Product Description
Which Width Is Right for Your 249D3?
- Factory-installed width on most 249D3s
- Lower tension on rollers → longer undercarriage life
- Best for hard surfaces: concrete, asphalt, packed gravel
- Better maneuverability in tight spaces
- SKU: B320X86X49M-CR249D3
- Distributes 249D3's 7,831 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: B400X86X49M-CR249D3
Not sure which to choose? Most 249D3s 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.
Bar 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 Bar (Multi-Bar) pattern maximizes ground contact area, giving a stable, even footprint on flat terrain. The continuous bar design distributes weight across a larger surface than lug patterns, which improves stability during lifting and loading on firm, level ground. A good fit for warehouse yards, paved lots, and flat jobsites. See all available patterns at the bottom of this page.
Know Your Machine: Caterpillar 249D3 Undercarriage Facts
The 249D3 is a vertical-lift Caterpillar compact track loader with a 2,485 lb rated operating capacity and 2 available track widths — 320mm (12.6") and 400mm (15.7"). At approximately 7,831 lbs operating weight, it delivers strong pushing and lifting performance for landscaping, site prep, grading, and utility work. The 320mm track is the factory-standard width; the wider 400mm option reduces ground pressure for operators working on soft or sensitive ground. Here's what that means for your track purchase:
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 |
| Bar Tread | Continuous bar design for maximum contact area | Stable on flat surfaces. Less aggressive for off-road conditions. |
| Lug Height | ~1" nominal new depth | Replace when worn below ⅓ remaining — traction loss accelerates past that point |
Is It Time to Replace Your 249D3'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 7,831 lbs operating weight the 249D3 accelerates track wear faster than lighter machines. On abrasive surfaces (concrete, asphalt), expect 1,200–1,500 hours from quality replacement tracks. Soft-ground or dirt-only work can extend this considerably.
Track Dimensions
| Size | Width | Pitch | Links | SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320mm Width (320×86×49) | 320mm (12.6") | 86mm | 49 | B320X86X49M-CR249D3 |
| 400mm Width (400×86×49) | 400mm (15.7") | 86mm | 49 | B400X86X49M-CR249D3 |
Complete Your 249D3 Undercarriage
Replacing tracks? Consider replacing your sprockets at the same time — worn sprockets destroy new tracks. All parts below are confirmed to fit the Caterpillar 249D3.
All Tread Patterns Available for the 249D3
All patterns fit all available widths. Sold individually. Free shipping.
*Product names are used to describe the correct application and do not indicate affiliation or endorsement by the respective 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.
