skid loader tracks?

[MikeyM]

I was just paging through my auto and RV book and came across this add that has got me wondering if it would work. These guys are making tracks for skid loaders connected with chain starting at $690 or you could get bigger chain for 8somethin...has got me wondering if it would work as a "poor mans track"...if anything it looks pretty simple, maybe able to fab that in the garage if you had the time patience and a metal break. Looks like you just bend the metal to fit your tire and weld it to everyother chain link...wish i could post the picture i have here on my desk

heres the site
EEL RIVER STEELWORKS, INC.

[smog]

.wish i could post the picture i have here on my desk

[MikeyM]

yea there it is! I dont see how that design wouldnt work and where one couldnt make that in their garage...would just take a hell of a lot of bending, but probably not much more time than making snowmobile tracks work

[azz7772]

you can get a bender that bends flatbar for under a hundred bucks probably 5 mins to make one section I like the simpleness of it just the weight factor

[swamp donkey]

I wonder how much weight it would add to the machine would it still float or be to heavy?

[azz7772]

I would think they would be similar to escargo tracks in terms of wieght

[Stonewall]

I think that if you don't plan on swimming this would be a great setup. The weight of these tracks would hold you to the ground for better traction. A set with half as many grousers as Smog's picture, with some angle iron welded across each grouser would probably be unstoppable in the mud!

[LarryW]

If I were to do that I would go amphicat style and use rubber straps. It would be easier and lighter.

[jpswift1]

These look VERY heavy and I'd be worried about the extra strain they'd put on the bearings. I'd do what Larry W said and go with Amphicat style tracks that use chains on the sides and rubber conveyor belt type strapping that goes over the wheels.

[MikeyM]

instead of conveyor belt could you use bed mats out of the back of a truck, you can pick up used ones on craigslist all day long...or a low lit car lot would the extra thickness of a bed mat be any better or be more of a hassle with the limited flexibility...either way im interested in givin this a shot...when i have money, i dont think it would be that expensive to do

[LarryW]

Not sure whats all in a bed mat for construction but the conveyor belt has the woven fabric stuff in it for strength. What about old truck tires cut sectionally? That probably work. I have seen people make tracks out of tractor tires without the chains, just the tires tread and small amount of the sidewall left on to keep them from falling off. They seem to stiff for the bend around the smaller tires though. But if you cut them sectionally and hold them together with a chains on each side, it might work. Id probably stick with car/truck tires though because of the extra thickness of the tractor tires would make it stiffer and you might not have enough wheel clearance with the thick taller lugs.

[tattooman]

I have a set of anphicat tracks, might be willing to sell?

[MikeyM]

I would definitely be interested only if I had any money...think im going to have to construct my own

[swamp donkey]

Can u post a pic of the anphicat tracks and will they fit a max2

[LarryW]

They wont fit a maxII directly but could probably be extended easy enough to make them work.