Chain-on Rubber Track Pads as Roadliners for Steel Tracks

What Are Chain-on Rubber Track Pads?

Chain-on Rubber Track Pads are rubber-coated track shoes for steel track undercarriages. They are mounted directly onto the track chain and replace the conventional steel track shoe.

As a result, the Chain-on Rubber Track Pad becomes the machine's contact surface. The rubber layer helps reduce damage to asphalt, concrete, paving stones and other finished surfaces.

What Does Roadliner Mean?

Roadliner is a commonly used industry term for Chain-on Rubber Track Pads. Roadliners are mounted directly onto the track chain and replace the conventional steel track shoe.

The terms Roadliner, Chain-on Rubber Track Pad and Roadliner Pad are frequently used interchangeably for rubber-coated track shoes designed for steel track undercarriages operating on finished surfaces.

When Should Chain-on Rubber Track Pads Be Used?

Chain-on Rubber Track Pads are commonly used on excavators and crawler machines operating regularly on asphalt, concrete, paving stones and other sensitive surfaces. They are particularly suitable when a permanent rubber contact surface is required instead of a steel track shoe.

Compared with Bolt-on Rubber Track Pads, Chain-on systems do not require pre-drilled steel track shoes. Compared with Clip-on Rubber Track Pads, they are designed for more permanent installation as a complete rubber-coated track shoe.

How Do I Select the Correct Chain-on Rubber Track Pad?

Selecting the correct Chain-on Rubber Track Pad requires matching the pad width, track pitch, track configuration and mounting geometry. Since the pad is mounted directly onto the track chain, it must be compatible with both the chain and the machine class.

• Pad Width: must match the required ground contact area and machine class.
• Track Pitch: one of the key dimensions used for identification.
• Track Chain: the rubber pad is mounted directly onto the chain assembly.
• Mounting Geometry: mounting points and design must match the track chain.
• Technical Drawings: recommended for final fitment verification before ordering.

Advantages of Chain-on Rubber Track Pads and Roadliners

• Direct replacement for steel track shoes
• Mounted directly onto the track chain
• Suitable for steel track undercarriages operating on asphalt, concrete and paving stones
• Designed for regular use on finished surfaces
• Reduced surface damage compared with standard steel track shoes

Difference Between Chain-on, Bolt-on and Clip-on Rubber Track Pads

• Chain-on Rubber Track Pads: replace the steel track shoe and are mounted directly onto the track chain.
• Bolt-on Rubber Track Pads: are bolted onto pre-drilled steel track shoes.
• Clip-on Rubber Track Pads: are clamped onto existing steel track shoes and mechanically secured.
• Paver Rubber Pads: are specialised rubber pad systems for asphalt pavers and road construction equipment.

Why Are There Multiple Chain-on Rubber Track Pads with the Same Width and Pitch?

Even when width and track pitch are identical, Chain-on Rubber Track Pads may differ in mounting geometry, fixing points and track chain configuration. Therefore, two Roadliners with the same width and pitch may not be interchangeable.

Technical drawings, dimensions and track chain specifications should always be checked before ordering replacement pads.

Compatible Undercarriage Components

Chain-on Rubber Track Pads are mounted directly onto the track chain. Depending on the undercarriage configuration, additional components such as Track Chains, Complete Track Groups and other Undercarriage Components may also be relevant.

If existing steel track shoes are intended to remain in service, Bolt-on Rubber Track Pads or Clip-on Rubber Track Pads may be the more suitable solution.

Rubber Pads for Steel Track Undercarriages

Chain-on Rubber Track Pads and Roadliners are part of the wider range of rubber pad systems for steel track undercarriages. For an overview of all mounting types, visit our Rubber Track Pads category.