Broken Axles

[Canadian_Zuk]

Got a PM to update this thread with the outcome. First we stopped running with tracks. Just too much stress turning on sticky mud with them since the machine doesn't slide at all. We got all the new axles that were available from the dealer in Australia, put much larger wheels and tires on the Buffalo and haven't had axle problems since. Well, if you see my thread of max in the water we bent one axle, but considering it went end over end a few times down a hill I can safely say it has nothing to do with design or strength.

Since that time we also took delivery of 2 Max VI's. Rather than even try and run tracks we just ordered the largest Kenda Bearclaw tires that would fit the OE rims. Get a little more ground clearance (maybe and inch, but it helps) and with the super aggressive design we manage to pull through most things. And we also just stop before we think we would get stuck and walk. I know, strange concept. But we can all use the exercise.

I've talked with the guys at RI a few times now, and they are great and very helpful. So far they have shipped everything to us in Canada (work overseas, but most of the staff lives in Ontario so we act as part mules) but I'm sure that I will head down one day to pick up supplies or parts from them.

I just stumbled across this thread searching for info on Mav IV broken axles. I think this is your classic small world scenario! I beleive, after reading this thread and few of your posts, that I currently own a set of your tracks and the larger tires you speak of lol. I purchased the tracks pictured below along with the six max rims with 6 almost new Kenda Bear Claws from a gentleman in Northern Ontario about a year ago. At the time of purchase, he told me the tires and tracks came from a bankrupt gold exploration outfit in PNG.

Here are the tracks, rims and tires as I recieved them. Unfortunatly the tires were too big to be used with the tracks and new AT-101s had to be purchased.

[flippy]

do hollow axles just bend while the solid axles break?

[msafi65]

Hollow axles usually don't have any gussets at axle flange. The flanges break off the end of axle or axle breaks in the bolt hole.

[Noel Woods]

Ianping:
Those rubber tracks really will not perform well in the mud, period. Those tracks perform well in snow, but in your environment they create too much drag and are taking a toll on those axles. I recommend that you add Adair tracks, they are a UHMW track, that swims, and pull exceptionally well in sloppy mud like you have in New Guinea. You will have to run them on 21" tires, but the tracks will add clearance similar to a machine with a 25" tire. The Adair tracks will not put anywhere near the stress on the machines that you are currently contending with.

[IanPNG]

Wow, talk about small world. I tried to send you a PM but your box was full. Did you pick them up in North Bay or New Liskard? Did the guy own a drill contractor, or a company that makes drills. Or maybe an older geologist? So many questions.

[Canadian_Zuk]

Wow, talk about small world. I tried to send you a PM but your box was full. Did you pick them up in North Bay or New Liskard? Did the guy own a drill contractor, or a company that makes drills. Or maybe an older geologist? So many questions.

LOL, I have emptied my inbox. The gentleman who sold me the tires and tracks was from North Bay and I'm not sure what he did for a living. I almost got the impression they guy I was dealing with may have been brokering the sale of the mining equipment on someone elses behalf although he seem to know a lot of their history. If memory serves correctly, I think he said it was a site mechanic that had a couple sea cans shipped back to Canada full of goodies and this was part of that shipment.

Here they are now

[IanPNG]

That's awesome. I'm going to guess it was either Jay or Matt if it was a younger (under ~35) guy, or maybe Glen if it was an older guy. We got the big tires because it wasn't working well with those tracks on the ground there and we decided to do away with the tracks. If you are lucky the tires were the ones on this:

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/max-atvs/25688-max-water-unintentionally.html

[Canadian_Zuk]

I wish it were those tires lol. They were 22" Kenda Bear claws as seen in post 16. I just sold my 24" Frontier tires and I'm looking to upgrade to 26" tires on 12" rims, if I can just find a good deal