To find quality aftermarket Kubota KX161-3 rubber tracks, you will need to look for the following features:
- 100% virgin rubber (no recycled rubber)
- OEM tread pattern
- Alternating small and large links
- OEM pitch measurement
- Continuous steel cord
It is important to get 100% new material in a rubber track as recycled rubber is proven to break down quicker than natural rubber. The tread pattern that the Kubota KX161-3 rubber tracks comes with is a direction alternating block pattern designed to be a smooth ride and great traction.
The alternating links are very important as the rollers are designed to ride that way. If you look at the inside of your Kubota KX161-3 rubber tracks, you will see that the links alternate between larger and smaller links throughout the length of the entire rubber track.
The pictures above are of the alternating links of an aftermarket Kubota KX161-3 rubber track. If you do not get this style, you will have derails and downtime.
The pitch measurement is also an integral part of how a rubber track will fit on a Kubota KX161-3. If the pitch measurement is even off by one millimeter which could be the difference between a smooth operating rubber track or derailing and aggravation. The pitch measurement on a Kubota KX161-3 rubber track should be 72.5mm.
The Kubota KX161-3 rubber track is a 16" wide track which provides low ground pressure and stability. If the aftermarket rubber track does not have a continuous-steel cord, the track could separate and stretch causing the track to fail prematurely.
If you get a quality aftermarket Kubota KX161-3 rubber track, there is not that much reason to pay a large fee for a Bridgestone Kubota rubber track. If the rubber track meets the specifications above, you will be just spending more money for a similar rubber track. Some companies also have sprockets, top rollers, bottom rollers, and idlers available for the Kubotaa KX161-3.