An increasing number of tractors and self-propelled machine are now fitted with rubber tracks to improve weight distribution and increase traction. The downside is the expensive price tag and wear and tear on the road. Help is at hand in the form of a new technique from Dutch-firm Obo Tyres to re-track worn belts, which has developed a grinding machine to completely wear down worn lugs. New ones made from a special rubber compound are then vulcanised onto the belt. Known as the Obo re-trac system, and currently available on 60 to 90cm-wide belts, it costs around 60% of the new price to give a set of tracks a second life. The company claims a second life expectancy of at least 85%, and the lugs on the refurbs come with a two-and-a-half-year warranty. Obo Tyres, which has a background of repairing tractor and industrial tyres, says it can re-track belts for a wide range of tractors and self-propelled machines. The tracks on the first vehicles they have worked on come from Claas combines and Ploeger self-propelled pea viners and potato harvesters. The process takes 10 to 14 days, and it is envisaged that most customers will want the job done during the winter. The company is also able to re-furbish rubber track running gear rollers.