Max IV Tracks

[smithder]

What's the deal with tracks for a new Max IV? Do I need the factory to do somthing with the bearings? What makes the Adair tracks better than the Max tracks?

[amphibious drew]

You want the factory to add bearing cage extensions on. The factory tracks work great in the snow and ok in mud, but swim like a rock. The adair tracks work great in mud, ok in water, and pretty good in snow. A big advantage to the adair tracks is they don't eat as much power to use like the ri rubber tracks, and the adair tracks skid a lot easier. Their biggest draw back is driving up wooden ramps that are even slightly wet.

[Fitz67]

The factory tracks seem to be more geared for snow . The adair do it all . Check out the track thread and watch the videos . Plan on getting getting a set for my max II in the near furture.

[smithder]

What are bearing cage extensions

[jpswift1]

What are bearing cage extensions

They're metal "cages" that bolt to through the holes for the outer bearing flange and they have another bearing and flange assembly that bolts to them about 2-3" out from where the outer bearing is to reduce the chances of bending an axle and they offer a lot of extra support for running the tracks.

[stvolds]

What do they look like? Are they hard to put on?

[thebuggyman1]

IMG_0992.jpgIMG_0993.jpg
These are cages for older maxII's with the 62mm bearings and 3 bolt flanges.
The maxIV uses a 4 bolt bearing flange, but the concept is the same. It simply puts an additional bearing farther out from the frame. I made a set for one of my machines,
and I plan on making another set for a different machine. The new set will be out of a 5" rod of UHMW PE, with a 1 1/4" hole for the axle. I'll put a seal on the inside, and just use the bearing for the outer seal. With a grease zerk in the plastic, it will act as a bearing itself, and hopefully strengthen the hollow axles enough.

To answer your other question, the axles must come out to put on the extensions.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/259-max-ii-axle-bearing-replacement.html

[tattooman]

I have wooden ramps. II added rubber tracks from two snow blowers to them. Found them at a small. Engine repair shop. They work great. I justt put them on with decking screws.

[kghills]

What's the deal with tracks for a new Max IV? Do I need the factory to do somthing with the bearings? What makes the Adair tracks better than the Max tracks?

If you purchase a new Max IV with tracks along with the tracks it will come equipped with additional bearings on each axle held out from the body about four inches in special bearing cages and all these bearing cages will be tied together with a bearing support bar on each side. YOu will also get 3" wheel spacers to move the wheels and tires an additional 3" away from the body on each side. I think part of the track package is also a larger engine as the factory rubber tracks require a bit of extra power to turn.

The Adair track kit can be used on machines with lower horsepower and do not require all the extra hardware associated with the factory track package. If you are purchasing a new machine and want the extra strength of the of the track support package you could order the machine tracked preped and add the Adair Tracks but it is not required.

The factory rubber tracks are different than the Adair tracks in that the factory rubber tracks are a closed type and the Adair tracks are open with individual grousers. I don't know that you can say one is "better" they are just different. As said previously the factory tracks are designed more for snow or mild mud use and do not propel the machine at all in water while the Adair tracks seem to work well in all conditions. You can see numerous videos here on the site of the tracks in action if you do a little poking around.

Hope this info helps, Keith.

[smithder]

So we have a new Max IV on order with the 29 HP Kawasaki and 26" tires. We are covered in the power department. If we wanted to later add Adair tracks all we would need is smaller tires and the tracks right? What size tires do the Adair tracks fit? No spacers needed with them?

Thanks for all the info.

[jpswift1]

You'd need to use the wheel spacers with the Adair tracks unless Tim provides you with his wheels with a deep offset. I'd say use 21" Carlisle AT101 tires just like the factory does with Adair tracks and you'll be in good shape. You can get the tires brand new here:

Carlisle - AT 101 Chevron



Give Tim a call about those wheels when you get your tracks and I'm sure he'll be able to set you up with what you need.

[Eldon]

Definitely order with bearing cages,good idea for any track system and a real pain to install after the fact. I believe RI factors the track package price with bearing cages installed normally. The Adair track systems that I have seen videos of are certainly a fantastic system but I don't believe they are a match for winter operation in snow or on wet/dry glare ice that the factory system is. The factory system can climb hills on wet smooth ice sounding just like suction cups .

[jpswift1]

That's true, Eldon. The factory Recreatives Camoplast tracks are GREAT in the snow. The Adair tracks are more for deep mud.

[Eldon]

I hope we are right about the RI tracks, JP. I'm going for a moonlight New Years Eve cruise tonight in the 2 1/2 feet of snow we just got total in two back to back storms. First time I heard the name "Camoplast" does that indicate a manufacturer or the style?

[kghills]

So we have a new Max IV on order with the 29 HP Kawasaki and 26" tires. We are covered in the power department. If we wanted to later add Adair tracks all we would need is smaller tires and the tracks right? What size tires do the Adair tracks fit? No spacers needed with them?

Thanks for all the info.

Yes you would be covered. The Adair system will be wheels tires and tracks. You just unbolt the 26" tires and bolt on the Adair wheels and tires and mount the tracks. Its that easy.

Keith.