New 2013 HDI setup

[foxvalley]

After spending a few wonderful/busy days in Adair IA,helping build tracks,and setting up my new 2013 HDI,I am now home,and put a couple hours on the new ride.
First off,I noticed that argo extended the metal frame behind the bumper,to the back of the unit, and then added a brace that extends down to the frame,that should make the back more rigid.
I also got to see the automatic oiler on an XTI(an option for my unit)A small pump/motor applies oil every 15 min. I believe,via oil lines,then to an oil bar above the chains.
I also added prototype axle weed guards to the exposed axles,in hopes of keeping weeds from winding around the exposed part of the axles.So far,they work like a champ.
For the build,I added a 4000lb.longspool winch with 100' red synthetic cable,brushguard,wireing for foglights,handrail kit,mudflaps,bedliner,and last but not least,the new belted tracks with the belted long cleat kit,and additional short cleat kit.The additional short cleat kit helps smooth out the ride,not to mention adding that much more aggression to the track.In my 1 whole hour with this track setup so far, I just have one word to explain it........WOW.

[thebuggyman1]

Automatic oiler Excellent idea! I just wonder about how much oil will get slung all over the insides?
Maybe if the oil was applied to a felt wick that rubbed the chain, it would reduce a lot of the oil sling.

[foxvalley]

That was my thought exactly,how much mess is that going to create in the pan.

[Twizted1]

You hav a nice machine. Looks mean!

[Moosetalker]

Looks great

Interested in how the track extensions on the Belted tracks perform in deeper snow. If you can find any to try them out in LOL.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Where does all the excess oil from the chains go? Does it accumulate somewhere in the tub?

[foxvalley]

I'm guessing that there isn't going to be a lot of exess oil in the first place,but if there is,it would end up in the bottom of the pan. I am going to find out if you can adjust the intervals of oiling,and also the time that the pump is oiling. I'm sure that this was tested at ODG and don't think this should be an issue.

[foxvalley]

Looks great

Interested in how the track extensions on the Belted tracks perform in deeper snow. If you can find any to try them out in LOL.

Moosetalker, I have some good video in the works on this track system in deep snow,and hope to start posting some of it in the next couple days.I am going into more detail about this in the track section.

[foxvalley]

I just spent a few more hours on this unit,and am very impressed with the high torque,low speed admiral tranny. It seems to be a gear lower than the standard tranny,which gives much more torque(hence the name)when you have to walk up a log, or obstacle.The gearing "feels right"and so far am very happy with it.
As far as the rest of the unit,the biggest difference is the extra bracing in the back,and sides,which makes it all more solid.
We are running the carliles tires that came with the unit,and will be putting them thru the paces to see how tough they really are.
All in all, I am very happy with the new unit,shifts great,runs great,and the new camo is a true"mat finish" with no shine whatsoever. One thing that I did,which they should do at the factory(I hope someone from ODG reads this)is the HD units should come with a HD belt,as they come with just a standard one.I had squeeking issues with my standard belt on my old unit,and the first thing I did was change out the standard belt with the HD belt on this new ride,and use the standard for a spare.

[Moosetalker]

Looking forward to the Vid Foxvalley.

[North Country Tough]

Nice very Nice,looking forward to your comments on this new one,even though I said this one is my last I might have spoke too soon,the wife thinks I might still out live this one and said why not get a new oneNCT

[foxvalley]

Nice very Nice,looking forward to your comments on this new one,even though I said this one is my last I might have spoke too soon,the wife thinks I might still out live this one and said why not get a new oneNCT

OMG! You have the green light from the wife?!! What are you waiting for! Check out the videos in the track section under 18" belted tracks if you haven't done so,have lots of vid of this new unit.

[foxvalley]

Just wanted to give an update on the weed guards,even after messing in the pond with ice chunks, the guards are holding up very well,and havn't tore one off yet. They all still free spin, and although I did have weeds wrapped very loosely around one front axle, which pulled right off,I am very happy with the results so far.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Are those weed guards pvc pipe? Neat idea.

[Rock Doctor]

Just wanted to give an update on the weed guards,even after messing in the pond with ice chunks, the guards are holding up very well,and havn't tore one off yet. They all still free spin, and although I did have weeds wrapped very loosely around one front axle, which pulled right off,I am very happy with the results so far.

Looks good Fox,
The guards really help keep the long marsh grass from winding around the axles. I find it makes the most difference on the front and rear, I don't have them on my machines, but a friend has them on his.

RD