Tracks over wheels

All our machines are built using the same all-terrain track base, designed and manufactured in our Suffolk factory. As engineering innovators a lot of thought has gone into each and every design feature of all our machines, and these tracks are no different. We sometimes get asked “why tracks not wheels”, and the answer is for many many reasons!

Improved traction and stability: Machinery on tracks can distribute weight over a larger surface area, providing improved traction and stability on uneven terrain, steep slopes, or soft ground. This makes them ideal for use in challenging outdoor environments – such as construction sites or forests.

Reduced ground pressure: Tracked machines are designed with a larger surface area in contact with the ground compared to wheeled machines. This larger contact area helps to distribute the weight of the machine over a larger area, which reduces the amount of pressure exerted on the ground.

The wide, flexible tracks distribute the weight of the machine more evenly and provide better traction, even on slippery or uneven surfaces. This allows the machine to operate with less slippage and less risk of causing damage to sensitive or unstable surfaces, such as lawns or wetlands.

Better mobility: Machinery on tracks can navigate rough terrain, obstacles, and steep inclines more easily than machinery on wheels, making them ideal for use in challenging outdoor environments.

Higher load capacity: Machinery on tracks can often carry heavier loads than machinery on wheels, making them ideal for construction and forestry applications where heavy loads need to be transported.

Reduced maintenance costs: Machinery on tracks can often require less maintenance than machinery on wheels because they have fewer moving parts and are less likely to be damaged by rocks, debris, or other hazards.

Although the base has a few size variations across the range for weight distribution and stability reasons, the construction and design is consistent. Using the same track base across our range reduces the costs associated with research, development and tooling, and helps us to reduce the overall cost of production, making the machines more affordable for customers. As well as simplifying operator training and reducing the likelihood of errors, reducing downtime for maintenance and repairs, simplifying spare parts inventory and ensuring customers can easily identify our products which helps to build trust and loyalty in the Dragon Equipment brand.

If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch.