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Michael A Smith
New member
Username: Skidog800
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.188.212.34
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 07:33 pm: | 
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I have a chance to buy an old (80's) set of tracks for my 2002 Max II. The tracks have two rubber belts about 6" wide held togeather by C shaped metal cleats. which are spaced about 6" or so apart. The overall track width is about 13" - 14". Can anyone tell me first of all if I have to do anything to my stock Max to accept the tracks and how well do these old tracks perform in the snow? Thank you |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 150
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 216.166.168.53
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 09:18 pm: |
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Michael, You didn't say what model or engine, but as long as it is not a 450T, you can use the old tracks (you should have solid axles and o-ring chain). They should be two three inch belts with aluminum guides that contact the wheels and a steel lug that contacts the ground.
You will need Max II track extenders (six inches) and depending, might have to trim the inside of the steel lug off (some were trimmed, some were not).
Performance wise: just the two belts might not give you enough flotation (depending on the consistency of the snow). The old high flotation tracks had another piece of the 3 inch belting going across the track between the guide/lugs. I would advise using two of the three inch pieces between lugs for the best flotation (maybe even a pad that goes from lug to lug).
Be aware of the PSI in the tires and don't exceed 5 PSI; 3 would be better and trim the rubber for tightness rather than increase the tire pressure (you will need the 21" rawhide tire and I would advise krims to keep your tires mounted. If you have axle breakage problems, you can add bearing cages to the two fronts and two rears. The belts and pads are more flexible than the solid rubber belt now in production and don't cause quite as much tension stress. They are not as smooth riding as the new tracks and the lugs can do body damage. |
Michael A Smith
New member
Username: Skidog800
Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.188.212.34
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 12:40 pm: |
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Thanks Fred for the great information: My machine is the 2002 850T with only 2 hours of use,it has the 22 HP Kohler engine and the 21" tires. The tracks I am looking at buying do not have the extra belts running across the track. The people want $500.00 for them shipped to my door. (is this a fair price in your opinion?) What kind of body damage are you talking about the lugs can do, and is there a way to prevent it? Also what will it cost for the 6" extenders and how are they applied and can I get them from you? I live in Traverse City, MI
Thank you
Mike |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 151
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 216.166.168.53
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 02:11 pm: |
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Mike, I do not have any extenders in stock, but you can get them from any dealer, the factory or I'm sure, Richard Clark. They bolt right on the end of the axle like a wheel and the wheel bolts to the extender. RI's price is $76.10 each plus shipping. A five inch extender might work, but it would be worth a call to the factory to make sure there will be enough clearance. The steel lugs hitting the body from the track being too loose or the track not being far enough out (extenders too short) is what I am talking about as far as body damage. The inside edge of the lug can be ground down to help eliminate it contacting the body.
Personally I would want (plan on adding) the pads. It is a lot of pop riveting to get them in place as well as the time to cut whatever you use as pads. I'm not sure what a fair price for an old track kit without extenders would be but when RI switched to the new track, an old style track kit was about $1250 which included six extenders. I would want the extenders included if I paid $500 - and plan on several hours, cutting, drilling, and pop riveting and maybe grinding getting them to do the job.
You know what your snow is like better than I, but unless it is really wet and packs hard, I don't think you would be happy with just the regular old style track. For the snow we have, the old style with three inch pads was marginal. |
(Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 68.188.212.34
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 09:58 pm: |
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Thank you for your input. Do you know of any one selling a set of the newer tracks? If so please let me know. And do you still need extenders with the new tracks?
Mike |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 155
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 216.166.168.53
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 01:12 pm: |
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Mike, No, I am not aware of any used new style track for a Max II (I do know of a set for a Max IV). Yes, you need extenders for any track that is wide enough to completely cover the eleven inch wide rawhide tires. The old track was 13" wide and the new track is 15" wide. My personal opinion is that any one who uses tracks (of any make or design) on a max should use the whole kit Recreatives offers. Bearing cages, extenders and axle support rail. Tracks exert tremendous stress and strain on the drive system. Air pressure in the tires is extremely important also. Too little and the tracks will come off; too much and it greatly increases the stress on the axles and bearings. |
david berger
Senior Member
Username: Davidrrrd
Post Number: 316
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 172.130.1.169
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 04:17 pm: |
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alwase keep an eye on your local want adds and e-bay, theres often items like tracks and or used machines with tracks, ect..
if your not into e-baying every day chances are you know someone who is, just let them know what your looking for, but put the cash away cause you need to be ready to strike!! |
Doc Jones
New member
Username: Doc_jones
Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.74.134.63
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 01, 2006 - 07:45 am: |
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Mike quick question for you. My wife and I are looking a purchasing an AATV in the upcoming months, and just wondered where you got your machine. Did you buy it new or used? We live in Cheboygan, and from what I've found online the closest dealers seem to be 3 hors + away from us near Bay City and area. |
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