Thiokol Track Tension

[59muskeg]

Track tension is not critical.Running the tracks excessively tight will reduce power and consume excess fuel due to increased rolling resistance. The tracks should only be tightened enough to eliminate excessive jumping or slippage of the track on the drive sprokets. Occasional jumping of one tooth between the track and sprocket is normal. This happens most often in tight turning conditions. It will be necessary to readjust track tension after the first few hours of operation due to initial strech of the track belting. It is difficult to give an exact setting for track tension because this varies somewhat with the temperature and environment in which the vehicle is operated. As a guide , the upper portion of the track should sag approximately 1/2 inch between adjacent wheels. Make this check only after driving the vehicle a few hundred yards and allowing it to coast to a stop. Tire pressure should be at 36psi when this check is made. The only time it has been found necessary to run the tracks with more tension than described above is in severe terrian where muskeg,rocks,and stumps are encountered during turning operations. In these conditiond , the tracks should be tightened until the upper portion of the track has little or no sag between wheels and the cleats make a slight impression in the front tires. After tightening the tracks ,the vehicle should be driven a short distance. If the track tension is unequal,the vehicle will tend to drift or turn slightly toward the side having the tighter track.. Equalizing the tension will improve the directional stability of the vehicle and make it more pleasant to drive on long trips. Per Thiokol Operation and Maintenance

 

[59muskeg]

If you are using conveyor belting,you may want to look at the thread about track belting, I left alittle info there about the type and use of conveyor belting as a substitute for track belting.