Plastic Track Ice Jambs

[deermedo]

Hey Guys.
I just returned from hunting sharp tailed grouse in the swamp and I ran into some major trouble. The terrain here is swamp and I mean swamp so the Argo 13 inch tracks are continuously running in water and 8 inches of snow Labrador tea tamarack trees etc.
What happened was the machine was going very well and then I came to a lower spot and dove right in. The machine stopped abruptly and would not move on one side. After donning my hip waders I got out to survey the damage and wonder how long before the helicopter would show up for rescue. The ice, branches, and snow had packed up at the rear wheel between the wheel and the body forcing the track off the runway onto the guide with the tire. What a contract!! This was all taking place in about 2 to 3 feet of water and -10 degrees. Any ideas what to do other than stay home until the swamp freezes?? Anyone had this problem? I'm thinking that breaking through the snow into slush and tearing off branches allowed it to build up forcing the track to come part way off. I'm also wondering if the tracks were too loose.
Any comments would be appreciated.

[jpswift1]

I think you're right on about the debris forcing the track off. The track guides kept grabbing more debris until it was packed so tightly between the track and wheel and body that it just wouldn't spin anymore. I think the plastic tracks are much better suited for snow. An open track design like the Escargo tracks or the Adair tracks would most likely be your best option for the terrain you ride in.

[Rock Doctor]

Just trying to picture this, so bare with me

Ice and sticks froze to the lower tub, between the tub and the rear wheel, forcing the track off? I have never had this happen, but have rarely ever used the 13" plastic tracks.
Do you have pics by any chance? (I know pics were probably the last thing on your mind)
I've done some wild stuff in tracks, and about the only time they will come off is when they are too loose, or when they really get twisted (Example, Forcing your machine between trees that are narrower than the Argo, lol).
Usually I will hear quite a bit of popping and cracking happening before a track gets pushed/twisted off the machine.

How tight do you run your tracks, and what air pressure do you run in your tires
Normally I get a lot of ice buildup on my tracks, compared to what I get on the Argo. Sometimes I have to beat the tracks with a hammer to smash the ice off, just so I will have clearance between the tracks and the lower tub/fender.

Just so we're clear here......... You HAVE recued your machine right

Cheers
RD

[reichstall]

not so much argo but in heavy off road equipment we have had the tracks thrown off by debri but it take alot to do it and even more to get them back on.normally it is alog that gets jambed in the track between the rear clutch housing but it sure takes alot of hp to do it.

[deermedo]

Ice Issues

Thanks for the responses guys I think it was a combination of loose track and freezing slush with a mixture of branches.
I am running 36.5 segments but they seem to have stretched so I will try to remove one or two and retry.
Then a retest then a set of Adairs.
Johgn

[Rock Doctor]

Thanks for the responses guys I think it was a combination of loose track and freezing slush with a mixture of branches.
I am running 36.5 segments but they seem to have stretched so I will try to remove one or two and retry.
Then a retest then a set of Adairs.
Johgn

Just removing the Halflink should make a big difference.
Just a thought: Plastic tracks don't really stretch, the pins and the pin holes wear out. Replacing the pins when they are worn out can make a HUGE difference. Do you run these tracks in the summer? Grit in the pins will wear things out pretty fast sometimes.

Did you check the tracks to see how much sag there was at whatever pressure you were running? How much was it?

RD

[deermedo]

Hey Doc,
There was 4 to 5 inches at the center wheels with 8psi in the tires. The tracks are old but not used that much and only in the swamp.
My center to center distance is 6 inches.
Thanks for any thoughts or info.
John

[Rock Doctor]

I see
You're right, that's loose and you will probably be able to take a full link out with no problem, might not be able to take a link and a half though.
What is your goal now? Are you going to remove links and adjust pressures untill you get 1"-2" of sag under the center tires?
Can you let us know what you take out, and what pressure you end up with in the tires after your done?

Tks
RD

[Obsessed]

Hi Deermedo....sorry to hear about your trouble...just wondering what machine and what tire you are using?? sometimes the wrong tire can create a lot of problems with tracks...

Tim

[deermedo]

Hi Guys

[deermedo]

Gentlemen,
I wanted to thank you guys for your input and so here goes the fix after my Life Altering Escapade.
I removed 1/2 link and now have 36 links with 5 psi and 2 to 3 inches of clearance. It is a 2003 Conquest with 22 inch Runamuks. If it tests ok this weekend I will remove those flat .....tracks and Have myself a Happy New Year with a new set of Adairs. A few items to have on board if you will :
11 inch Stihl chainsaw is priceless.
Chestwaders not hip waders because they will keep your ass dry when you bend way over.
A 4 foot piece of steel for chipping ice instead of a sharpened spruce stick.
A pair of lined rubber gloves for obvious reasons.
A steel pail or steel tray to have a fire under any wet conditions.
Finally a good pair of ear plugs for when you get home 7 hours late after being out all day alone "for a few hours".
Just sayin
John