High Track Drive vs Low

Camboted

Member
Here in Cambodia we are working in mud a lot. I've had some people tell me that the high track drive dozers like a D5N LGP work better in mud than the low drive models because the weight distribution causes them to float better, and others tell me that the high drive will jump sprocket teeth in mud. What say you guys? Which is better for mud, a high drive or a low?
 
I don't know. But I will express an opinion.
High drive will slip in mud? I would think if a high drive was going to skip teeth, it would be on a hard push? Is a high drive typically run loose enough that it might slip?

I've never run a high drive. I have popped a track off a small dozer, but the tracks were shot.
 
There used to be heated debates over on ACMOC about this, but not so much specifically LGP tractors. What it boils down to is overall weight and weight distribution as well as the soil conditions. LGP tractors are effective in soft conditions, to a point when the soil is just too saturated. I have demonstrated both designs in soft conditions, both tractors, Komatsu & CAT did very well. One was a Komatsu D65 PX LGP, the other was a new D6 high track. The CAT would turn with a full blade, while the Komatsu struggled to do that, and it got stuck easier. The D6 was easier to get out when it got stuck, I was able to do it without assistance. Both were great machines, the owner went with the Komatsu. mainly due to cost. There is more to the comparison and proving of which would perform better and most of that will be the soil conditions. Lot of variables, but it was interesting to work both of these tractors and note the differences in each. They both ran on top of a huge pile of wet topsoil that the large D8K would only drive into at one point, so we needed an LGP tractor to work this huge stock pile.
 
I have worked on both the high drives and low drives LGP and if I was using it in deep wet soupy material I would definitely go with the high drive for it keeps most of final drive from the water/slop working in the worst part of it. It does not have as many final drive failures. Also the under carriage last longer not because of the dirt factor but rather it is longer to compensate for the higher position of the final. This is my experience from working in cranberry marshes which should be very similar to rice paddies. Both are good but definitely high drive.
 
CB IF a high drive slipped as the guy said either the undercarriage was wore out or the track adjustment was too loose. For your use high drive for sure ONLY draw back I have ever experienced is in some place the high drive will not back out hardly as well as the standard tractor but nothing you can not live with . I though you had already made the purchase by now.
 
A high drive crawler has all better features in every application of use not to mention the longevity of undercarriage wear versus a conventional track.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top