Replacing skid steer tracks costs roughly $2,000-$4,000 for a full set installed (both tracks plus labor). A single rubber track runs $500-$900 aftermarket or $900-$1,400 for OEM/premium, and labor is about 1-3 hours per side. One quick distinction up front: tracks are for a compact track loader (CTL). A wheeled skid steer rides on tires, not tracks, and those are far cheaper. Below is what each option really costs and how to budget for it.
Quick Answer
| What You're Replacing | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One rubber track (aftermarket) | $500-$900 | Parts only; quality varies by brand |
| One rubber track (OEM/premium) | $900-$1,400 | Longer-lasting steel-embedded builds |
| Full set of 2 tracks (parts) | $1,200-$2,500 | Buy in pairs so wear matches |
| Full set installed (parts + labor) | $2,000-$4,000 | Labor ~1-3 hrs per track |
| One skid steer tire (wheeled unit) | $150-$400 | Severe-duty/solid tires cost more |
Tracks vs. Tires: Know Which Machine You Have
If your machine has continuous rubber belts wrapping around the undercarriage, it's a compact track loader and you're pricing rubber tracks. If it rolls on four wheels, it's a wheeled skid steer running tires at $150-$400 each. Tracks give better flotation on soft or muddy ground but cost several times more to replace. Tires are cheaper and quicker to swap, but they sink and rut in soft conditions. Both wear out; the price gap is the main thing to plan around.
Aftermarket vs. OEM Rubber Tracks
Aftermarket tracks ($500-$900 each) are the budget choice and are fine for most owners, especially if you keep tension and surfaces in check. OEM or premium tracks ($900-$1,400) usually use denser rubber and heavier steel embeds, so they tend to last longer and resist chunking. Look for steel-embedded cords over cheap all-rubber builds; the embedded cabling is what keeps a track from stretching and de-tracking. If your machine works hard on abrasive ground, the premium tier often pays for itself in hours.
What Makes Tracks Wear Out Faster
Rubber tracks typically last 1,200-2,000 hours, but habits swing that number hard. Watch for these:
- Sharp turns on abrasive surfaces - spinning and pivoting on concrete or gravel grinds lugs down fast.
- Curbs and edges - climbing curbs or hard edges cuts and chunks the rubber.
- Wrong tension - too tight strains the cords; too loose lets the track slip and de-track.
- Debris in the undercarriage - rocks and packed mud chew at the track from the inside.
- Oil and fuel - petroleum softens and degrades rubber over time.
Replace tracks when you see exposed cords or cables, deep cracks, chunking, or missing lugs. A track that's de-tracking often has worn drive lugs and won't hold no matter how you tension it.
How to Budget Per Hour
The cleanest way to plan for tracks is a cost-per-hour figure. Budget roughly $1.50-$3.00 per operating hour just for tracks. On a $3,000 installed set lasting 1,500 hours, that's about $2.00 an hour. Set that aside as you rack up hours and a track set never becomes a surprise. Owners who abuse turns or skip tension checks land at the high end; owners who baby the undercarriage stretch tracks past 2,000 hours and drop below the range.
What to Do When Buying or Selling
Undercarriage is one of the biggest hidden costs on a track loader, so price it in. On a used CTL, check lug depth, look for exposed cords or chunking, and factor a $2,000-$4,000 set into your offer if the tracks are near the end. When you shop used track loaders on MachineryList, undercarriage and track condition are near the top of the list to inspect and price in before you commit. If you're weighing overall wear, how many hours is a lot for a skid steer and the used skid steer inspection checklist walk through what else to check. For the tracks-vs-tires trade-off overall, see skid steer vs compact track loader cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do skid steer tracks last?
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Most rubber tracks last 1,200-2,000 operating hours. Sharp turns on abrasive surfaces, climbing curbs, and running the wrong tension can cut that in half. Keeping the undercarriage clean and properly tensioned pushes tracks toward the high end.
Can I replace just one track?
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You can, and if one track fails early from a cut it makes sense. But if both tracks have similar hours, replace them as a pair. A new track next to a worn one wears unevenly and can strain the drive system, so most owners do both at once.
Are aftermarket skid steer tracks any good?
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Good aftermarket tracks are perfectly fine for most owners and cost noticeably less than OEM. Look for steel-embedded (not all-rubber) construction and a reputable brand. Cheap no-name tracks tend to stretch and chunk early, so the savings can disappear in shorter life.
These figures are general 2026 US guidance. Actual prices vary by brand, track size, quality tier, and local labor rates. Get a firm quote before you buy.
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