Track Question

[ArgoSteve]

Is there an easy way to install tracks?
When I bought my argo, buddy explained how to install them.
He said drive up on the track so that the join would be at the front in the middle. Then let the air out of the back and front tires. Then he said to use a ratchet strap to bring the 2 ends together so you can slide the pin though, then though the collar and then put the set screw in.

Now it wasn't that easy. We found that when we tried with one strap, it would pull the track to one side. And also it would push in on the 2 ends so we couldn't line up the pin. Placement of the strap was a real issue. We then tried 2 straps, one on each side, then we put a piece of wood above and below the ends to allow us to line up the ends. Some how we managed to get it together, but almost 2 hours later. I'm not sure it should be this hard.

Is there a easier way, an explaination somewhere? Step by step video?

I'm now on my way out to take the track off to get those tires back on the bead.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Steve

[AlaskaGrizzly]

Steve,
The method you described is what I do. I have and Conquest 8x8 with the plastic Argo Supertracks. I drive onto one track at at time and feed the ends of the track on top tires, front and back, to get the joint to the middle of the machine (I've don't it with the joint at the front tire too). I then take the valve stems out of the front and rear tires so they deflate (This may the difference between you and I). At this point I'm able to pull the ends together by hand and start feeding the track pin in the hinge. I usually have to push the track around to align the track links and tap the pin with a hammer at some point while installing the pin. At the half way point I put in the collar and then tap the pin the rest of the way in. Vice grips work great for pulling the pin back or removing the pin.

What machine & tracks do you have? Are you taking the valve stems out? Do you need to add a track link or half link?

I'll be interested in reading other replies...

[ArgoSteve]

Steve,
The method you described is what I do. I have and Conquest 8x8 with the plastic Argo Supertracks. I drive onto one track at at time and feed the ends of the track on top tires, front and back, to get the joint to the middle of the machine (I've don't it with the joint at the front tire too). I then take the valve stems out of the front and rear tires so they deflate (This may the difference between you and I). At this point I'm able to pull the ends together by hand and start feeding the track pin in the hinge. I usually have to push the track around to align the track links and tap the pin with a hammer at some point while installing the pin. At the half way point I put in the collar and then tap the pin the rest of the way in. Vice grips work great for pulling the pin back or removing the pin.

What machine & tracks do you have? Are you taking the valve stems out? Do you need to add a track link or half link?

I'll be interested in reading other replies...

Thanks for your reply. I have a 93 6x6 Vanguard with the reg plastic tracks. The tracks are in rough shape, which doesn't help much. I'm not taking the valve stems out, that might be my problem. I've never tried to join them at the top middle, looks like it would be hard to get my hands in there to do anything. How far apart do you put your rachet straps? I have to have mine fairly close.

I think adding another link or half link would be too much slack. I didn't think you could get half links. Ohh my, so much to learn!!!

[Rock Doctor]

Steve,
The method you described is what I do. I have and Conquest 8x8 with the plastic Argo Supertracks. I drive onto one track at at time and feed the ends of the track on top tires, front and back, to get the joint to the middle of the machine (I've don't it with the joint at the front tire too). I then take the valve stems out of the front and rear tires so they deflate (This may the difference between you and I). At this point I'm able to pull the ends together by hand and start feeding the track pin in the hinge. I usually have to push the track around to align the track links and tap the pin with a hammer at some point while installing the pin. At the half way point I put in the collar and then tap the pin the rest of the way in. Vice grips work great for pulling the pin back or removing the pin.

What machine & tracks do you have? Are you taking the valve stems out? Do you need to add a track link or half link?

I'll be interested in reading other replies...

I do it pretty much exactly the same as Steve, except that I always position the track ends at the front of the front tire. It can be done alone, but it easier with a friend to help.

[wfo]

I dont know if what i have found for my max is true for an argo but when i bought my tracks for my max they told me
to pull the center wheels, deflate the front and backs and roll the tracks into place..works great..
so i dont know if that would work for yours by pinning it first and roll them on...just a thought

[AlaskaGrizzly]

With the valve stems out the tires flatten enoguh that I don't use straps to get them to come together. You are able to flatten the tires by pulling on the track. The few times I tried it with the tires inflated I had to use straps, as you know that can be a hassle. Try joining them together at the front tire or rear tire first. On my 8x8 I've done it both ways, between the 2nd & 3rd tire as well as at the front tire. Its gotten routine enough that I forget how I did it last fall.

I bet having the stems out will make it reasonably easy for you. If not see what a half link costs. I have them but have never used them.

Good luck.

[ememechanic]

Hi ArgoSteve, I put my buggy on my trailer, leave my ramps on and unroll my 13'' standard tracks so they are laid out from the front. I put a small bottle jack with a board and jack one whole side up, slide the track to the back tire so it meets in the middle and use two tire pry bars in the indents and pull them together. One person and without letting out any air. The first time I did it this month it took about no more than 15 min. a side. I'd throw a photo in but it calls for a URL. Don't know what that is.

[ArgoSteve]

Hi ArgoSteve, I put my buggy on my trailer, leave my ramps on and unroll my 13'' standard tracks so they are laid out from the front. I put a small bottle jack with a board and jack one whole side up, slide the track to the back tire so it meets in the middle and use two tire pry bars in the indents and pull them together. One person and without letting out any air. The first time I did it this month it took about no more than 15 min. a side. I'd throw a photo in but it calls for a URL. Don't know what that is.

wow, would love a pic of that proceedure!! Try tinypic.com, you can upload your photo's there, then the website will give you the "url" to copy and paste in the message.
Thanks,
Steve Cornick

[ArgoSteve]

Ohh yeah, forgot to ask, how my links are there supposed to be in the plastic reg tracks?
Thanks

[Mike]

I'd throw a photo in but it calls for a URL. Don't know what that is.

Here is a how-to for uploading pictures: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/6x6-w...-pictures.html

[magger]

installation of super tracks , type that in the search box and dannys track clamp is absolutly awsome i made the same clamp, works like a charm!!! installed my standard tracks in like 15 minutes , BOTH tracks too!!