Track & Tires Condition

[CATS]

Hi, this is my second post (first one accidentally was posted to the introductions page). I've tried to attach various photos of the track and tires to get input on their condition and expected remaining lifespan.

Specifically:
1) the track pictures identify typical cracking in the vicinity of the grouser bolts. Arrows help identify specific locations. (First & Last Pictures)
2) a small (2 inch) tear in the track has an attempted repaired. (2nd & 3rd Pictures)
3) tires in questionable condition. (4th & 5th pictures)

I'd appreciate any feedback you might offer on these photos.

Thanks

 

[mtntopper]

Here is my take on your track and tires. Appears to be on a Thiokol Imp. The track weather checking is not a big deal as long as it is just the outer rubber and not the cord part of the belt. Plan on a replacement in the future as it gets worse. The belt with the damage that goes threw the cord needs to be repaired. Either cut out the damaged area, repair it, or look at new belting for both tracks on the machine. The tires that are just weather checked without damage to the cord will also last a while longer. Then again, if you are way out in the boondocks and plan on working the cat very hard you may consider replacing anything that looks like it will or could be an immediate potential problem in the near future. I do not like to make field repairs and thus I become pro active to repair prior to failure or potential failure. It just gets too damn cold working out in the weather if you can avoid it.
Hope this helps you to decide what you need to do...

 

[Snowcat Operations]

I pretty much agree with mtntopper. Those tracks and tires will last years of weekend warrior use. If you have a daily chore or you plan on taking long extended trips then maybe tire replacement. The belts look fine. One spot is torn but not a huge concern, just watch it. Also monitor you tire pressure every time before each trip and have a way to fill the tires up on the trail or at your truck. Flat tires will ruin a day of catting quicker than almost anything else. Carry a spare section of track, bolts, nuts and tools in one bag thrown in the cab strapped down. If you are really concerned then rebuild your tracks yourself. In any case I really suspect those tracks will last years. During the off season do your self and you cat a favor and get it out of the sun! Those surface cracks are sun related damage. Costco produces a nice portable garage thats under 200 bucks and works great keeping the sun and elements off your cat.

 

[CATS]

I probably should have given you a little more information on the first post. Indeed, this track is for an Imp and "Weekend Warrior" is a good description of the intended use. I primarily plan to use the machine for travel 10 miles roundtrip to a mountain cabin via ungroomed forest service roads.

Your suggestion to keep emergency repair equipment on hand is well taken. What kind of tracking material is recommended and where's the best place to purchase it?

One more thing along these lines - the machine has a spare tire mounted on it. That implies two things to me (get ready for some ignorance here) : 1) field changing a tire is relatively common, 2) field changing a tire is relatively easy. Other than what's been previously posted in this thread, I don't have a good feel for 1 and would appreciate any additional insight. Regarding 2), I haven't looked at a manual yet, but either field changing or shop changing one of those tires doesn't look to be very user friendly. I have read some posts that describe driving the adjacent tires onto blocks in lieu of jacking the axle, but with leafsprings on both sides of the tire and tire clearance between tires relatively close, I don't see an easy way to "drop" a tire out of there for easy replacement. Comments?

Thanks again

 

[Snowcat Operations]

1.) Hope you never have to replace a tire in the field.
2.) Again hope you never have to change a tire in the field.


If a front wheel is needed to be replaced the track must be taken off. Loosen the track tensioner and pull the pins holding the track together. This is best accomplished by putting the connector pins between the front track guide and the first tire. Track jacks will be needed to help reassemble the tracks.

Now here is where I know the manual is all wrong. They say to deflate the tire that needs to be changed. UH yah we get that. But also to have the replacement tire deflated and then after install to inflate it. Your not going to be in a shop environment so just plan on untracking the tracks. Now some how you need to get the weight off on that wheel and the one its connected to via leaf spring. Not to difficult to do in the snow. Just dig under those two wheels. Remember dont get impatient and dont work yourself into a sweat. DONT SWEAT! work at an easy pace! If you sweat you can die in extreme cold environments. OK about that in another article. Now that the tires have no weight on them unblot the tire from the leaf springs. gently tap the axle or wheel bolt towards the back. PROTECT THE THREADS and take your time. NO hurry. Once the axle or bolt is through then simply pull the tire and put the new one in. rebolt and pul the tracks back onto the upper wheels Now you will notice that the tracks are not quite reaching each other. THIS ALWAYS WHEN ITS 40 below AND YOUR FREEZING YOUR ASS OFF. Those track jacks I mentioned earlier will be life savers now. Put one one one side and the second on the other side. Tighten equally. Carfully and gently tap in the track connecting stud. PROTECT THE THREADS!!!!!!! Bolt up and re tighten the track assembly. After you drive a bit get out and recheck the track tensioning and everything you replaced. NOW after all is said and done you need to have every tool on hand to accomplish this job. PLUS I cant stress enough you cant drop any in the snow. It will be gone! Use a blanket to cover you work area. This will help you stay dry and will hopefully catch that tool you dropped.

I cant stress enough that Foam filled tires are highly recommended for any type snowcat operations. Especially on Imps and Super Imps. You also need a manual. BOGGIE and SNOTRANS alnog with SAFTEYONE should have them. I hope this helps.