Amphibious Undercarriages with Aluminum Track Shoes VS Amphibious Undercarriages with Steel Track Shoes

Amphibious tracked undercarriage is a specialized pontoon-based platform that transforms standard excavators into robust machines for wetlands, marshes, swamps, dredging and soft-terrain operations. Engineered for stability, buoyancy and reliable performance across both land and water, SINOWAY amphibious excavator undercarriages enable contractors to work safely and efficiently in environments inaccessible to conventional machinery.

The amphibious undercarriages are available with two types of track shoes: aluminum alloy track shoes and steel track shoes. However, most customers are unsure how to select the right track shoes for their amphibious pontoon undercarriage. Each type has distinct advantages in terms of weight, buoyancy, corrosion resistance, wear performance and maintenance cost. To help you make the best choice according to your actual working conditions, we have listed a detailed comparison below.

Weight, Buoyancy & Ground Pressure

Aluminum alloy track shoes are significantly lighter, with a density approximately one-third that of steel. They reduce the overall weight of the undercarriage, boost buoyancy margin and cut ground pressure. The machine delivers superior performance on soft mud, marshland and shallow water, with a lower risk of sinking, reduced fuel consumption and less stress placed on the final drive.

Steel track shoes weigh more. For pontoons of identical dimensions, buoyancy reserve is reduced and ground pressure increases. This makes the machine more prone to sinking on soft ground, while imposing heavier loads on the traveling system.

Corrosion Resistance

Marine-grade 6061-T6 aluminum track shoes develop a naturally formed protective oxide film, offering outstanding resistance to seawater, salt marshes and acidic sludge. They are ideal for coastal, estuarine and saline wetland projects. Protection against galvanic corrosion is required at the contact points between aluminum track slippers and steel chains or pins.

Steel track slippers depend on marine epoxy coatings for corrosion protection. Once the coating is chipped or scratched, rust will form rapidly, particularly in saltwater conditions. Periodic repainting is required for maintenance, and steel track cleats are primarily suited for freshwater marsh applications.

Wear & Impact Resistance

Steel track shoes feature higher hardness and superior impact and wear resistance. On rocky riverbeds and hard ground, steel demonstrates greater toughness. Damages normally appear as bending deformation, which can be repaired easily.

Aluminum alloy track shoes have lower hardness. They are susceptible to scratches and cracks under impact from sharp rocks. They work best for pure mud and dredging projects and are not recommended for heavy-duty rocky sites.

Cost & Maintenance

Aluminum track shoes carry a higher upfront manufacturing cost. Repairing cracks is difficult and costly.

Steel track shoes have a lower procurement cost. They can be welded and straightened on-site with ease, making them a good option for inland projects and short-term rental fleets.

Recommended Application

Aluminum track pontoon: coastal mudflats, estuaries, salt lakes, saline wetlands, dredging and soft ground free of large quantities of rock.

Steel track pontoon: inland freshwater swamps, rocky riverbeds, heavy-duty excavation, budget-limited and short-term projects.

Should you have any questions or need our assistance while selecting your amphibious undercarriage, please feel free to contact us at sinoway@sinoway-sh.com , We will provide a tailored solution based on your project’s working conditions.


    

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