can I run tracks on my "new" Hustler

[ygmir]

Hi all,
I just got a Hustler, I think it's a 950 (I didn't get any books or literature. I did post pics, though, if anyone can ID it for sure).
Anyway,
I'd like to run tracks for snow on this machine.
I'd like to know if this can be done, and, if anyone can tell me where to get same, or, if I can make some?

Thanks for any help,

[Robio_8x8]

Hello ygmir

Richards at route 6x6 has factory hustler and aftermarket track links

The good news is his price is fair as far as tracks go but they are only 13” wide which should be ok.

Wider tracks would stay on top of powered type snow better but the “super tacks” 18 inch are made for Argos and I am not sure if they would work on a hustler plus they have a heavy price tag.

I am thinking of making my own
Try a conveyor company or I am going to try to use car tires to make my own links ( because old tires are free and in high supply were I am )
Thanks to Beeman on this board I found a SawZaw blade called Fire rescue blade that will cut threw a car’s tire.

If you are making them remember to put large guides on each side so they stay on the tire but make then out of something payable

Tracks tend to put strain on the axles so extended axles flanges are a good idea
Measure you clearance really well.

For some reason I think you can only put tracks on two of the three wheels because of the body shape but I am not sure of this .

Measure twice cut once

[ygmir]

thanks Robio,
I'll check them out. I was thinking of making my own, if, saw some first........
I have lots of conveyor belting, up to 1/2" thick........and 3' wide. I think the longest piece is 16'.....

How are you going to use car tires for links?
Interesting concept, for sure.

Do you use angle iron for paddles?

How would you make the outside guides to keep said tracks one?
I see them for my Bobcat tractor, they use chain for the edges which keeps the tracks straight.

That seems big and heavy for these machines.

I wonder if bent angle iron paddles, at the edges, would work?

Just some thoughts.

Thanks ,

[boncrshr]

Hey ygmir,

I have put a lot of thought into this very thing, and as a fellow Hustler owner, this is my opinion if you are set on running tracks. As far as what you will need other than tracks..
1) Either wheel spacers, 2" would prolly be enough, or build, new longer axles (I like this idea because you can build keyed axles, and you might as well strengthen the frame some while you have the axles out)
2) The wheel bearing extenders that Argo sells would be a great idea

As far as the tracks go...look carefully at the Escargo site. There are some detailed pics of their track design (which I feel is superior because it swims). The hard part about building these tracks is that it would be labor intensive. You would need to build about 120 paddles, and then use conveyor belting to attach them.


Just my thoughts.....but my final conclusion after tackling the worst that the Texas salt marsh had to offer with 22" Rawhides that I borrowed is that I really don't need tracks in general. I am getting prepared for the Marengo ride, which looks significantly tougher, so I am probably going to test out some Super Swampers....

BTW, I can tell you from personal experience that aggressive mud tires VASTLY improve these machines performance in mud. The trick is finding some that swim, because if you get deep enough to float, you are stuck.

[mudbug3]

post deleted

[Robio_8x8]

I am sure there are many ways to do it

thanks Robio,
I'll check them out. I was thinking of making my own, if, saw some first........
I have lots of conveyor belting, up to 1/2" thick........and 3' wide. I think the longest piece is 16'.....

How are you going to use car tires for links?
Interesting concept, for sure.

Do you use angle iron for paddles?

How would you make the outside guides to keep said tracks one?
I see them for my Bobcat tractor, they use chain for the edges which keeps the tracks straight.

That seems big and heavy for these machines.

I wonder if bent angle iron paddles, at the edges, would work?

Just some thoughts.

Thanks ,

There are many ways to do it but I would try to use soft materials not angle iron because the tire rubs against it .Argo uses nylon but I would imagine a soft wood or aluminum may work. If you go wider then 13” you may need to space the wheels out a bit. Do not leave the spacers on when tracks are off because it may put unnecessary strain o the axles, flanges etc.

[ygmir]

my idea for tracks is that I'll want to go through snow with them. I know, if the snowmobiles go first, I can probably follow them with just tires. But, I have a remote cabin, and, would hate to be stuck there for to long.........
Most of my other riding would be in the mountains around here, and, the Nevada desert. Both fairly firm dirt, some rocks, and, some water.........
so, the tracks seem a good option for snow and then chevron pattern for riding......
I put this idea forward, since, I'm new to these vehicles, and, hope for input from you 'veterens'.

Thanks for any thoughts you might have,

[Robio_8x8]

You do not require chevron treads on tracks

Maybe these pictures will help













Don’t be surprised if the snowmobiles get stuck before you do

[jpswift1]

Henry, the 21" Rawhides on your Hustler would be the perfect tire for tracks. Every Hustler, Attex, or Max that I have ever seen that run tracks use the 21" Goodyear Rawhides. The Argos usually run a 22" tire such as the Goodyear Runamuck like Robio posted up in the pictures of the Argo tracks. I personally wouldn't use a tire over 21" on a Max, Attex, or standard Hustler like yours because the tracks would rub on the body.

[ygmir]

Robio:
you're right, that does look like a lot of work......
For my bobcat, they run a straight "grouser", and, hang light chain in and outside of the track/tire, but, smaller diameter.
that creates a "rim" to keep the tracks on. I wonder if that'd work to make them in this application?
Anyone?

JP:
I think I have another set of rims lined up, so , may keep two sets of tires for more versatility throughout the year.
Any suggestions?

Thanks both for the info, and interest.
Henry

[jpswift1]

Robio:

JP:
I think I have another set of rims lined up, so , may keep two sets of tires for more versatility throughout the year.
Any suggestions?

Thanks both for the info, and interest.
Henry

That sure is nice if you have another set of rims lined up so you can switch them according to the terrain. Do they have tires on them too?

[ygmir]

two came with tires, with the Hustler.
I have 5 ATC rims, same size. I have a machine shop at my house, so, I can change the bolt pattern............they all have the tires from my old Honda ATC's...........
I wonder if they are to soft for my Hustler?
did I just make a joke?
Anyway,
I'm looking forward, also, to making custom stuff for my Hustler, having a lathe, mills, welders, etc, etc........
I am going to try to get a plastic welding tool........any suggestions?
I'm thinking I'd rather weld the HDPE body on this than glue and patch, if I can.

thanks

[boncrshr]

Hey ygmir,

That is awesome having a shop at your house! You could build your own keyed axles or wheel extensions!

BTW, since you are not so concerned about the swimming ability of your tracks, there is a set of Argo tracks fairly cheap on the text classifieds of Route 6x6. They may work with your tires...one of the Argo guys could tell you. But I am sure that they work very well in the snow.

I also have a feeling that with your fabrication abilities, some different chain adjusters will be coming soon. That is one part of the Hustler that needs improving. Keep us posted and good luck.

[Robio_8x8]

steinel heat gun / plastic welder

I'm looking forward, also, to making custom stuff for my Hustler, having a lathe, mills, welders, etc, etc........
I am going to try to get a plastic welding tool........any suggestions?
I'm thinking I'd rather weld the HDPE body on this than glue and patch, if I can.

thanks

I use the Steinel heat gun / plastic welder and it works great but I am sure there are other brands out there this one was not cheap . This one allows you variably adjust the temperature .

I find you just need to find the right plastic weld rods even if it states it works with HDPE try them on something that doesn’t show first.

It may be a bit tricky but at least you do not get a weld flash or have to ware glasses that are too dark to see threw

[ygmir]

Boncrshr;
I'm hoping to come up with some improvements, as I tear into things and understand them.......I'll be very glad to share what I learn......thanks for the thoughts, and, tip on the tracks, I'll check them out.

Robio:
It will be weird to weld and see.........I'll look forward to figuring the plastic weld stuff out.

Thanks all for your help and interest,
I hope I can be of assistance at some point, as well.