Rubber tracks

[jnjmoonsfishing]

So how many of you leave the rubber tracks on in the summer? Headed out yesterday to break the new Frontier in, and it was hard turning with the tracks. Might have to adjust the brakes some but it felt like the tracks had to much bite to the soft mud.

[Mike]

What motor do you have, the 23HP?

[Buzz]

I think the newer frontier should handle them, although it might be pushing it. Rubber tracks are always a power-suck regardless. They require more power than other tracks to run because the track belting rides over the tread (track is longer), and the contact patch (all the time) is 18" wide. They do go in snow pretty well and work best when going straight. If you have low gears you'll be alright (in low range at least), but you'll definitely feel your machine struggle frequently when trying to maneuver those tracks around in non-snow conditions. You have to be especially careful if you are off-camber and doing a lot of hard turning. The newer guides are supposedly less prone to chipping/breaking. There are also some conditions that the rubber tracks simply struggle with.

[foxvalley]

I noticed that the track tuners do seem to help in turning,freeing up the 4 center tires does make a difference,also eliminates chain wind up,and exessive wear and tear on bearings,etc.
There is still lots of surface erea on the 18" rubber tracks,and the frontier will struggle more than the HDI.