Simple and effective cleat install for adair 18 inch snowtracks

[bigbuck]

I love my ADAIR 18 inch snow tracks with the exception of traction on icey conditions, so I wanted to share what I did to help with this issue. I know this is a very low tech approach especially to you guys who have the ability to actually build your own tracks which I admire greatly, but due to my limited mechanical ability this was the best I could come up with. I bought 25 16.5 inch snowmobile track cleats and cut them 4 inches long and placed 1 on each grouser. The cleats are very rugged and lightweight and are secured with 3 #12 x 1 in hex washer metal screws. The difference in my machines performance in icey conditions is like night and day!!! I have not found a hill I cant climb or log I cant crawl over. On a prideful note, a ride this past weekend with my buddies who have UTV's and tracks proved that I can out perform them now in almost every way except speed which was very redeeming!! I had zero issues with the cleats as they all stayed firmly in place with no bending. I was not sure how much they would enhance my tracks performance initially, but so far they have really exceeded my expectations!!!! my total cost was approx. $120edia/IMG_20140205_062701_431argob_zps6a39f126.jpg.html][/URL]

[foxvalley]

Hey bigbuck,

I love your cleat setup,simple, yet it looks to be extremly effective! A great way to add traction to your setup.Kudos.

[radar]

Nice set up. How deep of snow are you able to drive through?

[Buzz]

nice!

[tbone9]

Thanks for the idea. Even the pooch in the picture looks happy with it.

[bigbuck]

We were only in about 16 inches of snow with a layer of 1 inch of ice just under the first 3 inches. The Argo was awesome staying on top of it all where the utv's with tracks would break through. We could all go anywhere we wanted throughout the woods, but my Argo went effortlessly!!!

[miker89]

great cleat setup!

[bigbuck]

Thanks guys....We now have over 2ft of snow on the ground with hopefully more to come where we ride and I am looking forward to a couple of weeks off. The cleats have really made a huge difference for me and allow me to confidently travel in conditions where I could not before. The traction in icey conditions is awesome and my machine turns on a dime. I only use my machine in the winter months on snow so for what I do and where I go, this little add on is perfect for me. I hope to have some video to share in the next couple of weeks! Bill

[thejunkman]

I see you decided to keep your machine we should plan a ride this spring

[bigbuck]

Soon as the snow is gone junkman I tuck the Argo in for a rest and transition over to my UTV... Our trail into camp is a washed out gulley full of deep ruts and rocks.....Nasty!! I have a hard time justifying beatin the tar out of something if I don't have to..my UTV is set up for it .but thanks for the offer!

[bigbuck]

Had the last couple of weeks off to play in the snow and my Adairs with the cleat set up have been awesome for me. The snow up here in Maine around the Sebec lake area has been great. There is a solid 3 feet plus on the ground and the temps have been cold. There has been no place I could not go with my Argo and ADAIRS and for me there is nothing more enjoyable than cruising the woods and clearcuts Here is a short video of this past weekend

[Buzz]

bigbuck- as stated earlier, I like what you've done to add some traction to your uhmw crossers. Looks quick and easy to zip in some fasteners.
Also, I would love to hear any feedback you have about snow/ice buildup on your u-shaped cleats. The only reason I ask is because a lot of us have had big time problems with "voids" in the HDPE supertracks filling in with snow, and I know the same thing can happen to metal very easily in the right conditions...especially if it's in a "u" shape. That's why I prefer verticla steel, or a cleat with only 1 vertical wall (and also some aggressive height). That's my main complaint with u-shaped cleats..you can find yourself in conditions that will pack the void full, rendering it much less effective or even useless. It would be easy for you to zip in some taller angle if it does start to cause you problems

[bigbuck]

Hey Buzz, yes these cleats will pack with snow at times, but for what I do and where I go, it hasn't impacted my performance. Even if they pack it seems that just having the outer sides on the cleats is all I have needed for climbing the hills that I climb and the logs I have gone over. I just cruise the clear cuts and run the ridges. For me these cleats have given me all I need. My buddies that I ride with have been very impressed with what the machine will do now...... For you maybe not so much...In all do respect, I believe that you are definatley in a different league from me. You are a master as where I am just a grasshopper!

[radar]

Nice video. How deep of snow are you driving on.

[Buzz]

Hey Buzz, yes these cleats will pack with snow at times, but for what I do and where I go, it hasn't impacted my performance. Even if they pack it seems that just having the outer sides on the cleats is all I have needed for climbing the hills that I climb and the logs I have gone over. I just cruise the clear cuts and run the ridges. For me these cleats have given me all I need. My buddies that I ride with have been very impressed with what the machine will do now...... For you maybe not so much...In all do respect, I believe that you are definatley in a different league from me. You are a master as where I am just a grasshopper!

no no my friend, not a master. But the more input the better. That makes perfect sense how you describe it and how even having some extra height and step-offs on the plastic seem to help you quite a bit. Thanks for that! I hope it didn't come across like I was doubting your cleats, just curious that's all.