Subtopic	Posts		Updated
	Archive through January 7, 2001	4

By michael benson on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I am about to buy a Max IV and want to put tracks on it. Do a need to put MAX tracks on it with the track kit or can I use TRU TRAX w/o the track kit. Max tracks are almost $2K differance in price. I get deep snow here.
michael

By Bill Johnson on Unrecorded Date: Edit

The tru tracks and a cheap copy of argos cheap design of tracks. You get what you pay for. Go RI.

I had an argo with the argo tracks... Lots of problems. In the swamps I would throw the tracks every so often. My pins elongated the holes in the tracks and ended up breaking links. I have since sold my tracks and my argo. I am between machines now. Any one hear anything about a bigfoot 8 wheeler with some kind of new transmission?

My ice fishing buddy has a MAX with the factory tracks. There is no comparison as to how much better the rubber tracks work.

If you go plastic buy plenty of spare links and take them with you.

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Michael, They really aren't $2K more because you get factory designed and made bearing cages, extenders and a bearing rail in addition to (probably with reasonable care and use) a 30+ year life span track. Please do not try to use any track without bearing cages or bearing rail. If you buy a machine set up for tracks by the factory, you will save many $ in installation costs and you will know you have a product that is going to work as well as can be expected. If dependability is important to you, go with the RI track. Otherwise, I would recomend you also get a pair of snowshoes. If you have dry powder, you will need the extra flotation provided by the RI solid track.

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred, I would welcome your advice on adding RI's tracks to my Max II. It may not be practical because I have a 2001 450T with the standard axles and the the correct tires size for use with tracks.Is it practical i.e. only 14hp and standard axles? I could upgrade to solid axles but it would add a lot more cost. Then I'm looking at still only 14hp. Is that going to be enough to get any performance with the tracks? I can't see upgrading to a higher hp engine too. If I spend this kind of additional money, I might as well buy a new machine. I want the tracks for the swamps more so than snow but it would be used in snow too. What do you think?

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike, My advice would be don't do it.. I think you need 18 hp to adequately run tracks (the bigger the engine, the better) and you need solid axles (preferable the new forged steel splined axles). O-ring chains are not a necessity, but certainly will require less maintenance and give longer chain life. To put on the bearing cages, the axles have to be pulled, and it will require new sprockets (as well as axles and chain)- this requires pulling the engine (so you could throw in a new engine in the process) and almost dismantling the machine.

If you do the work yourself and don't have something better to do with your time, it might make sense, but I would recommend getting a new machine set up for tracks by the factory.

By Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike,
Fred beat me to it. Fred is correct in what he said. I would not get the tracks with the Max you say you have. I think a 16 hp would be ok, but you need a bigger engine for sure. You will also need solid axles with the bearing cage extenders. If you really need tracks, then sell what you got and try to find a used one with tracks or just buy a new Max. I know, thats easier said then done. Sorry for the bad news to your question.

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks to both of you guys for the straight scoop. It is what I expected to hear but I wanted the proverbial 2nd and 3rd opinions. I obtained the machine I have because it was too good of a deal to pass by, I could not go wrong. I bought it with the intent of selling it, make a little profit and put it towards a new Max IV. The mistake I made was driving it around to see what it could do. I like it so much, I decided to keep it for a while. It kinda grows on you. It's my first Max but my third machine.

By Dave Johnston on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have an Argo Conquest... I got the TRU TRAX two years ago... Not entirely happy with them in loose powder snow. Got the metal cleats the next year. Still no help in the loose powder. When it comes to LOOSE powder, get the widest tracks you can find, even if they are NOT ARGO tracks. Call Don at Argo World in Carson City for comments. I spent over $1000 for my Tru Trax with metal cleats and if the snow is not a bit sticky, I still get bogged down and need to use the winch. On the other hand, I have pulled out my fair share of snowmobiles in the late spring. Once they hit MUD, they are dead.

By Laurier on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I found an Argo dealer in Quebec Canada that has a special rubber tracks made for his dealer ship they are 20 inches wide. He says they are the best thing he has ever come across. ODG went up and test-drove them. He clams they out last, out performs all plastic tracks. Have a look the web sit it is in French but you can use the http://ca-en.altavista.com/babelfish and type in http://www.argorsbolduc.com pick French to English
Just a note you have to click on NOUVELLE CHENILLES (that’s new rubber tracks in French)
This Guy is the largest Argo dealer In Quebec Canada

By David Johnston on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Found an interesting article about trains dumping sand on the train tracks in the winter to improve traction. While sand may not be practical for an ATV with tracks, how about a heated water spray? If it is put down on the snow immediately before the tracks, it would tend to make the snow "sticky" and clump onto the tracks. A definite improvement over dry powder snow. Has anyone tried to improve their tracks this way? Or used any kind of chemical to improve traction?

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David J., Why don't you just re-route your exhaust to blow down right in front of your argo tracks. It would melt the snow just a little. It would be impossible to haul enough water to do any good (even if you were going to pick up snow and melt it to provide your hot water spray).

You know, the other option is to get a max with the 15" wide solid rubber belt and you will be able to go in the deep dry powder with no trouble.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David Johnston, I think I have completely misunderstood what you are saying but why would you want to put hot water spray on the tracks to make the snow clump up?? Them it just piles on the tracks and eventually freezes, and rubs on the body. Please clarify what you are getting at.

By Mark Ushchak (Amphibiousatv) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

How much are the rubber tracks for a bigfoot and will you have to change the tires?

By Dave Johnston on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Snow comes in many forms. DRY POWDER is about as slippery as you can get....the tracks do not dig in, they just slide on it. IF the snow is slightly more damp, like the stuff you can make snowballs out of...the tracks grab it better. So a water spray on the snow just in front of the tracks would make it "stickier" and the tracks would have an easier time of it. As the tracks come up around the back, the snow clumps would get knocked off. Then again, maybe a BIG FAN at the back of the ARGO and make it a SNOW SWAMP BOAT..........

By Laurier on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I come from the land of snow. Up here in Canada the only thing that will help in snow is floatation. You need wide tracks for deep powder snow, if hard packed add some ice cleats. Rubber tracks better traction. cleats are for Ice and hard packed snow.

By Allan crossman on Unrecorded Date: Edit

can a max with tracks pull a small gromming drag
up a hill.

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Allan, It depends on snow conditions. If the snow has consistency (will make a snow ball), no problem, ever. If it loose and fluffy and not too deep (one foot or so) no problem usually. If the snow is deep and dry, maybe.

By Brian Metcalf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I am considering all brands of tracks for my argo conquest. I do alot of ice fishing and occasionally run into some fairly deep snow. Money is not a problem, but obviously I do not want to throw it away. What is the undoubtedly best set of tracks/set up for the argo conquest. What is the difference between the factory made ODG tracks and the tru trax? How much will the tracks put strain on the bearings and other equipment? I would appreciate any and all insight from all of you with experience/knowledge.

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Brian, If it were my decision, I would contact that fellow in Canada (post above by Laurier) that makes the solid rubber belt tracks for Argos.

By giantdog on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I to have an argo conquest and i live in Alaska were snow is deep this year we only have about 5ft and i plow snow for myself and I have have the factory super tracks and i love them i can float on top of the snow if i want to climb up the side of repensky mount i can do so with the super tracks i can drive on top of the snow no prob and that is with a snow blade on the front if the snow is real soft i watch what i am doing and take it a little slower i do have the ice cleets on them also

By giantdog on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I to have an argo conquest. I have the factory super tracks on it. I live in a part of Alaska where snow gets deep. This year we only had about five feet and a minus 25 below.I also have a snow plow on it. i can climb up the side of Repenski mountain with no problem. Even with the snow blade on there. I float on top of the snow. If the snow is soft I just go alittle slower and watch what I'm doinf. With the tracks and common sense you can go where ever you want to go.

By docteur on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I would like to put tracks and skis on a polaris ranger 6x6. What are some of the best options? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for this equipment but want a good product.

By Coyotehunter on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have a 1999 Polaris Ranger 6x6.Looking to put tracks on.Any suggestions on where to find somthing?

By Bud ( - 167.230.38.7) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I had a hunting buddy with a 6x6 Polaris, and he got tracks for the rear wheels from the dealer. It affected the steering, and he ended up taking them off.

By Bud ( - 167.230.38.7) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

This looks interesting:

[url]http://www.atvillustrated.com/industry_news/press_releases/mattracks/6x6/info.html[/url]

By Bubba Hunt on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Coyotehunter
I think you may want to see if you have a machine that can be locked in the rear end. My brother has a new Ranger, and he can't put tracks on it due to the independent rear axles. I know that Tru Trac make tracks for the 6x6 Polaris etc.I use them on my Hydro Trax and have had good luck even running on miles of beach gravel. You might want to give Todd a call at Tru Trac and see if they can hook you up.Another friend of mine says that it isn't much of a job to build a rear locking assembly for the Ranger.
Bubba

By topher on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hi guys I'm trying to decide which tracks to buy.I have an 04 Conquest.Ilive in Brantford,Ontario,Canada.The snow is not too deep here,but I have a minor handicap parapaliga.
So getting stuck is not a good thing and relibility is an issue.