Product Description
Track Width
- Fits all Caterpillar 279D undercarriages
- SKU: B450x86x56Q-CR279D
Q-Tread 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 |
The Q-Tread pattern provides multi-directional traction — gripping equally well during turns, side-slopes, and straight-line travel. For operators working on varied terrain where the machine is constantly changing direction, the Q-Tread delivers consistent grip without aggressive wear. See all available patterns at the bottom of this page.
Know Your Machine: Caterpillar 279D Undercarriage Facts
The 279D is a radial-lift Caterpillar compact track loader with a 2,935 lb rated operating capacity and 2 available track widths — 400mm (15.7") and 450mm (17.7"). At approximately 9,893 lbs operating weight, it delivers strong pushing and lifting performance for landscaping, site prep, grading, and utility work. The 400mm track is the factory-standard width; the wider 450mm 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 |
| Q-Tread Tread | Multi-directional tread design | Consistent grip in turns and side-slopes. Good all-around wear characteristics. |
| Lug Height | ~1" nominal new depth | Replace when worn below ⅓ remaining — traction loss accelerates past that point |
Is It Time to Replace Your 279D'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 9,893 lbs operating weight the 279D 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450mm Width (450×86×56) | 450mm (17.7") | 86mm | 56 | B450x86x56Q-CR279D |
Complete Your 279D 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 279D.
All Tread Patterns Available for the 279D
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.
