Product Description
Which Width Is Right for Your 249D?
- Factory-installed width on most 249Ds
- Lower tension on rollers → longer undercarriage life
- Best for hard surfaces: concrete, asphalt, packed gravel
- Better maneuverability in tight spaces
- SKU: B320X86X49Z-CR249D
- Distributes 249D's 7,685 lbs weight over a larger footprint
- Reduces psi → less lawn & turf damage
- Ideal for soft/wet ground, mud, landscaping work
- Larger footprint absorbs more impact — softer ride on rough terrain
- SKU: B400X86X49Z-CR249D
Not sure which to choose? Most 249Ds leave the factory with 320mm tracks, but all widths install on the same undercarriage without modification. Or just call us at 800-966-6640 and tell us your machine — we'll match you in 30 seconds.
Z-Lug Tread — Is It Right for Your Work?
| Pattern | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Bar | Flat terrain · large ground contact · stability on firm surfaces |
| Block | General purpose · hardpack · dirt · long pavement runs |
| C-Lug | Mixed terrain · grading · site work · on/off road · concrete & dirt |
| Q-Tread | Multi-directional traction · good all-around performance |
| Split Bar | Bidirectional traction · shock absorption · smooth ride on varied ground |
| Turf | Lawns · landscaping · minimal ground disturbance |
| Z-Lug ✔ | Steep grades · snow · ice · maximum traction applications |
Non-marking white rubber also available. See non-marking options →
The Z-Lug is the maximum-traction pattern — built for operators working steep grades, snow, ice, or any conditions where grip is the top priority. The aggressive zigzag lug pattern digs in harder than C-Lug or Block, making it the right choice for earthmoving, grading on slopes, and winter work. Trades some pavement smoothness for significantly more bite. See all available patterns at the bottom of this page.
Know Your Machine: Caterpillar 249D Undercarriage Facts
The 249D is a vertical-lift Caterpillar compact track loader with a 2,300 lb rated operating capacity and 2 available track widths — 320mm (12.6") and 400mm (15.7"). At approximately 7,685 lbs operating weight, it delivers strong pushing and lifting performance for landscaping, site prep, grading, and utility work.
What's Inside the Track
| Component | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Cores | Drop-forged steel embeds · pitch-spaced | Maintain track shape · resist deformation under load · engage sprocket cleanly |
| Steel Cords | Acid-washed · continuous cord layer | Carry tensile load · prevent stretching · hold pitch dimension over time |
| Rubber Compound | Wear-resistant · premium bonding agent | Protects cords from moisture · bonds all layers · absorbs impact on hard surfaces |
| Z-Lug Tread | Aggressive zigzag pattern for maximum grip | Best traction in soft/loose conditions. Wears faster on pavement. |
| Lug Height | ~1" nominal new depth | Replace when worn below ⅓ remaining — traction loss accelerates past that point |
Is It Time to Replace Your 249D's Tracks?
| What You're Seeing | What It Means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed steel cords | Carcass worn through — moisture will corrode cords | Replace immediately |
| Flat or missing lugs | Tread depth below ⅓ of original 1" — traction loss | Plan replacement soon |
| Track won't hold tension | Carcass has stretched beyond adjuster range | Replace track · inspect adjuster |
| Cracks around guide bars | Aging rubber · UV damage · abrasive turning | Monitor closely, plan replacement |
| Track jumping off | Tension too loose OR guide bar/idler damage | Check tension first · inspect guide bars |
At 7,685 lbs operating weight the 249D accelerates track wear faster than lighter machines. On abrasive surfaces (concrete, asphalt), expect 1,200–1,500 hours from quality replacement tracks.
Track Dimensions
| Size | Width | Pitch | Links | SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320mm Width (320×86×49) | 320mm (12.6") | 86mm | 49 | B320X86X49Z-CR249D |
| 400mm Width (400×86×49) | 400mm (15.7") | 86mm | 49 | B400X86X49Z-CR249D |
Complete Your 249D Undercarriage
Replacing tracks? Consider replacing your sprockets at the same time — worn sprockets destroy new tracks.
All Tread Patterns Available for the 249D
All patterns fit all available widths. Sold individually. Free shipping.
*Product names are used for application identification and do not indicate affiliation or endorsement by the equipment manufacturer. Caterpillar® is a registered trademark of Caterpillar Inc.. ⚠ Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
*The product name is intended to describe the correct application and does not indicate affiliation or endorsement of the respective machine maker.
