The majority of Rubber Tracks utilize a traditional overlap type structure of steel cord. When the track is under abnormal stress such as excessive tension, failure often occurs at the ends of the overlap area.
Steel cord breakage at end of overlap
Bridgestone has developed a spiral steel cord structure which is now a technology commonly used in Bridgestone tracks used on Compact Track Loaders. This technology is now being expanded into excavator tracks. Spiral steel cord technology offers complete uniformity of tensile strength around the circumference of the track. In addition to even tension, an even distribution of traction minimizes the risk of track breakage.
Overlap joint structure
Spiral structure
Field survey data collected by Bridgestone engineers indicates that 30-40% of all track failures are linked to steel cord breakage at the overlap area.
Field survey data and market feedback confirms a significant reduction in steel cord breakage of tracks with spiral technology. Therefore spiral tracks offer enhanced reliability, longer life and lower running costs.
