Tracks for alaska

[jacobsrf]

All,

Anyone running Adair pro series tracks in Alaska want to buy a pair but heard bad problems about running out of tracks in muskeg and coming off climbing hills.

I'm looking at both Adair and Escargo tracks both I'm sure have strong points. I really don't want to run track tamers so Escargo tracks might be out. I'm going to use them for hunting and need a dependable track. Your input would be appreciated.

[Rock Doctor]

I now have 2 sets of Adair Pro's
I run them in Northern BC, lots of Muskeg, and hills. Haul lots of heavy loads, can't say that I have any problems with the Adair Tracks.
Of all the tracks I've tried, I like the Pro's the best.

RD

[spookum]

Hi buddy! Welcomes the boards. I also wanted the best tracks for Alaska. There is a dude that builds then locally in wasilla. Any tracks are better than no tracks for sure! Here is what I got out of wasilla am to ride in Alaska

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/tire-track-wheel-talk/28167-what-tracks-55hp-5500rpm-3-bearing-per-axle-beast-swamps-steep-rock-4.html

[Buzz]

Spookum says I'm a "dude" I do happen to have the means to make track crossers which I've done multiple times for friends, friends of friends, and a few others who have called me because they were at the end of their rope. It's very easy to get hooked on experimenting with this kind of stuff because it's a lot of fun.
I envy those who get to do it full-time.
My no personal interest B.S. advice is to call Escargo and ask them about their current prices, specs, ect. That's the track I hang my hat on.
If I was selling tracks commercially, the escargos are the ones I'd feel 100% good about recommending. Do they need to be set up right...absolutely. Just like a race car or an airplane, or or or
Let me just say, I really like the guys and many of the products at Adair. I've bought many wheel spacers and track tuners from them. I've recommended them to plenty of others for the same and even to check out their tracks and prices. And, I know Adair is open to input. Over the phone they are very professional and exhibit a fair bit of humility. I think sometimes some of their customers go overboard with attempts to "shoot down" the competition.

Anyway (I always get longwinded....that's for you Max IV Mark)...All of my UHMW experimentation has been based off of the Escargo Track elevated-belt design. I've spent a lot of money on tires and especially tracks, all of which (with the exception of the escargos) have suffered disappointing performance in our conditions. Eventually, I paid good money for (2) sets of all-steel escargos and they were well worth it. You'll notice I'm usually the 1st to speak up when others try to speak poorly of Escargo and often times find myself in debates. This is usually after calling on experience from driving in "all" types of terrains with different machines...argo models and Mudd-Oxes alike. I do much the same with Mudd-Ox as I think they're great too. And this is after trying plenty of other machines. If you don't set your machine up correctly...it doesn't matter what it is, you'll be disappointed. People tend to make claims out of context or that are no longer relevant to current offerings. Sometimes they just continue to spread hearsay.

The thing to remember is most people haven't actually tried escargo tracks. Escargo has also made additional improvements based on input received from customers. Some of the original Escargo tracks are still in service- that says a lot. Those who have actually purchased Escargo tracks never look back. There are plenty of tracks that will work well enough in Alaska and Canada, but even through all of my experimentation I have not found any way to be more reliable or effective...yet...than a set of all-steel Escargo Tracks. When it comes to tracks in Alaska and what works....I am as biased as they come. I only wish I could have had the knowledge I have now back when I first started donating money when purchasing other sets of tracks. I can only hope my input helps others who plan to use their machine to it's fullest.

[Buzz]

If I was going to change anything in a UHMW version, it would be to carry more paddle "body" to the outside and down...virtually all the way down to the ground. More surface area in a number of conditions, but it would allow the addition of very tall traction cleats to the outside of the tub as many have mentioned. Trying to slot a crosser works very well...some of us have more tub clearance than others. But to get anywhere near the steel cleat height as that Escargo accomplishes on their basic crosser, you start to run out of UHMW material to bolt through.....or run out of tub clearance if you just try to drop in taller steel. Some of us....like Spookum's machine...have more clearance to work with.
I think that a wide-body version with a very square-shape would allow the track to mount these tall/aggressive add-on cleats. You'd keep the elevated belt benefits, but have much more surface area on the outside as a paddle, and to mount traction for those situations when you approach obstacles "off-center" in an attempt to get a purchase. Typically you can accomplish this with a winter-kit as it squishes up and becomes taller...wrappng the obstacle and allowing the pieces of aluminum angle to bite. More body to the outside of an elevated belt crosser....carried down toward the ground would be a win-win.

[MAX IV Mark]

Anyway (I always get longwinded....that's for you Max IV Mark)....

I thought I saw my name, but my ADD kicked in before I could read the entire post...................squirrel..................

[jacobsrf]

Rock doc,

I reviewed your videos and looks like some the winter tails we travel on. Appreciate your input need to make up my mind.

Jake

[Rock Doctor]

Rock doc,

I reviewed your videos and looks like some the winter tails we travel on. Appreciate your input need to make up my mind.

Jake

I guess the things I apreciate the most about the Pro Series, is the narrow stance and the "Bullet Proof" nature of the tracks. I also like the swimming ability and agressive, "open" profile. They are easy to turn, no Tuners needed, and I've never had one come off the machine (Although I think it's possible if you have a flat or low tire..... probably on the rear of the machine.)
Anyhoo, they are working for me, in my conditions. I use them primarily in Spring/Summer/Fall........ Winter time, I've decided to just sit on my butt in Mexico.

RD

[Buzz]

RD has many videos showing a few different tracks on his conquest... sometimes loaded...sometimes not. Sometimes even getting stuck. I like that he doesn't hide anything. Lucky for us this is about Alaska conditions which can be very similar to where RD resides...depending on where all he is riding.
RD...winter time in Mexico....luckeeeeey!
Now of course I have a different perspective and also run a larger tired heavier-than-a conquest machine (similar to many of the loaded argo avengers during hunting season).
The real issue is how difficult these tracks can be to turn on soft conditions and how they handle sidehilling and other transitional terrain....aside from water and mud. That's hunting season in a nutshell. Is it going to kill you to throw a track...no...it's just a pain in the ass that's all. Not having traction might get you, and adding traction to this style might make turning harder yet....everything is a compromise. Now, I know having 22" tires helps.
The increased work of turning (something you gotta do a lot of) will start to get to you after a while.
To me a narrow stance lets you squeeze down a quad trail, but it gives up stability on land and in the water....but when you need to be narrow I guess you need to be narrow.
The biggest problem I had with the Pro's was the belt plowing and the guides tilting. My machine (equivalent to an 25" tire avenger with a load in the back) did not like to turn or keep the tracks on in soft conditions. On the flip side, even a loose escargo...which is also bulletproof with heavy belting, the widest open clean-out area, and the most floatation...does not have problems in these areas...even if loose. It doesn't have problems with traction, with power, or with getting stuck in the mud with a load. It actually gives you more power, and simply doesn't fall off. That's the only reason that I push guys to go buy that track for alaska. Shoot RD, I wish you had a set too.
It's not for me to make money...I always look for a good excuse to help someone build a set of tracks....but it's to "save" someone money on a track that works in our "general" area.
Alaska is not very specific at all. The best "general purpose" track is Escargo and that's why it's my favorite. I certainly don't expect everyone to take my advice. If they're anything like me, it doesn't matter what anyone says..they just have to figure it out on their own. I get it!
Now we can agree to disagree...that's totally okay. Some of my best buddies are guys I don't always agree with. But in a friendly ribbing kind of way.....I thought you had said earlier RD...that you had found a way to walk out of all of your tracks at one point or another )

[Rock Doctor]

I have found a way, I do think its possible. With a low or flat tire on the back of the machine, loaded heavy, I'm sure I could get out of the pro's. I have a proven record of getting out of any track I've tried, at one point or another.

RD

[jacobsrf]

Buzz,

I bought a set of escargo tracks from Timmons Escargo Canada dealer has a sale going on. Also beaverdam and escargo canada are not affiliated anymore.

What do know about track tuners, does the Escargo tracks need them?

Jake

[Buzz]

yes you'll get much better performance and fuel mileage with the track tuners installed. Though the slipping happens w/o them, it's just extra load that your engine and drive chains feel (although loaded properly on the correct side of the chains) which will make your CVT maintain a lower gear and use more fuel. The tuners will improve your mileage and allow your CVT to upshift so you get higher speeds and better use of high-range in general over easy "flat" terrain. When you're climbing or towing, the CVT will naturally do it's job as usual, and the track provides an additional gear reduction via the slower- driven belt speed. Give me a holler if you need any help installing anything or for whatever else for that matter. Hope to see you out there!

If I was you I would use 2.5" tuners x 4 and 2.5" welded spacers from Adair Argo. They are an excellent product. Request that Escargo use a 4" inner belt if you have an argo with the 2.5" spacers and a wider belt on the outside if that's available....like 6". That will make a 22" track and leave you plenty of tub clearance on the inside with the 2.5" spacers.

[spookum]

Wow.just as a heads up I just got the first run on my high bred steel/plastic Escargo wannabe tracks. I KNOW you won't be disappointed. Here is so much great technology out there!

[radar]

Spookum I'd love to here a review on these tracks. Also just wondering where you got them from.