OEM vs Aftermarket Rubber Tracks: What's the Real Difference?
When your tracks wear out, you've got a decision to make: buy OEM from the dealer or go aftermarket? The price difference can be $500-1,500 per pair. But is the OEM track actually better—or are you just paying for the logo?
Here's what contractors need to know about OEM vs aftermarket tracks.
What "OEM" Actually Means
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When you buy OEM tracks from a Bobcat, CAT, or John Deere dealer, you're getting the same brand of track that came on your machine from the factory.
But here's the thing: equipment manufacturers don't make their own tracks. They contract with specialized rubber track manufacturers who produce tracks to their specifications. The dealer track has the brand logo, but it's made in the same factories as many aftermarket options.
Common track manufacturers that supply both OEM and aftermarket:
- Bridgestone
- Camso (formerly Camoplast)
- McLaren
- Dominion
- Various Asian manufacturers
Price Comparison
OEM tracks typically cost 30-60% more than comparable aftermarket options:
- CAT 259D3 tracks (400x86x49): OEM ~$1,800/pair, Aftermarket ~$1,100-1,400/pair
- Bobcat T770 tracks (450x86x58): OEM ~$2,200/pair, Aftermarket ~$1,400-1,700/pair
- Kubota KX040 tracks (300x52.5x84): OEM ~$1,400/pair, Aftermarket ~$900-1,100/pair
That premium adds up fast when you're replacing tracks every 1,500-2,000 hours.
Quality Differences: Real vs Perceived
What's Usually the Same
- Dimensions: Both must match machine specifications exactly
- Construction method: Continuous steel cord, forged links, etc.
- Basic materials: Rubber compound, steel cords, metal cores
Where Quality Can Vary
- Rubber compound: Premium virgin rubber vs recycled/lower-grade blends
- Steel cord quality: High-tensile continuous cord vs lower-grade or overlapped
- Manufacturing tolerances: Precision of link spacing and guide alignment
- Quality control: Inspection processes and defect rates
The Bottom Line on Quality
The best aftermarket tracks match or exceed OEM quality at a lower price. The worst aftermarket tracks are cheap for a reason and will fail early.
The challenge is telling the difference before you buy.
How to Identify Quality Aftermarket Tracks
Look For:
- Continuous steel cord construction: Endless cables, not overlapping joints
- Virgin rubber compound: Not recycled rubber that cracks and chunks
- Forged steel links/cores: Drop-forged, not cast
- Manufacturer warranty: 18-24 months indicates confidence in quality
- USA-based support: Can you talk to someone if there's a problem?
Avoid:
- No-name tracks with no warranty: If they won't stand behind it, why should you?
- Prices that seem too good: $600 tracks for a machine that normally needs $1,200+ are a red flag
- Overlapping cord construction: Creates weak points that fail under stress
- No contact information: If you can't reach the seller, returns will be impossible
Warranty Comparison
OEM tracks usually carry a 12-month warranty through the dealer. Some aftermarket suppliers offer longer coverage:
- Typical OEM: 12 months
- Quality aftermarket: 18-24 months
- Budget aftermarket: 6-12 months or none
A longer warranty from an aftermarket supplier often indicates they're confident in the product. But warranty is only as good as the company behind it—make sure they'll actually be around to honor it.
When OEM Makes Sense
- Leased equipment: Some leases require OEM parts
- Warranty machines: Using aftermarket parts may void equipment warranty
- Dealer relationship: You need other parts/service and want to maintain goodwill
- No research time: OEM is a known quantity if you can't evaluate alternatives
When Aftermarket Makes Sense
- Out-of-warranty machines: No risk to equipment warranty
- Cost-conscious operations: Save $500-1,500 per pair
- Known supplier: You've verified quality or have referrals from other contractors
- Fleet operations: Volume savings add up across multiple machines
The Smart Approach
- Get the OEM quote first: Know what you're comparing against
- Find a quality aftermarket supplier: Look for continuous steel cord, virgin rubber, solid warranty
- Ask for references: Reputable suppliers can point you to satisfied customers
- Start with one machine: Test a pair before committing your whole fleet
- Track your hours: Document performance vs OEM for future decisions
The Bottom Line
OEM tracks aren't automatically better—they're just more expensive. Quality aftermarket tracks from reputable suppliers deliver the same performance at 30-50% less cost.
The key is choosing a supplier with quality construction, real warranties, and accessible support. The savings are real, but only if the tracks actually last.