Cat Introduces New Track Clamp Master Link

Jan 8, 2026 - 5 months ago

Get back to work quicker with the new Cat Track Clamp Master Link assembly, designed to improve track installation efficiency in the field by eliminating the need for a portable field press.

Cat Introduces New Track Clamp Master Link
The new Track Clamp Master Link, which replaces both slip-style and press-fit joints, needs no hydraulic tooling and presses, allowing operators to safely remove and install tracks without any additional equipment.

“Improperly managed undercarriages cause downtime and cost money,” says Tim Nenne, senior market professional for Caterpillar. “The Track Clamp Master Link is available for any standard hydraulic excavator with a 7.5” pitch size class, making in-field track installation both simple and safe.”

“We all know how time-consuming both slip-style and press-fit joints can be to replace,” he continues, “but after all that effort, they’re not infallible either.”

Nenne says that Caterpillar focused on durability when developing the new link, making durability a feature alongside convenience, speed, and safety. Extensive press-out testing has shown that the Track Clamp Master Link offers 25% higher pin retention compared to the press-fit master and up to a 50% improvement in joint life compared to the slip-fit master.

“Tool-less solutions are often seen as a temporary quick-fix, but with the Track Clamp we’ve set a new standard: it may not require hydraulic tooling, it may be quick, but it’s certainly not temporary,” points out Nenne.

The Track Clamp Master Link is widely used across a variety of hydraulic excavators and covers all types of undercarriages, including General Duty, Heavy Duty and Heavy Duty XL. Alongside Caterpillar’s Custom Track Service, Undercarriage Assurance Programs and renowned worldwide parts availability, it’s one of the many ways in which Caterpillar and Cat dealers help operators get the most from their Cat Undercarriage.

The Cat Track Clamp Master link is currently available on the Cat 320 Excavator, with more models available in 2026.

Source: Caterpillar