Letters in Rubber Tracks: Complete Guide to N, W, K, B, T, Y Denominations
When looking for the perfect rubber track for your mini-excavator or earthmoving machine, you often encounter measurements that include mysterious letters after the number of teeth or pitch. Abbreviations like N, W, K, B, T, Y might seem like a secret code, but they are actually a way to quickly and easily identify what the application is for a specific measurement.
Understanding the meaning of these denominations is essential to avoid compatibility errors and ensure optimal machine performance. This professional guide will help you decipher each abbreviation and choose the right track with confidence.
What the Letters in Rubber Tracks Represent
The letters that follow standard rubber track measurements are not random: they identify a specific characteristic related to the guide and type of track being evaluated. This technical convention allows for quickly distinguishing which guide configuration is compatible with each machine model.
The Technical Classification System
Each letter indicates a specific characteristic of the track guide and consequently how the track itself and the undercarriage can interact. It's important to specify that the letters we will explain are those available and for sale on our site and may vary from supplier to supplier. There is no universally standardized legend for these denominations.
This coding system is fundamental because it:
- Guarantees mechanical compatibility between track and machine
- Optimizes performance of traction and stability
- Prevents premature wear caused by structural incompatibilities
- Facilitates the selection of the correct replacement
Detailed Meaning of Denominations
N - "Narrow" (Narrow Guide)
The N denomination identifies rubber tracks with narrow guide. It serves to distinguish the track in question from other similar ones with wider guides that, regarding main measurements (width, pitch, number of links), may appear to have no differences.
Application examples: HITACHI Zaxis series excavators, Case CX series excavators from 20 to 50 quintals
W - "Wide" (Wide Guide)
Tracks marked with W have a wide guide and differ from apparently identical tracks for the reasons described in the previous paragraph (N)
Application examples: Bobcat E Series excavators from 40 to 85 quintals
K - Tracks with Steel Slide Guides (Rail Type)
The K denomination identifies rubber tracks with plates on the outside of the guide. The machine's rollers rest and slide on these plates, using the guide teeth only for track centering. Thanks to this configuration, the machine's weight is discharged onto the tracks in a different and more uniform way
Application examples: KUBOTA excavators, small KOMATSU excavators
Y - Asymmetric Tracks with steel slide plates (Rail Type)
Y tracks are similar to K tracks mentioned in the previous description. The Y configuration presents an asymmetric design: the track guide is not centered relative to the track section, resulting in one wider part and one narrower part. This configuration allows, with the same total footprint of the machine on the ground, to have a wider frame and undercarriage to increase stability
Application examples: YANMAR excavators up to series 5
B – Tracks for Tracked Mini Loaders
The B denomination characterizes tracks with rubber sliding surfaces primarily intended for tracked mini loaders with classic undercarriage. This configuration is optimized for the specific operational needs of compact tracked loaders and to minimize vibrations as much as possible
Application examples: BOBCAT, JBL, KUBOTA, CATERPILLAR, NEW HOLLAND tracked mini loaders,…
T - Tracks for TAKEUCHI Tracked Mini Loaders
Tracks marked with the letter T are primarily intended for Takeuchi tracked mini loaders and, unlike those intended for mini loaders of other brands, these tracks have steel slide plates (like K tracks in the dedicated paragraph)
Application examples: Takeuchi tracked mini loaders
Specialized Technical Support
Consult our Technical Support page to explore further technical specifications.
In case of doubts, contact us to receive personalized assistance: our experience guarantees you the correct selection and the safest investment for your machine.