How Flotation Works - What Are the types of Tracks on a Bulldozer?

On today's Down & Dirty we're answering a question from a subscriber; How does flotation work? How do wide tracks make a machine float longer?
Dozer configurations: XLT - extra long track, WT - wide track, LGP - low ground pressure. These terms are talking about how wide the tracks are on the dozer.
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[@Redacted00010]

Over here in the UK, I work for a fairly large engineering outfit. We only buy and use D6T LGP dozers, as all of our kit runs Trimble GPS, and the GPS work is done so much better with the LGP tracks due to the smoother grade and flotation. We also found the data we gathered back through Trimble earthworks was a lot more consistent and reliably to use, especially when the Autos is engaged in the Dozer with the larger tracks.

[@DieselandIron]

That's REALLY interesting to know from a factual standpoint. I've always thought LGP machines graded easier from an anecdotal standpoint but, it's a whole other level to have that backed up by actual data. Thanks for the comment!

[@Redacted00010]

@@DieselandIron big time, has saved us a lot of headaches when we have forgot to survey something or missed it, and we know we can jump to the machine data to provide us with that information !

[@soldierofdirt81]

Well said Bryan, also, speaking from someone who works in rock, LGP pads would not last 2,000 hours before they were bent and the pins and bushings would be destroyed. 😬 very well explained!🙌👍

[@DieselandIron]

Thanks Albert! I appreciate it. I couldn't imagine trying to run LGP tracks through your conditions down there in Texas. That would be a disaster.

[@sthdz2932]

With my experience with a xl vs LGP on the same exact dozer, I think the LGPs push and grade way smoother.

[@DieselandIron]

LGP tracks will definitely give you a smoother ride and therefore a smoother push. You ride over small imperfections in the grade instead of falling into them like you do with the smaller tracks.

[@rayhill1855]

Thank you for a great video. I'm looking at buying a Cat 973-track loader with LGP tracks for my 6 acre property. I need to move a lot of decomposed granite, which is about 5% of my lot. This will require a lot of power. I was wondering if the LGP tracks are what I need?

[@DieselandIron]

Unless you know what you are getting into I wouldn't recommend buying a used track loader. Most of the time track loaders are cheap when buying used because the undercarriage is blown out and it is ridiculously expensive to replace. Just make sure you know what you are getting into. That being said, decomposed granite is going to be a pretty firm surface to run on. What's underneath? If you have good ground conditions then you will be better off with a standard track configuration since you don't need the flotation and it will save you on undercarriage wear.

[@jameskingston9427]

A track skid steer with snow tracks can probably push more than a wheeled version with snow tire. Check out the ASV tracked skid steer on Dirt Monkey and see if I'm wrong with his snowpushers?

[@queasyislander0274]

If there is any ice at all under the snow the tracks suck I still like my snow wolfs

[@DieselandIron]

I'd still put my money on the wheeled machine. The snow tracks will make a huge difference over dirt tracks but at the end of the day you are still spreading your machines weight out.