Finding the right bobcat 773 tracks can honestly change the way your machine handles on a messy job site. If you've been running your 773 on standard tires and finding yourself stuck in the mud or spinning out on loose gravel, it's probably time to look into a set of over-the-tire (OTT) tracks. The Bobcat 773 is a legendary workhorse, known for being one of those "just right" sized machines, but even the best skid steer is only as good as the traction it can get.
Adding tracks to a wheeled machine like the 773 isn't just about looking tough. It's about flotation and stability. When you throw a set of tracks over those tires, you're essentially turning a nimble wheeled loader into a mini-dozer that can float over soft ground where tires would just sink to the axles. Let's dive into what you need to know about picking, installing, and maintaining these tracks so you don't end up wasting money or time.
Why You Might Need Tracks Instead of Just Tires
The Bobcat 773 is naturally a wheeled machine, which is great for pavement or hard-packed dirt. But we all know that job sites aren't always perfect. The second you hit wet clay, sand, or deep mud, those tires start digging holes. By installing bobcat 773 tracks, you're spreading the weight of the machine over a much larger surface area. This is what we call "ground pressure." Lower ground pressure means you stay on top of the soil rather than digging into it.
It's also a huge win for stability. If you're lifting heavy pallets or using a bucket to move wet soil, the machine can feel a bit tippy on tires. Tracks give you a wider, more solid footprint. You'll notice the difference immediately when you're working on a slope or trying to grade a flat area. It just feels more planted.
Choosing Between Rubber and Steel Tracks
When you start shopping for bobcat 773 tracks, you're going to run into two main options: rubber and steel. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice really depends on where you spend most of your time working.
The Case for Rubber OTT Tracks
Rubber tracks are probably the most popular choice for general contractors. They're great because they give you that extra flotation without tearing up the ground quite as much as steel. If you're working on a residential property where you need to cross a driveway or a sidewalk, rubber is your best friend. It won't scar the concrete or asphalt like steel cleats will.
Another big plus is the ride quality. Steel tracks can be pretty vibrating and loud, which wears you out after an eight-hour shift. Rubber tracks tend to dampen that vibration, making the 773 a lot smoother to operate. They're also generally lighter, which means a little less strain on your drive motors.
When Steel Tracks Are the Better Bet
If you're working in heavy demolition, rocky terrain, or thick woods, steel is the way to go. Rubber can get sliced up by rebar or sharp rocks, but steel just keeps on rolling. Steel tracks provide the absolute best traction in deep mud because they have "grousers"—those aggressive metal bars that bite into the earth. If you don't care about the surface you're driving on (like a raw construction site) and you just need raw pushing power, go with steel.
Understanding Tread Patterns
Not all bobcat 773 tracks are built with the same "grip" style. If you go the rubber route, you'll see a few different patterns. The "C-Pattern" is a classic for a reason—it's balanced and works well in most conditions. Then you have "Block Pattern" tracks, which are often better for dry, hard surfaces and tend to last a bit longer because there's more rubber making contact with the ground.
If you're dealing with a lot of snow or very slippery mud, you might look for a "Zig-Zag" pattern. These are designed to shed material so the tracks don't get "slicked over" with mud. Once a track gets filled with mud and turns into a smooth circle, you've lost all your advantage. A good tread pattern keeps itself clean as it rotates.
Installation Tips for a Pain-Free Afternoon
I won't lie to you: putting tracks on a skid steer isn't exactly a one-person, five-minute job. It takes some muscle and a bit of patience. The first thing you need to do is make sure your tire pressure is exactly where the track manufacturer recommends. If your tires are too low, the tracks will slip; if they're too high, you might struggle to get the tracks joined together.
Most people find it easiest to lay the tracks out flat on the ground and then drive the Bobcat onto them. You'll then wrap the track around the tires and use a "track pulling tool" (which usually comes with the kit or can be bought separately) to bring the two ends together so you can slide the connector pins in.
Pro tip: Don't forget about your spacers. On many 773 models, you'll need wheel spacers to push the wheels out slightly so the tracks don't rub against the frame of the machine. Always check the clearance before you go full speed into a pile of dirt.
How to Make Your Tracks Last Longer
New bobcat 773 tracks are an investment, so you obviously want them to last as long as possible. The number one killer of tracks is improper tension. If they're too loose, they can "de-track," which is a nightmare to fix in the middle of a muddy field. If they're too tight, you're putting way too much stress on your wheel bearings and drive motors.
You should also get into the habit of cleaning them out. I know, it's the last thing anyone wants to do at the end of the day, but packed-in rocks and debris act like sandpaper. They'll grind away at the inside of your tracks and your tires. A quick power wash or even just poking the big chunks out with a shovel can add hundreds of hours to the life of your tracks.
Also, try to avoid "counter-rotating" (spinning one side forward and one side back) on hard surfaces like gravel or asphalt. That's the fastest way to chew up the lugs on rubber tracks. Wide, gradual turns are much easier on the equipment.
Keeping an Eye on Wear and Tear
How do you know when your bobcat 773 tracks are finally shot? For rubber tracks, look for deep cracks that show the internal steel cords. Once moisture gets into those cords, they start to rust and weaken, and eventually, the track will just snap.
For steel tracks, you're looking at the thickness of the bars and the condition of the links. If the holes for the pins have become "oval" instead of round, the whole track assembly will get sloppy and start to slap against the machine. It's better to replace them a little early than to have a track fail while you're in the middle of a critical job.
Final Thoughts on the Investment
At the end of the day, a set of bobcat 773 tracks basically turns your machine into a whole new beast. It opens up the types of jobs you can take on, especially during the rainy season when everyone else is stuck waiting for the ground to dry out.
Yes, they cost a bit of money upfront, and yes, they require a little extra maintenance. But when you realize you can finish a job in two days that would have taken four days on tires alone, the tracks pay for themselves pretty quickly. Just make sure you're buying a quality set with a solid warranty, keep them tensioned right, and your Bobcat 773 will keep pushing through just about anything you throw at it.