By McLaren Industries 
CTL vs. MTL Rubber Tracks: The Difference
CTL and MTL (ASV type) machines are both popular track loader options. There are many different factors to consider when determining which of these similar machines is best for your application. One such consideration is whether Compact Track Loader or Multi Terrain Loader rubber tracks are more advantageous for your purposes. This guide on the difference between CTL vs MTL rubber tracks will help guide your decision.
The Main Difference Between CTL and MTL Rubber Tracks
The main difference between CTL and MTL rubber tracks is that there is no steel forging in an MTL track. An MTL track is almost completely made of rubber without any rigid steel forces inside. While many MTL tracks have steel wires and a steel belt, there is no steel forgings or steel castings. Below, we will get into more of the details regarding the pros and cons of each track to help guide your decision on which to choose.
Benefits of Compacy Track Loader Rubber Tracks
- More durability: The metal forgings in CTL rubber tracks make them more durable and less susceptible to damage. As such, they are a great option for use in highly rugged environments.
- Experience the full power of the machine: Because CTL tracks are more durable, they allow the operator to take advantage of the full power of the machine without risk of the sprocket and drive lug or pin skipping or slipping. As such, CTL tracks are ideal for high torque applications.
- Longer track life: Rubber tracks typically last up to twice as long on a CTL machine compared to an MTL machine because the metal forgings in the CTL track are bonded into the rubber track and help hold the track together.
- Wider variety of track patterns: There are far more different types of CTL track patterns to match a wide variety of different job applications.
Cons of Compact Track Loader Rubber Tracks
- Less traction: Compacty Track Loader tracks don’t grab the ground as well as MTL tracks. As a result, they offer less traction.
- Increased machine weight: Because CTL rubber tracks have metal forgings, they weigh more than Multi Terrain Loader rubber tracks which can reduce fuel efficiency and make it more challenging to drive over especially soft surfaces.
Benefits of Multi Terrain Loader Rubber Tracks
- More grip: Because MTL tracks are more flexible since they don’t have stiff metal forgings, they are able to form around the surface of the ground. As a result, they offer more grip and traction than CTL tracks.
- Lighter tracks: MTL tracks are generally much lighter than CTL tracks because they do not have heavy metal forgings. The lighter weight of MTL tracks is beneficial when driving over very wet terrain or in situations where you desire less ground compaction.
- Smoother ride: Since MTL tracks are more flexible and form around the surface of the ground, they generally offer a far smoother ride than CTL tracks.
Cons of Multi Terrain Loader Rubber Tracks
- Drive lugs can skip and pop off: Because there is no steel inside of an MTL track for the sprocket to grab onto, the drive on the MTL track is a rubber lug rather than a steel forging. In high torque applications, these rubber lugs may skip or eventually pop off, which is one of the main causes of MTL track failure.
- Undercarriage system cost: The undercarriage of MTL tracks is more expensive and requires more maintenance, which can further rack up costs. Plus, the lifespan of an MTL undercarriage is generally half that of a CTL machine which incurs replacement costs as well.
McLaren Industries is an industry leader as a manufacturer of rubber tracks. As one of the largest OEM rubber track manufacturers in the world, our products have gone through years of rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the highest level of quality. To equip your CTL or MTL machine with durable, superior quality tracks, shop our products today. To learn more about our MTL or CTL rubber tracks or other McLaren products please give us a call at (800) 836-0040 or click here to fill out a quote today!