Tyres

Track Interaction with Tyre

Through in depth research and development, Clark Tracks have designed tracks which achieve a fine balance – reduced track on tyre slippage while preventing severe tyre damage.

Every track plate has been manufactured to have an underside grouser bar, used to grip the tyre surface. Where this grouser bar is lubricated - as when driving in wet peat or clay conditions - or worn due to old age, slippage between track and tyre can occur. Tyre slippage can also be a problem on very large, high horsepower machines which are heavily loaded and working on steep, wet ground. Where the bar is too sharp or aggressive, tyre damage will occur.

As standard there is a 5 - 10mm gap between the paw and tyre (design range is between 2 and 20mm depending upon track design and tyre condition).

Tyre Suitability

Almost every tyre can be fitted with tracks, some are more suitable than others.

• Tyres should be designed for use with tracks
• The ideal tyre has a smooth, less aggressive tread pattern, with slightly rounded shoulders
• The tyre should have steel reinforcement within the carcass and be of heavy ply rating
• The tyre must be fitted to the correct steel reinforced wheel rim for forestry use
• The tyre must be fitted with the correct recommended inner tube, where applicable.
• Radial tyres are generally unsuitable for tracks, the notable exception being the NOKIAN Forest Rider range of tyres
• Some tyre rubber compounds are not suited to steel tracks - if in doubt, please consult the tyre manufacturer
• Tracks can only be fitted to machines with fixed wheel centre bogeys
• Tracks cannot be fitted to machines with independent wheel suspension as found on some models of dump trucks.

Tyre Pressures

For further information on the Nokian and Trelleborg tyres, and their suitability with our products, please download the Tyre Suitability Guide from our web site.

Tyre Pressure Guide

Tread Patterns

Certain tread patterns are more suitable for tracks than others. For example, Nokian FK-F Forest King F is very suitable and was designed for use with tracks, however Nokian LS-2 is less suitable and although these tyres can be used with tracks, their aggressive tread pattern with deep widely spaced lugs can cause problems.

Tracks should only be used on steel reinforced, high ply rated, crossply forestry tyres. 

Track & Tyre Compatibility

It is essential that forestry tyres are used with tracks correctly. Only suitable forestry tyres as recommended by the manufacturer should be used with tracks.

• Tyres should be designed for use with tracks.
• Tyres should have a high ply rating and be steel fortified and of crossply construction.
• The tyre should be manufactured from a rubber compound suitable for use with tracks.
• The tyre must be fitted to the correct steel reinforced wheel rim for forestry use.
• The tyre must be fitted with the correct recommended inner tube to ensure correct tyre support and even inflation.
• The tyre must be inflated to the recommended working pressure for use with tracks. Where no specific recommendations of tyre pressure for use with tracks is given by the machine manufacturer, the tyres should be inflated to the maximum recommended pressure given.