Rubber Track Guide Types Explained

Q: Block (B) Guide — Most Common Block guide is the standard used by the majority of CTL and skid steer manufacturers. The center drive lugs have a simple rectangular block profile. Found on: CAT: All 200-series and 300-series CTLs (CAT 259D3, CAT 289D3, CAT 299D3) Bobcat: All T-series (Bobcat T590, Bobcat T770, Bobcat T870) Kubota: All SVL series (Kubota SVL75-2, Kubota SVL95-2) John Deere: All 300G/P series (John Deere 331G, John Deere 333G) Case, New Holland, JCB, Volvo, Komatsu If your machine is a mainstream CTL or skid steer, you almost certainly have a Block guide. N-Guide (K-Guide) — Mini Excavators N-Guide (also called K-Guide — they are the same offset design) is common on mini excavators. The center lugs are offset rather than centered, creating an asymmetric profile. Found on many Kubota KX, Bobcat E-series, CAT 300-series excavators, Hitachi ZX, Volvo EC, and others. W-Guide — Wide Guide W-Guide is a wider version of the N-Guide used on specific mini excavator models. The wider profile provides more stability in the undercarriage. Common on certain Komatsu, Hitachi, and Volvo mini excavators. W-Guide and N-Guide are not interchangeable even on the same track size. T-Guide — Takeuchi Specific T-Guide is proprietary to Takeuchi compact track loaders and some older Gehl/Mustang models. The drive lug profile is distinct from Block guide. If you run a Takeuchi TL12R2 or other Takeuchi CTL, you must order T-Guide tracks specifically. Block guide will not fit correctly. AV/AV2/AV3 Guide — ASV/Multi-Terrain Loaders ASV multi-terrain loaders use a completely different undercarriage system with non-metal core (NMC) tracks. AV, AV2, and AV3 designate different guide generations — they are not interchangeable with each other or with standard CTL tracks. How do I identify my guide type?

The easiest method: look at the inside of your current track. The center drive lugs will show the guide profile. Block guides are symmetrical rectangles. N-Guides are offset. T-Guides have a distinctive Takeuchi profile. If you're unsure, take a photo and call (850) 816-7898 — we'll identify it immediately.

Getting the right rubber track isn't just about size (width × pitch × links). You also need to match the guide type — the shape of the center drive lugs that engage your machine's sprocket. Installing the wrong guide type causes improper tracking, accelerated wear, and potential derailment.

What is a track guide type?

The guide is the raised profile on the inside of the rubber track that fits into the grooves of your sprocket and rollers. It keeps the track centered on the undercarriage. Different manufacturers design their undercarriages with different guide profiles — and they are not interchangeable.

Block (B) Guide — Most Common

Block guide is the standard used by the majority of CTL and skid steer manufacturers. The center drive lugs have a simple rectangular block profile. Found on:

CAT: All 200-series and 300-series CTLs (CAT 259D3, CAT 289D3, CAT 299D3)
Bobcat: All T-series (Bobcat T590, Bobcat T770, Bobcat T870)
Kubota: All SVL series (Kubota SVL75-2, Kubota SVL95-2)
John Deere: All 300G/P series (John Deere 331G, John Deere 333G)
Case, New Holland, JCB, Volvo, Komatsu

If your machine is a mainstream CTL or skid steer, you almost certainly have a Block guide.

N-Guide (K-Guide) — Mini Excavators

N-Guide (also called K-Guide — they are the same offset design) is common on mini excavators. The center lugs are offset rather than centered, creating an asymmetric profile. Found on many Kubota KX, Bobcat E-series, CAT 300-series excavators, Hitachi ZX, Volvo EC, and others.

W-Guide — Wide Guide

W-Guide is a wider version of the N-Guide used on specific mini excavator models. The wider profile provides more stability in the undercarriage. Common on certain Komatsu, Hitachi, and Volvo mini excavators. W-Guide and N-Guide are not interchangeable even on the same track size.

T-Guide — Takeuchi Specific

T-Guide is proprietary to Takeuchi compact track loaders and some older Gehl/Mustang models. The drive lug profile is distinct from Block guide. If you run a Takeuchi TL12R2 or other Takeuchi CTL, you must order T-Guide tracks specifically. Block guide will not fit correctly.

AV/AV2/AV3 Guide — ASV/Multi-Terrain Loaders

ASV multi-terrain loaders use a completely different undercarriage system with non-metal core (NMC) tracks. AV, AV2, and AV3 designate different guide generations — they are not interchangeable with each other or with standard CTL tracks.

How do I identify my guide type?

The easiest method: look at the inside of your current track. The center drive lugs will show the guide profile. Block guides are symmetrical rectangles. N-Guides are offset. T-Guides have a distinctive Takeuchi profile. If you're unsure, take a photo and call (850) 816-7898 — we'll identify it immediately.

You can also use the Track Finder — enter your make and model and we'll show you the correct size AND guide type for your machine. Every TrackTECH track is built with the correct guide for your specific undercarriage.

Rubber Track Guide Types Explained — Block, N, W, T & More