track's footprint, helping distribute the machine's weight while providing predictable traction. The tread engages the ground progressively rather than relying on large, aggressive individual lugs.

That makes the AT tread especially attractive for landscaping, residential construction, property maintenance, grading, and other applications where protecting the finished surface matters.

The design also helps reduce the aggressive scarring that can occur when turning a compact track loader on grass or softer finished surfaces.

No rubber track can completely eliminate turf damage, especially when an operator performs aggressive counter-rotations, but choosing a less aggressive tread pattern can make a significant difference.

The AT isn't limited to landscaping, either. Its multiple biting edges provide respectable traction in dirt and loose material, making it a versatile track for operators who encounter several different surfaces throughout the workday.

Best applications: Landscaping, turf, grading, residential construction, property maintenance and mixed terrain.

Biggest advantage: Maximum surface protection while maintaining useful everyday traction.

C-Lug / C-Block – Heavy-Duty Durability with Excellent Versatility

The Prowler C-Lug, sometimes called a C-Block or C-Pattern, is an excellent choice for contractors looking for durability without sacrificing off-road capability.

Our C-Lug tracks use a higher-durometer rubber compound designed to provide excellent resistance against gouging, cutting and abrasion.

That becomes particularly important when operating on abrasive surfaces such as gravel, compacted construction sites and rocky terrain.

The C-shaped tread also creates multiple biting edges that provide dependable traction in dirt, clay and moderately muddy conditions. This gives the C-Lug an excellent balance between hard-surface durability and off-road performance.

For contractors whose machines routinely move between gravel, packed dirt, clay and general construction environments, the C-Lug is one of the most versatile options available.

It's essentially the heavy-duty all-around choice in the Prowler tread lineup.

Best applications: General construction, gravel, compacted dirt, clay, mixed terrain and moderately abrasive surfaces.

Biggest advantage: Excellent balance between traction, durability and abrasion resistance.

RD Staggered Block – Built for Abrasive Jobsites

The Prowler RD Staggered Block tread shares one important characteristic with our C-Lug: it uses one of our highest-durometer rubber compounds for maximum resistance to gouging and abrasion.

Where the RD really shines is on demanding construction surfaces.

The staggered block configuration places substantial rubber against the ground, creating a stable footprint and predictable wear pattern. The blocks are offset so that different portions of the tread continually engage the surface as the machine moves.

This helps provide a stable ride while spreading loads across the track.

For machines that spend significant time operating around gravel, crushed stone, hard-packed dirt, roadwork and other abrasive construction environments, the RD tread should be high on the list.

The tradeoff is ground disturbance. A durable block-style construction tread isn't designed primarily around protecting delicate lawns.

If your biggest concern is extending track life in demanding environments rather than protecting finished turf, that's exactly the tradeoff you may want.

Best applications: Gravel, roadwork, hard-packed dirt, demolition, construction sites and abrasive terrain.

Biggest advantage: Outstanding resistance to cuts, gouging and abrasive wear.

Z-Tread Zig Zag – The All-Season Performer

Need something between a turf-friendly track and an extreme traction track?

That's where the Prowler Z-Tread earns its keep.

The Zig Zag design creates numerous angled biting edges across the tread. These help generate traction as the machine moves through loose soil, mud and snow while also allowing material to escape from the tread.

Zig Zag rubber tracks have become particularly popular for machines that operate across changing conditions because they combine characteristics of both more aggressive traction tracks and less aggressive general-purpose designs.

For Prowler customers, we consider the Z-Tread our second-best choice for serious mud and snow applications, behind the EXT.

But unlike a dedicated extreme-traction tread, the Z-Tread retains some of the characteristics that make the AT Multi-Bar useful for everyday operation.

That makes it an excellent choice for an owner who might be grading dirt on Monday, working across a lawn on Wednesday and pushing snow by Friday.

Crazy weather conditions, in other words. (lol)

Best applications: Snow, mud, clay, dirt, mixed terrain and year-round operation.

Biggest advantage: One of the best combinations of traction, versatility and surface friendliness in our lineup.

EXT Snow & Mud – Maximum Traction When Conditions Get Ugly

Sometimes protecting the ground isn't the priority.

Sometimes you just need the machine to keep moving.

That's what the Prowler EXT tread is designed to accomplish.

The EXT is our most aggressive rubber track tread pattern and our first recommendation when maximum traction is required in snow, mud, soft soil and other difficult ground conditions.

Its aggressive tread geometry creates strong biting edges capable of digging into loose material and transferring the machine's power to the ground.

That makes the EXT particularly valuable for contractors who perform excavation, site preparation, snow removal, agricultural work or other jobs where getting stuck means lost time and money.

The more open, aggressive tread design also helps evacuate loose material instead of allowing the tread to become packed.

There is naturally a tradeoff.

An extremely aggressive tread isn't going to be as friendly to finished turf as an AT Multi-Bar. Operators working primarily on asphalt, concrete or other highly abrasive surfaces may also be better served by a tread designed specifically around wear resistance.

But when traction is the priority, the EXT sits at the top of the Prowler lineup.

Best applications: Deep mud, snow, soft soil, loose terrain, excavation and demanding off-road applications.

Biggest advantage: Maximum traction and pushing power.

Which Rubber Track Tread Pattern Should You Choose?

There isn't one tread pattern that's best for every compact machine or every jobsite.

Think about where your machine spends most of its operating hours.

If you're a landscaper frequently crossing finished lawns, the AT Multi-Bar is likely your best starting point.

If you're a general contractor working across gravel, dirt and mixed construction environments, consider the C-Lug.

If abrasive terrain and durability are your primary concerns, take a hard look at the RD Staggered Block.

If your machine sees a little bit of everything, including seasonal mud and snow, the Z-Tread offers an excellent compromise between traction and versatility.

And when maximum traction in snow, mud and soft ground matters more than anything else, choose the EXT.

Prowler Rubber Track Quick Comparison

The Right Rubber Track Can Change How Your Machine Performs

Choosing replacement rubber tracks based only on price and size can mean overlooking one of the easiest ways to improve your machine's performance.

The right tread pattern can provide better traction, reduce unnecessary ground damage, improve ride characteristics and help your tracks survive the environment they're actually working in.

At Prowler, we offer premium-grade replacement rubber tracks for thousands of makes and models of compact construction equipment. More importantly, our team can help you determine the correct size and the right tread pattern for the way you actually use your machine.

Whether your priority is protecting turf, surviving abrasive jobsites, working through mud or pushing snow all winter, there's a Prowler tread designed for the job.

Shop Prowler replacement rubber tracks at RubberTrack.com or contact our team for help selecting the right tread pattern for your machine and application.

The Construction Industry Has a Labor Problem - Your Equipment Has to Pick Up the Slack

The construction industry has dealt with labor shortages for years, but in 2026 the problem continues to put pressure on contractors trying to keep projects moving, meet deadlines, and control costs.

Finding skilled operators, mechanics, equipment technicians, and experienced construction workers isn't getting any easier. For many contractors, the solution isn't simply hiring more people, because those people may not be available.

That makes the productivity of the workers and equipment you already have more important than ever.

When Labor Is Short, Equipment Can't Be Down

Think about how much work a compact track loader, mini excavator, or mini skid steer can accomplish with a single experienced operator.

One machine can grade, excavate, trench, move material, clear debris, load trucks, handle attachments, and perform jobs that would otherwise require considerably more manpower.

But that advantage disappears quickly when the machine goes down.

A damaged rubber track, worn sprocket, failing roller, or neglected undercarriage component doesn't just take a piece of equipment out of service. It can leave an operator waiting, slow the rest of the crew, delay another phase of the project, and potentially put a deadline at risk.

When contractors are already operating with smaller crews, equipment downtime becomes a labor problem too.

Get More Productivity From the Equipment You Already Own

Today's construction environment makes preventive maintenance increasingly valuable.

Before a machine heads onto the jobsite, operators should regularly inspect the tracks and undercarriage. Look for excessive tread wear, cuts, exposed cords, missing tread blocks, damaged track edges, abnormal vibration, loose track tension, worn sprocket teeth, leaking rollers, and other signs that a component may be approaching the end of its service life.

Replacing a worn component on your schedule is usually a much better situation than replacing a failed component on the jobsite.

It's also important to look at the undercarriage as a complete system.

Installing a new rubber track onto badly worn sprockets or damaged rollers can contribute to premature track wear. Likewise, improper track tension, debris packed into the undercarriage, and operating techniques such as unnecessary counter-rotation can shorten the life of tracks and other components.

A few minutes spent inspecting a machine can potentially save hours, or days of lost productivity later.

Your Equipment Is Part of Your Workforce

Contractors traditionally think about productivity in terms of employees and labor hours. Today's construction environment requires another perspective.

Your equipment is part of your workforce.

If you're running a five-person crew and one of your most productive machines goes down, you haven't simply lost a machine. You've potentially reduced the productivity of everyone depending on it.

That's why dependable equipment, preventive maintenance, and having access to replacement parts have become increasingly important.

Keep Your Machines Working With Prowler

At Prowler, we've spent more than 25 years helping equipment owners and contractors keep their machines moving.

Through RubberTrack.com, we supply premium-grade replacement rubber tracks and undercarriage components for thousands of makes and models of compact track loaders, mini excavators, mini skid steers, carriers, trenchers, and other tracked equipment.

From rubber tracks to sprockets, rollers, idlers, and other undercarriage components, our goal is simple:

Help contractors spend less time waiting on equipment and more time getting the job done.

Because when good workers are already difficult to find, the last thing you need is a perfectly good operator standing beside a machine that can't work.

Your crew is counting on your equipment. Make sure your equipment is ready to work as hard as they do.

SHOP WHEEL SPACER FOR SKID STEERS

Steel simply offers superior rigidity and strength compared to aluminum. One of the biggest differences between the two materials is their modulus of elasticity (stiffness). Steel is approximately three times stiffer than aluminum, meaning it flexes significantly less when subjected to heavy loads. In a skid steer application, less flex means better bolt preload retention, reduced movement between mating surfaces, and a lower likelihood of wheel spacer failure over time.

Unlike passenger vehicles, skid steers routinely carry thousands of pounds while operating on uneven terrain. Whether you're running over rocks, loading dirt, carrying pallets, or operating attachments, wheel spacers absorb tremendous amounts of force. Steel is much better suited to withstand these repeated stress cycles. While aluminum alloys can be strong, they are generally more susceptible to fatigue-related failures over time when exposed to heavy cyclic loading. Fatigue cracking is one of the most common concerns associated with aluminum components used in demanding applications.

Over the years, we've spoken with countless customers who originally purchased aluminum wheel spacers elsewhere because they were lighter or less expensive. Unfortunately, many of those same customers have contacted us after experiencing cracked spacers, elongated bolt holes, loose hardware, or complete failures. In many cases, aluminum wheel spacers simply weren't designed to handle the punishment that skid steers deliver on a daily basis.

Steel wheel spacers are heavier, and that's actually a benefit in heavy equipment applications. Weight savings may be important on performance cars, but durability is far more important when you're operating a 9,000-pound skid steer on a construction site. Steel's superior load-bearing characteristics make it the preferred choice when reliability and longevity matter most.

Another advantage of steel is its resistance to deformation. When properly manufactured and installed, steel wheel spacers maintain their shape under heavy loads and help preserve proper clamping force on wheel studs. This reduces the potential for movement that can lead to premature wear or failure.

At Prowler, we believe wheel spacers should be built for the job they're intended to do. That's why we exclusively offer heavy-duty steel skid steer wheel spacers. Our customers aren't looking to save a few ounces, they're looking for products they can trust to perform safely and reliably day after day.

If you're widening the stance of your skid steer, don't settle for automotive-grade solutions. Choose the material that's been proven to stand up to the demands of heavy equipment: steel.

Why Mini Excavator and Mini Skid Steer Owners Are Upgrading to Prowler Premium Grade Rubber Tracks

In recent years, the U.S. compact equipment market has seen a surge in mini excavators and mini skid steers manufactured overseas, particularly from China. These machines have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and accessibility, making them an attractive option for contractors, landscapers, property owners, and small businesses. However, while the machines themselves offer excellent value, many owners quickly discover that the original rubber tracks supplied from the factory are designed primarily to minimize manufacturing cost rather than maximize durability and long-term performance.

OEM tracks installed on many imported machines are typically standard-grade tracks, built using lower-grade rubber compounds and simplified internal construction. While sufficient for light-duty use, these tracks often wear prematurely, develop cracks, lose tension stability, or experience internal separation under regular jobsite conditions. As a result, equipment owners frequently find themselves needing replacement tracks far sooner than expected.

This is where Prowler Premium Grade Rubber Tracks provide a proven upgrade solution. Engineered specifically for durability, reliability, and extended service life, Prowler tracks are manufactured using high-quality natural rubber compounds, reinforced continuous steel cables, and precision-engineered steel links. This premium construction helps resist stretching, improves track retention, and delivers superior resistance to cuts, chunking, and accelerated wear.

Many of the most common replacement sizes for imported mini excavators and mini skid steers include 180x72x32, 180x72x36, 180x72x37, and 180x72x39. These measurements represent track width (180mm), pitch (72mm), and number of links, ensuring precise fitment for a wide range of popular machines currently in operation throughout the United States.

Equipment owners who upgrade to Prowler Premium Grade tracks benefit from improved reliability, longer service intervals, and greater overall confidence in their machine’s performance. Whether operating in dirt, gravel, mud, or mixed terrain, Prowler tracks are designed to meet the demands of real-world jobsite conditions.

As more compact equipment owners recognize the limitations of standard OEM tracks, Prowler has become a trusted choice for those seeking a higher-quality replacement solution built for performance, durability, and long-term value.

SHOP PROWLER RUBBER TRACKS

Skid Steer Tire Size Guide: How to Read Tire Numbers

Skid steer tire sizes can look confusing at first, but once you understand what the numbers represent, it becomes easy to choose the correct tire for your machine. This guide explains how to read common pneumatic (air-filled) skid steer tire sizes, why outer diameter matters, and how solid (flat-proof) tire sizes are labeled differently.

How Pneumatic Skid Steer Tire Sizes Work

Skid steer tire sizing originally came from pneumatic (air-filled) tires, and today’s common sizes are still based on those standards. Most skid steer tires fall into three main pneumatic sizes:

• 10×16.5
• 12×16.5
• 14×17.5

These two numbers tell you the tire width and the rim diameter the tire fits on.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Using 10×16.5 as an example:

• 10 = tire width in inches
• 16.5 = rim diameter in inches

That means a 10×16.5 tire is 10 inches wide and mounts on a 16.5-inch rim. The same logic applies to other sizes:

• 12×16.5 = 12 inches wide, 16.5-inch rim
• 14×17.5 = 14 inches wide, 17.5-inch rim

Smaller skid steers commonly use 10×16.5 tires, mid-size machines often use 12×16.5, and larger high-horsepower machines may require 14×17.5 tires.

Why Outer Diameter Matters (Even Though It’s Not Listed)

Pneumatic tire sizes do not include the tire’s outer diameter (overall height), but it’s one of the most important measurements for performance. The wrong outer diameter can affect how your attachments sit and how efficiently your skid steer transfers power to the ground.

If the Tire Is Too Small

Tires with too small of an outer diameter can cause attachments (like buckets or grapples) not to sit level. You may have to lift the arms higher than normal just to prevent the attachment from dragging on the ground.

When lift arms are not fully seated against the machine frame, the machine is less rigid, which reduces digging and pushing performance.

If the Tire Is Too Large

Tires that are too tall can cause the attachment to hover above the ground even when the arms are fully lowered. To make contact, you may need to tilt the attachment forward more than normal, which can reduce power and increase stress on hydraulic components.

The goal is a tire size that allows the lift arms to sit fully down while the attachment rests flat on the ground.

How Solid (Flat-Proof) Skid Steer Tire Sizes Are Labeled

Solid skid steer tires are sized differently than pneumatic tires. Instead of two numbers, solid tire sizes use three numbers because they include the outer diameter.

Example: 30×10×16

• 30 = outer diameter in inches
• 10 = tire width in inches
• 16 = rim diameter in inches

So a 30×10×16 solid tire is 30 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and fits a 16-inch rim.

Why You’ll See 16 and 20 (Not 16.5 or 17.5)

Solid skid steer tires typically come in 16-inch or 20-inch rim sizes. You may see both of the following:

• 30×10×16
• 30×10×20

In these examples, the outer diameter stays the same (30 inches). Only the rim size changes. A smaller rim generally means more rubber, which often provides a more cushioned ride. A larger rim typically means less rubber, which can feel firmer.

Common Outer Diameter Ranges When Converting to Solid Tires

While exact measurements can vary by tread design and construction, these are common outer diameter ranges used when matching pneumatic sizes to solid tire sizes:

Quick Summary

• Pneumatic tire sizes are written as Width × Rim Diameter (example: 12×16.5).
• Solid tire sizes are written as Outer Diameter × Width × Rim Diameter (example: 33×12×16).
• Outer diameter is critical for keeping attachments level and maintaining proper machine power.
• Rim size on solid tires affects ride firmness because it changes how much rubber is available.

Determining the correct rubber track size for your machinery is straightforward when you understand the industry-standard formula used by manufacturers. Here’s how to measure:

• Width: The width of the rubber track measured in millimeters
• Pitch: The center-to-center distance between the steel links measured in millimeters
• Links: The total number of steel links embedded within

1. Proper Installation And Tension: Keeping the correct tension on your Rubber Tracks is paramount. Over tighten tracks can cause premature wear on your drive sprocket, idler wheels, and steel link embeds. Consult your machine's operating manual for precise instructions on tension maintenance.
2. Inspect Undercarriage Components: Regularly check undercarriage components such as sprockets, rollers, and idlers for signs of wear. A seized up roller, or a worn drive sprocket can and will cause premature wear or damage to your new track. (regardless of the brand) 
3. Watch Surface Conditions: Be mindful of the surfaces you operate your machine on. Limit use on large, sharp rocky surfaces and avoid sharp steel edges that could potentially damage the Rubber Tracks. If you need to operate within these types of conditions, be mindful of the risk.
4. Avoid Sharp Turns: Fast, sharp turns and side slope maneuvers should be avoided whenever possible to prevent unnecessary strain on the Rubber Tracks and undercarriage components.
5. Prevent Foreign Object Entanglement: Keep an eye out for large foreign objects that could become entangled in the undercarriage, potentially causing damage to the Rubber Tracks. Its always good practice to take a few minutes to walk your work area and remove, or mark and potential hazards like this.
6. Avoid Sidewall Contact: Driving with Rubber Track sidewall edges pressing against walls, street curbs, or other objects should be avoided to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
7. Clean Oil Spills Promptly: If oil or similar substances come into contact with the Rubber Tracks, clean it off promptly. Over time, oil can degrade the quality of the rubber.
8. Store Indoors When Possible: When storing your machine for an extended period, aim to keep it indoors away from rain and direct sunlight. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, consider covering the machine to protect it from the elements.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Rubber Tracks maintain optimal performance and longevity, ultimately maximizing your investment in your purchase from Prowler, or any other rubber track manufacturer for that matter.

In the diagram below, the skid steer wheel is shown with a green centerline, commonly referred to as zero offset. This line represents the reference position of the bolt plate.

• When the bolt plate is positioned inward toward the machine from the centerline, this is considered an outset measurement.
• When the bolt plate is positioned outward away from the machine from the centerline, this is considered an inset measurement.

Offset Examples

• A Case 1835C skid steer has a 0.38-I offset. This means the bolt plate is positioned 0.38 inches inset from the centerline (zero offset), resulting in the correct wheel offset for that machine.
• A Kubota SSV65 skid steer has a 0.25-O offset, meaning the bolt plate is positioned 0.25 inches outset from the centerline.

When reviewing our wheel specifications, the final letter will always indicate the offset type:

• I = Inset
• O = Outset

Wheel Reversal and Machine Stance

Some skid steer models allow the wheels to be reversed to adjust the machine’s stance without affecting operation.

• A wider stance improves stability on uneven terrain and slopes, and may allow the use of over-the-tire tracks without wheel spacers.
• A narrower stance is beneficial in confined environments such as dairy barns or tight work areas. In some cases, operators reverse the wheels to keep the machine width within the footprint of the bucket or attachment.

Measuring Offset When It’s Unknown

If the wheel offset is unknown, it can be determined by measuring from the outer lip of the wheel (valve stem side) straight down to the bolt plate. This method is especially useful when replacing a single wheel and matching it to the remaining three on the machine.

Need assistance?
Call us at 877-477-6953, and our team will be happy to help you select the correct wheel for your skid steer.