OEM vs Aftermarket Rubber Tracks — Which Should You Buy?
This is the most common question we hear from contractors: "Are aftermarket tracks as good as OEM?" The honest answer is — it depends on the aftermarket manufacturer. Here's a straightforward breakdown.
What's the actual difference between OEM and aftermarket tracks?
OEM tracks are manufactured by or for the original equipment maker (CAT, Bobcat, Kubota, etc.) and sold through their dealer network. Aftermarket tracks are manufactured by independent companies using their own production processes. The raw materials — rubber compounds, steel cord, forged steel guides — can be identical in spec. The difference is the supply chain and the markup.
How much do OEM tracks cost vs aftermarket?
OEM rubber tracks from a dealer typically cost 30% to 60% more than equivalent aftermarket tracks. A set of 450x86x56 OEM tracks from a CAT dealer can run $2,800–$3,500 per pair. The same size from TrackTECH — built to the same OEM specifications — runs significantly less. The quality gap between premium aftermarket and OEM has narrowed to essentially zero in the last decade.
Are aftermarket tracks lower quality?
Not if you buy from a reputable manufacturer. Key quality indicators for aftermarket tracks:
- Continuous steel cord construction: Single-wound cord eliminates joint weak points — the #1 cause of track failure in cheap imports
- ISO 9001 certified manufacturing: Same quality management systems used by OEM factories
- Virgin rubber compounds: No recycled rubber — anti-abrasion formulation resists chunking and tearing
- Drop-forged steel guides: Corrosion-resistant, precision-machined for proper undercarriage engagement
- Warranty backing: TrackTECH offers a 24-month warranty — often longer than OEM coverage
Cheap aftermarket tracks cut corners on these specs. That's how you get tracks that fail at 400 hours instead of 2,000. The key is buying from a supplier who publishes their construction specs and stands behind their product.
When should you choose OEM?
OEM makes sense in a few specific situations:
- Your machine is under factory warranty and you want to avoid any warranty dispute
- You're on a dealer maintenance contract that requires OEM parts
- You need a track for a very uncommon machine where aftermarket options don't exist
When should you choose aftermarket?
Aftermarket is the better value for most contractors:
- Your machine is out of factory warranty (most are after year 1–2)
- You're running a fleet and cost-per-hour matters
- You want the same spec track without the dealer markup
- You need it fast — aftermarket suppliers like TrackTECH ship same-day with free shipping policy
What do contractors actually say?
Most contractors who switch from OEM to premium aftermarket tracks report equivalent performance and durability at significantly lower cost. The biggest concern — fitment accuracy — is addressed by manufacturers who verify every track against OEM dimensional specs. TrackTECH verifies fitment for CAT 289D3, Bobcat T770, Kubota SVL95-2, John Deere 333G, and 1,200+ other models before shipping.
Find your machine in the Track Finder, or request a quote for fleet pricing. Call (850) 816-7898 for fitment questions.