homemade half tracks on hustler

[kunzmm137]

Here is a pic of my Hustler with a set of homemade half tracks. The tracks are made up of used snowmobile tracks, the track guides are some strong shelf brackets, and the chains are used to keep the brackets from bending forward when they come in contact with the tires. I tried it out in the snow tonight with and without the half tracks on it, and they make quite a bit of difference, especially while turning (without the tracks the wheels tend to dig down in the snow when trying to turn). They are still in the testing stage, and I want to get a few hours on them to make sure they hold up, but as of right now I am happy with the improved drivability in the snow.

[kgrant]

Looks good!

Did you have to splice the track? I was measuring mine earlier and it looked like a 121" track might work without splicing, but I didn't get a very good measurement.

Did you install extended bearing cages? I was thinking of building some for my machine since I'm doing the bearings anyways.

But I would have to relocate my muffler to do tracks.

Cheers!

[kunzmm137]

track length

I had two different snowmobile tracks to build with, one was 118", the other was 126". The 126" track, I did have to cut and splice, I used 1 1/2" x 1/8" flat steel on both inside and outside of the track and bolted them together through the track material. The 118" track I did not cut, but it is a tight fit, I had to deflate the tires and use a prybar to get the rims back on the machine. So a 120-121" track would probably be ideal for a hustler. As for axle extenders, I did nothing on the right side of the hustler, on the left side I used 1/2" spacers on the lugs before the rims went back on, this gave me just enough clearance with the muffler area of the body.

[eightwheeler]

Thats awesome!! good job, let us know how they hold up

[Amphiman1]

makin' tracks!

Nice!!

[kgrant]

are those 21" tires?

[6X6]

Nice work.

[kunzmm137]

discouraged

Took the hustler out for a couple of miles today. The track guides are showing signs of being stressed, and bending outward. This is what I was afraid was going to happen. I guess they are not strong enough. I will try to come up with another way of keeping the tracks on the wheels. Any ideas would be helpful. I'll keep everyone posted of the progress.

[jpswift1]

Cool half-track setup! I would recomend just getting some of the cast aluminum track guides from Recreatives and all your problems would be solved. Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511

[lewis]

Took the hustler out for a couple of miles today. The track guides are showing signs of being stressed, and bending outward. This is what I was afraid was going to happen. I guess they are not strong enough. I will try to come up with another way of keeping the tracks on the wheels. Any ideas would be helpful. I'll keep everyone posted of the progress.

Try talking someone out of some used guides for Argos maybe someone has some laying around It never hurts to ask.

Lewis

[kgrant]

I was thinking that 3" UHMW angle, cut into 2" widths, 1/2" thick would work well. 3" might be too short though? See if you can get it in a UV resistant UHMW, since virgin UHMW doesn't last very long in the sun.

Or get a sheet of UHMW, cut it to width and get bend it to the correct angle so it cups the tire and doesn't hit the sidewalls?

Or just use aluminum or steel angle. Or get the Argo ones. UHMW would flex, and not bend out of shape, and might be easier on the tires?

I wonder how abusive the track guides are to the tire side walls?

[Bw6]

Argo Track Parts

Kunz, another suggestion is to use Argo parts, here are the part number and price in Canadian $.

1. The track guides are available from Argo, the part number is: 825-52-1 price is $4.30 ea.
2. You need guide backup plates the part number is: 825-23 price is $1.07 ea.