Rock Guards - How Important on a 2010?

[RedDirt]

This is my first crawler. Haven't even used it yet on the property. After I got it and sent some pictures some folks pointed out that it didn't have rock guards for the tracks. I have the sprocket shields but not the guards that run the length of the rails and cover around the rollers.

My questions are:
1. How important are these to have?
2. Anone have success or horror stories of running without them?
3. How much should they cost if I can find them?

Thanks,

[NNAATZ]

they do just that, keep rocks and other crap out of your rollers and rails help keep the tracks clean. also if is a loader they help give the track frames strength. imo its a good idea to have them.