New Type of Tracks - Chanel Tracks

[Patenteux]

I really like your comment thank you Patenteux

[mowbizz]

Would be nice to get some in the states...I would not buy without paperwork though.

[AdrenalineJunky]

So I'd like to get a set of escargot channel tracks for my 650hd. No one knows cost availability or contact info for these? TY.

[philipatmaxfour]

So I'd like to get a set of escargot channel tracks for my 650hd. No one knows cost availability or contact info for these? TY.

Escargo tracks are made by a company in Timmins Ont. Google their website. They will go Almost anywhere but require side extensions to travel in deep snow. I think that you are from Ontario as I am and you need to know that escargo tracks will Not climb smooth rock surfaces. Much of the water travel that I do ends on smooth granite rock shores. The only way out with Steel angle type tracks is to winch. Good luck with your Avenger.

[philipatmaxfour]

So I'd like to get a set of escargot channel tracks for my 650hd. No one knows cost availability or contact info for these? TY.

Adrenaline Junky
Were you able to find the Escargo website? Are you still going to buy a set?

[mtims101]

Are Chanel Tracks still being made as of 12-28-2019?

I have a 2004 Argo Centaur on 26x12-12 Turf Tires and would like more info on Chanel Tracks if they are still being made.

[brebett]

best trac I ever had. You can run on them year round. They don't swim good

[ARGOJIM]

I have a 2004 Argo Centaur on 26x12-12 Turf Tires and would like more info on Chanel Tracks if they are still being made.

If I were you I'd start reading this thread from page 1, there are 55 pages of information, testimonials, opinions and video for you to assess. The original video on page 1 directly addresses your concern though I would read all and check all the links as the more informed you are the easier your decision may be.

[mtims101]

That's how I got to the end of the thread!

If I were you I'd start reading this thread from page 1, there are 55 pages of information, testimonials, opinions and video for you to assess. The original video on page 1 directly addresses your concern though I would read all and check all the links as the more informed you are the easier your decision may be.

That's how I got to the end of the thread, one page at a time! The last post was a year ago and I still didn't know if they were still being made. The YT videos were also old and
the website mentioned in the thread "cannot be found", according to Google.
MT

[mtims101]

How about it, Chanel Tracks still being made?

I really like your comment thank you Patenteux

Is there a website for Chanel Tracks?

[Patenteux]

patenteux

Is there a website for Chanel Tracks?

you call me at 819 334 2903
patenteux still at work
Marcel

[Buzz]

I do have some input re: steel channel tracks, so please hang in there (long post)

It is no secret that I am partial to the elevated belt style tracks here in Alaska for a number of reasons. I have tried, modified, and/or replicated virtually every track (factory and aftermarket and many one-offs since it is truly the only way to find out what works everywhere and what is able to prevent side effects in real world scenarios- long trips, heavy loads, all conditions, (even flat tires). Some of my opinions have changed over time with what I have learned, while others have not. I have also repaired other aftermarket tracks that have shown up here and suffered some problems.

I do help locals here in AK with setting up their machines properly for our conditions, so please consider that perspective.
While I have built tons of bar channel tracks in the elevated belt style, I do have some reservations about the steel bar channel tracks if they are not executed properly, and I now feel that they should not be used on newer/heavier machines with wider tires. It took several years, but we have been able to find their durability limitations. Now, I (more appropriately) consider the bar channel grousers an economical option for lighter weight machines with narrow tires like argo conquest/response or polaris 6x6. Even then, when making them for these lighter machines, I never exceed 4” grouser spacing and also lengthen the track just a smidge to prevent it from being over tightened by the end user who might want to drive fast over bumps but does not want their track to bounce up into the tub. By design and with guides that cannot manipulate, the track does not need to be tight, but that does not stop everyone from trying.
UHMW on the other hand better handles the repetitive stress of going around the corner tires in the event the track is overtightened. It is stiff and very strong but can flex slightly in the middle of the tread if needed. A steel bar channel grouser on the other hand will eventually crack if abused in this way, so I adjust the track to design around this fact if someone wants a steel track (and I give them extra cleats).

Within the elevated belt track category, I strongly feel that for the best long term durability (meaning youre not going to fatigue, frequently badly bend, or break the grousers (cleats) if the track is 1) overtightened (it happens) or 2)used in very severe conditions like rocks, ruts, and squished against trees, then my preferred option, especially on heavier machines with tires wider than 10” is to make solid, through-bolted UHMW grousers with heavy duty conveyor belting and a simple unbreakable overlap hinge. No rusting, bending, or breaking. It also gives less weight penalty in the water and can be made to be as aggressive as you want with added traction.
I also love the original timmins ontario shaped Escargo tracks (smallest contact patch) and they are stronger than bar channel.
We tried (quite a few years back) mixing escargo steel grousers with UHMW and called it a “hybrid.”. I do not feel that the “hybrid” has any real merit after significant testing in Alaska. Not enough weight savings and gives up the main traction advantage of all-steel escargo. I feel it’s better to go all steel or all-UHMW with aggressive traction enhancers added if needed.
The steel bar channel track is a very good track but will require grouser maintenance/replacement if heavily used/abused. That’s the main thing I want to stress. Excellent economical track otherwise but no longer my preferred go-to for the locals up here.
One more thing, you really benefit from track tuner use. Only way to avoid it is to run quad tracks (think centaur style 4-track system)....in the elevated belt design. Bar channel low-profile tracks work well for this because of tire clearance issues. Conquest type machines w/22” tires and also Frontier/Avenger machines with 24x10 tires can do it. Okay probably enough, Jeff

[john swenson]

good , educational info buzz. no doubt you have lots of experience from all your track testing , etc. i like the idea that tracks don't normally need to be super tight . after modifying my original max 2 adair tracks a few times , i feel i finally have them working well . it performs better too with the front chains removed. now i'm just waiting for a good snow here in va. thanks , and have a great new year . johnboy va.

[Sparx]

So Buzz if the Channel tracks are no long your preferred track for Alaska anymore what is? We have similar terrain in Alberta for the most part and I'm curious. I'm still rocking the Escargo's and Rubber tracks for winter.

I could use your expertise trying to solve some axle issues I'm having. I was breaking mid axles for a while even with track tuners. I was trying to control tub slap like mentioned especially with the Escargo's so I was trying to run them more snug then loose.
I seem not to be breaking axles crossing big logs but rather over 3-4" logs at trail speeds of 5-10kph. It's always when you least expect it and some of the logs are small enough to be covered in grass and hard to see.
I ended up getting tired of this so I went with all forged axles on all 8 wheels, well last trip out with the rubber tracks in a clean cut block through a small depression in the ground I snapped a front axle even with the bearing extension? I was blown away by this...
Most of the axles are shearing off clean at the bearing, one weld seemed to fail at the flange and a couple between the sprockets. Any suggestions?

[onlyonce]

Buzz, I always enjoy your input that comes from trial and error experience.