Plastic tracks - HP draw???

[ABMoosehunter]

Hello,
We have purchased a 98 Vanguard 2 with the 16hp Briggs engine. This is strictly a hunting tool for us in the northern boreal. Currently going through it, removing all the axles, checking/replacing brg's, etc.

Have come across a good used set of plastic tracks at a reasonable price, and while from watching youtube I'm comfortable in surmising they would be a boon for us in muskeg, I wonder about how much hp it takes to run tracks?

Is there an appreciable difference in available power between tracks/no tracks? Is there much more stress on the drive system using tracks in muddy/wet grass type situations?
Just weighing the options.
Thanks for your reply.

[thorn]

Yes, tracks rob HP, but how much depends on the tracks and also what elevation and gear ratio transmission you have in the Argo. My first "new" Argo was a 1997 Vanguard II with the 16 HP. I put standard Argo (13" wide) tracks on it and it did okay, even at high altitude (9000 FASL). It had the "GU" or lowest gear ratio tranny in it. That thing was a little work horse and hauled many Elk out for me and my buddies and I never had one problem with it.

The Argo plastic tracks will use the least amount of HP and should be good in your conditions. A gent on this forum that goes by Roc Doctor has many videos on You Tube using an Argo (Conquest) with plastic tracks in alot of mud/water. So check those out. You can also do some tweaks to your cluthes for more grunt. Search this site for those tricks and make sure your carb is jetted for your altitude.

[jpswift1]

The plastic tracks don't rob as much horsepower as the rubber tracks do. In fact, my Attex Tomahawk 'Lil Truck, set up with a factory plastic track assembly and a Tecumseh OH160 16HP single cylinder does very well in the powder snow. I never had mine bog down or struggle. In the mud is another story, though. The plastic tracks are GREAT in the snow, but not that great in the mud. Here's a video of my machine in action:

[Obsessed]

I luv that video...looks like so much fun!

:-)