What are the downside of tracks?

[BIgwillz33]

As a New Max IV 6x6 Owner. I am wondering what is the negative side of owning Tracks. Other than the cost what could be bad? Do they slow the machine down? Do they help or hurt the machine in water? Are they loud? When or why would I ever take them off? What are the most versatile Tracks?

[mightymaxIV]

As a New Max IV 6x6 Owner. I am wondering what is the negative side of owning Tracks. Other than the cost what could be bad? Do they slow the machine down? Do they help or hurt the machine in water? Are they loud? When or why would I ever take them off? What are the most versatile Tracks?

A lot questions,
If you have a MaxIV and want to use tracks make sure you have good chains, bearings and sprockets.
Different tracks act different ways on different machines, I will tell you what I know about MaxIV's and Adair tracks. Rubber tracks are very hard on the machine, the wheels don't slip and that puts a lot of stress on your drive system. Rubber tracks work reasonably well for snow.
If you plan to use the tracks for mud, water and swamp Adair Tracks work well, but you will need 1 1/2 inch wheel extensions to clear the tub and the extensions will put more stress on your whole drive system. You will have to use 22 inch tires to clear the tub which reduce your gear ratio so you will feel very little loss off power but I would not think of tracks unless you have a build up Briggs or a 23 horse or bigger Kohler or Kawasaki engine.
With Adair tracks on a MaxIV the machine will swim but just barely. As for mud and watery mud, you will be able to go just about anywhere and do things you could not do with tires. There are a lot of videos posted, watch them and see what you think.
If you are running tracks you have to watch your air pressure and make sure the tracks are properly adjusted.
I could take my MaxIV with Adair tracks just about any where but be ready to put in the extra maintenance required by the extra wear and tear on the machine.
A good trade off is a set of 14 or 16 inch Vendetta tires which work very well on the MaxIV with out as much stress on the drive system.

[kghills]

On a Max IV tracks tend to slow you down a bit but generally allow you to go more places than tires alone. The most versatile track for the Max IV is probably an Adair setup. There are quite a few videos on the site and a number of pictures in my gallery. Good luck on your quest.

Keith.

[BIgwillz33]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of buying used tracks for 8x8 to use on my 6x6. My thinking was I would have some spare sections incase I damage one.

[BIgwillz33]

What Size Engine are you running on your MAX IV? I have the 18 Vanguard, Im thinking of changing to a 25hp Honda, I have read that without a larger motor the Max IV will be hard to turn.

[Buzz]

16, 18, and 20 hp machines when operated with track tuners and an elevated-belt track....have more than enough power to have excellent performance in the nastiest of conditions. Turning is much easier in the conditions that would normally cause problems.

The only downside is that your wheelbase becomes wider, so if you want to stick to quad trails..(what's the point in that?)..you'll have to find another route. Yes, you'll need wheel spacers and track tuners...but that's called setting it up properly. No different that ordering a machine with bearing extensions and a skid-plate. Or putting a winch on your machine.
One of many great features of this track style is that you don't swap engines, do clutch mods, or change gears in your transmission for adequate performance. This is true even if you have an old, low hp machine.

[BIgwillz33]

Thanks For the Info. I will try the Max IV with tracks with the 18HP Engine. I found an Upgrade engine Robin Subaru EH90 35HP Engine 1-7/16" x 4-1/2" HDAF #EH900DS0010, Its my hope that I will not have to upgrade. As far as a wider wheelbase, I would think the point of a 6x6 is to blaze a new trail that a Quad wont follow, ( or at least thats my hope) I am looking forward to testing the limits of The Max IV

[thebuggyman1]

Good luck finding a clutch that will fit that Subaru....
Consider one of these instead 600 Racing Online Catalog
It is 28-30 hp and has the same dimensions as your current Briggs.

[kghills]

16, 18, and 20 hp machines when operated with track tuners and an elevated-belt track....have more than enough power to have excellent performance in the nastiest of conditions. Turning is much easier in the conditions that would normally cause problems.

The only downside is that your wheelbase becomes wider, so if you want to stick to quad trails..(what's the point in that?)..you'll have to find another route. Yes, you'll need wheel spacers and track tuners...but that's called setting it up properly. No different that ordering a machine with bearing extensions and a skid-plate. Or putting a winch on your machine.
One of many great features of this track style is that you don't swap engines, do clutch mods, or change gears in your transmission for adequate performance. This is true even if you have an old, low hp machine.

You also loose a couple inches of floatation with the elevated design which can be a problem when compared to the otber tracks available and used for the last 5-40 years on the Max IV.

Keith.

[tbone9]

After the last ride seeing is believing for me. I like my factory tracks for snow but not good in the soupy mud. Also tire pressure is critical. In the winter I tend to lose pressure on those sub zero nights that's when I run into trouble running a track off. Now I carry a small tire pump with. Just something to keep on mind.