Bobcat MT100 tracks wear out and need replacement after heavy use or damage

The Bobcat MT100 is a compact track loader used for landscaping, construction, and material handling. Its rubber tracks are a wear item — they degrade from friction, punctures, and the weight of the machine and its load. A worn track loses traction, can slip off the drive sprocket, and puts strain on the undercarriage. Replacement is not optional once a track reaches the end of its service life; continuing to run on a damaged track risks damage to the idler wheels, rollers, and frame.

Replacement typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per track (two tracks per machine) depending on the track model, whether you buy OEM or aftermarket, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a technician. The job takes four to eight hours per track if you have the right tools and experience, or a full day if you are learning as you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Bobcat MT100 tracks come in different widths and tread patterns; you must match your current track size exactly or the machine will not track straight.
  • OEM Bobcat tracks cost more but fit precisely and come with a warranty; aftermarket tracks are cheaper and often fit well, but quality varies by manufacturer.
  • Removal requires a lift, jack stands, and a way to support the machine safely — working under an unsupported loader is dangerous and can cause serious injury.
  • The drive sprocket, idler wheel, and rollers should be inspected while the track is off; damage to these parts often appears only after the track is removed.
  • A new track should be tensioned correctly before use; too loose and it will slip, too tight and it will wear faster and strain the drive system.

Identifying the correct track size and part number

The MT100 was produced in several configurations, and track width varies. The most common sizes are 320 mm (12.6 inches) and 400 mm (15.7 inches) wide. You can find your exact track size on the machine's serial number plate, usually mounted on the frame near the engine, or in your operator's manual. Write down the full part number — it will look something like 320x86x49 or 400x86x52, where the first number is width in millimeters, and the other numbers describe the pitch and number of lugs.

Do not guess or order by eye. Installing the wrong track width will cause the machine to pull to one side, wear the tracks unevenly, and put stress on the steering system. If you have lost your manual, Bobcat's parts lookup tool on their website lets you enter your serial number and see the exact track part number. Aftermarket suppliers like Camso, Bridgestone, and Soucy also cross-reference Bobcat part numbers to their own equivalents.

OEM versus aftermarket tracks: cost and fit differences

Bobcat OEM tracks are manufactured to exact specifications and come with a warranty, usually 12 months or 2,000 hours of use. They cost more — typically $2,000 to $3,000 per track — but the fit is may provide. If a problem arises within the warranty period, Bobcat will replace or repair the track at no cost.

Aftermarket tracks from manufacturers like Camso, Bridgestone, and Soucy are engineered to fit Bobcat machines and often cost 30 to 50 percent less. Many contractors use them without issues. However, fit tolerances can be slightly different, and some aftermarket tracks wear faster or have different tread patterns that affect traction in mud or snow. Read reviews from other MT100 owners before ordering, and confirm the supplier's return policy in case the track does not fit as expected.

A middle option is to buy a used OEM track from a salvage yard or equipment dealer. Prices run $800 to $1,200 per track, but you are buying a track with unknown remaining life. Inspect it carefully for cracks, missing lugs, and uneven wear before committing.

Tools and equipment needed for track removal

You will need a way to lift the machine safely. A four-post lift rated for at least 4,000 pounds is ideal, but many contractors use a combination of a floor jack and adjustable jack stands. Never work under a machine supported only by a jack — use stands rated for the full weight of the loader plus any load in the bucket.

Basic hand tools include a socket set (metric, 10 mm to 19 mm), a breaker bar, a rubber mallet, and a pry bar. Some shops use a track tensioner tool to help remove and install the track, but it is not essential if you have patience and leverage. You will also need a way to clean the track area — a wire brush and compressed air work well — so you can see what you are doing and inspect the undercarriage for damage.

If you do not have access to a lift and jack stands, or if you are not comfortable working under heavy machinery, hiring a Bobcat dealer or independent equipment technician is the safer choice. Labor costs typically run $200 to $400 per track, but you avoid the risk of injury and the cost of renting or buying lifting equipment.

Step-by-step track removal and installation

Preparation: Park the machine on level ground, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Remove the fuel cap and store it safely. Lift one side of the machine using the lift points specified in your manual — usually reinforced pads on the frame near the tracks. Place jack stands under the frame, lower the machine onto the stands, and double-check that it is stable before you begin work.

Removing the track: Loosen the track tension by turning the idler wheel adjustment bolt counterclockwise (this bolt is usually on the rear of the track frame). Loosen it until the track has about one inch of slack. Next, remove the bolts that hold the drive sprocket or idler wheel to the frame — consult your manual for the exact location and bolt size. Once these are loose, you can slide the track off the wheels and rollers. It will be heavy; have a helper or use a come-along winch to guide it off safely.

Inspecting the undercarriage: With the track off, inspect the drive sprocket for broken or worn teeth, the idler wheel for cracks or flat spots, and the rollers for damage. If any of these parts show significant wear, now is the time to replace them. Worn sprockets and idlers will chew up a new track quickly.

Installing the new track: Clean the track frame and wheels with a wire brush. Slide the new track onto the wheels and rollers, making sure it seats evenly on all contact points. Reinstall and tighten the drive sprocket and idler wheel bolts to the torque specification in your manual — typically 40 to 60 foot-pounds for MT100 bolts. Adjust the track tension by turning the idler wheel bolt clockwise until the track has about one-half inch of slack when you lift it by hand at the center. This is the correct tension; too loose and it will slip, too tight and it will wear fast.

Track tension and maintenance after replacement

Correct track tension is critical. A track that is too loose will slip on the drive sprocket, especially when turning or climbing, and can come off entirely. A track that is too tight will wear the rubber faster, strain the drive motor, and put excessive load on the idler and roller bearings. The standard check is to lift the track by hand at the midpoint — it should move up about one-half inch before the tension stops it. If you are unsure, consult your manual or ask the technician who installed it to verify the tension before you put the machine back to work.

After the first eight hours of use, stop and recheck the tension. New tracks settle slightly as the rubber conforms to the wheels and rollers. Adjust if needed. After that, check tension every 50 hours of operation or monthly, whichever comes first. Keep the track clean — mud and debris trapped between the lugs accelerate wear and can cause the track to slip. Rinse the tracks with water after working in muddy conditions, and inspect them weekly for punctures, tears, or missing lugs.

When to replace tracks before they fail completely

You do not have to wait for a track to break or come off. Replacing tracks proactively can save money and downtime. Signs that replacement is approaching include uneven wear (one side of the track worn more than the other), visible cracks in the rubber, missing or broken lugs, a track that slips even after tensioning, or a machine that pulls to one side. If you see any of these, order a replacement track and schedule the work before the track fails during a job.

Track life varies widely depending on the surface you work on. Tracks last longer on grass and dirt than on gravel or asphalt. Heavy loads and frequent turning also shorten track life. Most MT100 tracks last between 1,500 and 3,000 hours of use. If you operate your machine eight hours a day, five days a week, you can expect to replace tracks every two to four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one track or do I have to replace both?

You can replace one track, but if the other track is also worn, the machine will not track straight and will be harder to steer. If one track is near the end of its life, it is usually worth replacing both at the same time to avoid a second job in a few months.

What is the difference between a 320 mm and 400 mm track?

The 400 mm track is wider and distributes the machine's weight over a larger area, giving better flotation in soft ground and less ground pressure. The 320 mm track is narrower and lighter, making the machine faster and more agile. Use the size your machine was built with unless you have a specific reason to change — mixing sizes will cause steering problems.

How long does a new track last if I take care of it?

With proper tension, regular cleaning, and use on appropriate surfaces, a track can last 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Heavy use on asphalt or gravel, poor tensioning, or overloading will cut that life in half. Inspect your tracks monthly and adjust tension as needed to get the longest life.

Can I install a track myself if I have never done it before?

Yes, but take your time and follow your manual closely. The main risks are improper lifting (which can cause injury) and incorrect tensioning (which will damage the new track). If you are not comfortable working under heavy machinery, hire a technician. The labor cost is worth the safety and peace of mind.

What should I do with the old track?

Worn tracks can be recycled or sold to salvage yards. Some dealers will take old tracks as a core charge and credit part of the cost toward a new one. Call local recycling centers or equipment dealers to ask about options in your area.