How to keep tracks on

[Moike]

I am getting desperate......
Shortly after purchasing my MaxII I ordereds a Track Kit from a dealer.
After installing all the gear, I keep blowing out front tires. I am using 21" goodyear Rawhide III tires. I have inflated them at 2.5 PSI, 3.0 PSI, 3.5 PSI as well as 4 and five PSI.
Same result each time I break bead and track comes off. If it is not the left front it will be the right front. But one thing for certain, one is comming off.
What ideas, troubles, experiences do any of you have which could help me to determine problem.
I have sent msg to RI looking for measurement of track to be sure they are not too short. I do know that when I install them, I take centre tire off, remove valve stem from front and rear, strap around each tire colapse each tire and they are still very difficult to put on.
I do kinda think they are too short and wonder if a couple of inches would make a difference.
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Oh, and I read one article here this morning and the suggestion was made that with tracks the front drive chain is removed?????
Is that a fact, should the front drive chain be removed?
Moike

[micmac]

Moike

I was referring to the Max IV model that RI made called a Tack Max. I think they have since discontinued making it. I think the idea was to have a vehicle that would only run tracks never without. Maybe they decided to save on wt and maintenance to leave some of the drive system out as it probably wasn't needed.

What year is your Max II? does it have the older or newer style K-rims? I'd give RI a call directly on Monday. Their customer service is great and they may have some ideas

Mike

[Moike]

Phone #

Do you know the phone #

[Moike]

OH and,

I do not know the year of MaxII. It has round lights so it is older.
I added a picture of my engine compartment, think you will get a kick out of it.
Moike

[jpswift1]

Wow, that is some powerplant you have there! As far as popping the bead, maybe you could order a pair of the newer style K bead lock Kawasaki rims that Recreatives now uses. I run 22" Rawhide III's sometimes at only 1 psi and I haven't lost a bead yet. Good luck with it.

[micmac]

I just looked at you pics and saw it was an older machine like mine (92 Max IV) I have the older rims as well and I bet that is the problem. They have a newer style rim and it has more of a inner ridge where the tire sets making a better "beadlock". If your only loosing the 2 front beads you might want to buy 2 for the front and you should be good to go.

here is the #

Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511

here is a link to the thread you started earlier on the topic

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/tire-talk/1094-bead-breaking.html

Good luck

Mike

[Beeman]

I recognize that 998cc.

[srg121]

ARE THOSE RUBBER TRACKS? IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC TRACKS RICHARD CLARK SELLS THAT ARE INDIVIGUAL LINKS? Welcome to Richard's Relics Parts for ATV's

[Moike]

Track problems

It is a one piece rubber track.
They are very difficult to put on, and as much to get off when you want to.
I will try the newer rims. I will get four, front and rear. That I hope will end my frustration.
Mike, any easier ways to get those tracks on. I have been using my winch to get them on. It is virtually impossible to do it with out some form of power such as the winch. I have even looked for something to suck the air out of the tire and can not find any thing. But once I compress the the wheels down to being square. I still have a lot of trouble to get them on.
This is what made me think they were a couip^le inches short.....
Moike

[micmac]

Moike,

I've not had any experience with tracks. My guess is that if they are rubber there would be a stretching period. How much have you run them? If not much I'd guess that once you get the bead issue straightened out run them a bunch and you'll probably find they aren't as tight a fit. Someone with track experience please chime in...

[Moike]

Bead Breaking

I would guess, 10 hours of running. That would be it. Perhaps you are right. Maybe the will stretch after some extended usage.
Moike

[Marc]

I have another question.
I also own the original tracks and i have solid axles but could i use the tracks without the axle extension and the axlesupport ?

[philipatmaxfour]

keeping tracks on

It is a one piece rubber track.
They are very difficult to put on, and as much to get off when you want to.
I will try the newer rims. I will get four, front and rear. That I hope will end my frustration.
Mike, any easier ways to get those tracks on. I have been using my winch to get them on. It is virtually impossible to do it with out some form of power such as the winch. I have even looked for something to suck the air out of the tire and can not find any thing. But once I compress the the wheels down to being square. I still have a lot of trouble to get them on.
This is what made me think they were a couip^le inches short.....
Moike

Hi Moike-When Argo first came out with the rubber track for the Avenger 8 wheeler, it was a "one piece endless unit". It proved so difficult to mount that track that they started selling the track ,cut, with a conveyor belt type joint.Be very careful using extra air pressure to try to keep your tires on old style rims. Extra air pressure has broken axles. It sounds strange ,but it is true. I am glad to hear that you are trying 4 K rims. Good luck

[Moike]

Question

With the factory tracks, can a conveyor belt attachment work. I am not sure how I would ever put the rod through it as I am telling you they are tight.
Moike

[Robio_8x8]

Deflate tires

With the factory tracks, can a conveyor belt attachment work. I am not sure how I would ever put the rod through it as I am telling you they are tight.
Moike

I saw a guy put on a continues track system on an Argo and he deflated the outer tires (front /back not middle) then re-inflated the tires. He also told me not to get plastic tracks because they do not work on ice or icy type snow which kind of makes sense.