Additional equipment for a snowmobile
The purpose of snowmobile tracks is to help the snowmobile move better off-road or on rough terrain.
In other words, they serve to ensure that snowmobiles do not get buried in snow or mud while moving.
Thanks to them, the pressure of the machine on the ground is significantly reduced , as a result of which the fulcrum becomes much more stable.
Components of snowmobile tracks
As a rule, snowmobile tracks have a drive , which in most cases is made in the form of a belt variator (light alloys and a special cooling system are used, which significantly reduces the degree of loss or friction).
This kind of device makes it possible to maintain the maximum belt tension level almost always.
Snowmobile tracks consist of the following elements:
- Plastic tube with a diameter of no more than 45 mm;
- 2 strips of transport tape;
- Furniture bolts in the amount of 2 pieces.
Recommendations for selection
In order to choose the right caterpillar, you first need to clearly determine its size .
Important dimensions will be the length, width, as well as the pitch (the pitch is the distance between two adjacent windows) and the lug height level.
So, the length, width, pitch must be similar to the “old” tracks .
There are, of course, a large number of different kinds of descriptions of how tracks for a snowmobile can be converted, but at the moment we are not considering this option.
The length, width and pitch of the track can be easily measured.
But the lug should be chosen based on the operating conditions of the snowmobile , as well as your wishes.
An important characteristic of any snowmobile tracks is their lug height. For each snowmobile it is strictly individual.
If the snowmobile is low-powered (its power is less than 50 hp), then it is not recommended to install a track with a lug higher than 40 mm, due to the possible excessive load on the engine. It may well simply not “pull out”.
For a snowmobile under 69 horsepower, the optimal height should be 29.5mm .
If you are the happy owner of a powerful snowmobile, then your choice should not be limited only by engine parameters, however, it may be limited by suspension parameters, namely, the size of the suspension tunnel.
This parameter must be measured before purchasing tracks , otherwise you will have to make a number of alterations in the suspension design itself.
When choosing a track for a snowmobile, you should be guided by the rule: the greater the height of the lug, the greater the snowmobile's cross-country ability in snow, especially deep snow.
However, it is important not to overdo it here.
Now you need to figure out what kind of snow requires the optimal lug height.
When planning to drive on wet and hard snow, ice or loose snow, the toe height should be as low as possible.
The lug for such conditions should be as “even” as possible.
Then the top layer of crust will not break off or jerk, and therefore the snowmobile will easily “run” even through the deepest snow.
The same recommendation applies to compacted snow, but since we have almost no snowmobile trails in the Russian Federation, there is no need to dwell on this point.
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If you plan to ride on loose or deep snow, then you need to choose a higher lug : from 32.5 to 39.5 mm. (if the snowmobile allows this height to be set).
In this case, attention should be paid to the shape of the lug. To “write out” a turn, to sharply enter a turn, a reinforced lug edge is needed.
At the same time, a negative lug angle can add stability . The more active the type of riding you prefer, the more aggressive profiles you need to choose.
A lug with different height elements is suitable for extreme types of driving. In this case, hitch blocks of different heights will work on different types of load, which will allow you not to lose control in difficult conditions.
Snowmobile track with a toe greater than 49.5 mm. is already mountainous. Thus, the profiles of these tracks are designed for sharp ascent and descent.
It is not recommended to use it under normal conditions , since the level of cross-country ability of the snowmobile in deep snow will significantly deteriorate (the snowmobile will bury itself).
The pattern of such caterpillars must necessarily resemble many blades , since the main task is to “cut into” and push off from the snow on sloping areas.
That's all the recommendations. It's up to you to choose.
Kinds
So, the entire product range of the company can be divided into three main types of tracks:
- tracks for imported snowmobiles;
- tracks for domestic snowmobiles;
Tracks for domestic snowmobiles
- caterpillars for other vehicles.
The latter include components intended for use on swamp vehicles, motorized towing vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and tracks on a walk-behind tractor. This vehicle is also widely used in different parts of our country, and the company is ready to provide the owners of such vehicles with tracks for all occasions.
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When choosing, you need to take into account not only the specific model of the vehicle, but also other important factors. These include:
- terms of Use;
- the nature of the routes you will travel on most often;
- the purposes for which the snowmobile is used;
- driving style.
For greater convenience for customers, a special service operates on the website www.composit.net: the program will help you choose the appropriate models for any snowmobile.
The easiest way to select a product with the desired characteristics is to contact the company’s managers directly, from whom you can get all the necessary advice.
Track installation process
Snowmobile tracks should be installed in this order: first put on the track, then put on the drive shaft, then put on the box.
Next, the muffler is put on. Well, the rear suspension is put on last.
Adjustment of the tracks for a snowmobile, regardless of its brand, should be carried out on a suspension that has been pre-warmed in motion.
That is, immediately after running a snowmobile in natural conditions. Also, before adjusting, you need to clear the suspension from ice and snow and check the condition of the suspension .
This requirement is mandatory.
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Suspension type
Hard sporty or softer for a relaxed driving style? The choice depends on your driving style. A stiffer suspension is not always the best option. The important thing to consider here is the speed at which you usually drive. For example, the x-level suspension is great at high speeds, but can feel a bit too firm at moderate speeds. Some of the most modern models are equipped with springs with variable stiffness, which provide greater speed capabilities.
Dual or dependent suspension . In recent years, the most significant technological changes in the world of snowmobiling have occurred in the area of suspension. In particular, we are talking about the transition from dependent to dual suspension. The difference is especially noticeable when driving on an uneven road - when hitting bumps.
If the snowmobile is equipped with a dependent rear suspension , when hitting a bump, first its front part is compressed, and then its rear, and the rider receives a rather sharp blow to the spine area. Dual suspension works differently: when hitting a bump, the entire suspension compresses at the same time, giving the driver a slight vertical jolt that causes less discomfort and therefore has less impact on handling control. If you prefer a hard driving style, you will undoubtedly appreciate the dual suspension. Previously, it was possible to get a perfect rear suspension only by resorting to tuning, but now such a need has disappeared - all thanks to the Ski Doo SC-10III suspension!
Does everyone really need a snowmobile with only dual suspension? Of course not. Many models designed for moderate speeds, such as the entire Ski Doo Summit line, are available with dependent suspension , which works great in action. It’s just that on such a snowmobile you won’t be able to go over bumps as comfortably or ride at high speed on an uneven track. Remember, different models are suitable for different purposes.
Variety of track models
So, models of tracks for snowmobiles are presented in a variety.
Thus, sports snowmobiles are equipped with these types of tracks for both snowy roads and asphalt.
In these two cases, the track is short and narrow, resulting in the greatest maneuverability and controllability of the snowmobile.
At the same time, for tourist-type snowmobiles, tracks are used that can provide maneuverability, controllability and, of course, comfort and speed.
Such caterpillars have an average width and length.
Tracks for utilitarian snowmobiles are designed to provide maximum cross-country ability . Therefore, these models are equipped with long or medium-length tracks, while their width is maximum.
Mountain models are equipped with specific tracks - narrow and long to ensure maximum controllability, maneuverability, and also reduce the likelihood of overturning during inclined driving.
Typically, snowmobiles are used in one area and for a specific purpose, so they are initially equipped with one type of tracks.
When planning to use equipment in various conditions, it makes sense to equip the snowmobile with 2-3 types of tracks.
Below is a table of characteristics of track models for various snowmobiles.
Table of comparative characteristics of track models for various snowmobile models | ||||||
Model | Character of engagement | Number of steps | Track weight, kg | Length, mm | Width, mm | Pitch, mm |
Buran | through the windows | 41 | 11 | 2070 | 380 | 50,5 |
Taiga | through the windows | 43 | 12 | 2785 | 365 | 48,6 |
Composite | lantern | 54 | 15 | 2685 | 386 | 38,5 |
Dingo | lantern | 59 | 16 | 2875 | 376 | 37,6 |
Сamoplast (Komoplast) | Through the windows | 49 | 17 | 2857 | 365 | 36,4 |
Yamaha | Through the windows | 38 | 18 | 2986 | 386 | 38,9 |
Now Kawasaki ATVs have three families, some models are sport-oriented, although many of us purchase them for active recreation.
The use of this additional equipment significantly increases the traction power of the ATV.
Engine power
All Ski Doo models are available with world-famous Rotax engines: two-stroke, two-stroke SDI, or four-stroke air- or liquid-cooled. Sizes range from single cylinder 277cc to twin cylinder 1000cc. In general, the larger the engine, the more powerful it is, and the more fuel it consumes. But even a modest air-cooled 500cc can achieve speeds of 96-112 km/h and still be quite economical. Large liquid-cooled motors offer higher speeds when shifting correctly and also have more power to spare. For an experienced rider, high power means more power, however, too much power can cause certain problems.
Approximate prices
The average price for snowmobile tracks is 5.5 thousand rubles per track for domestic snowmobile models and 15.5 thousand rubles per track for imported snowmobile models.
Thus, we can conclude that tracks for snowmobiles in the Russian winter are simply necessary spare parts , since many of the residents of the Russian Federation live in areas of the country where it is simply impossible to travel by car.
And a snowmobile in this case is the only possible option.
As for the price ratio of tracks for snowmobiles of domestic and imported production, there is no particular point in overpaying for imported models, because domestic ones have almost the same characteristics and are much cheaper .
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Comments (2)
- Gleb:
03/01/2015 at 10:08I think that current snowmobiles are very good, but you shouldn’t forget the old ones, because they are a rarity, and you won’t find spare parts when they break, but that’s not a fact, the same snowstorm (kalunn) in the forest will make the taiga tighter in terms of speed, but the taiga itself will win flat terrain i.e. field, meadow, etc. But if you like to drive with drive, then of course buy a 4-stroke and a better drive and make sure that it will be good
Answer
- Olga Kirova:
03/02/2015 at 12:28
Still, a snowmobile is a rather difficult machine to maintain. Everything is written correctly in the article, but when my man started changing the tracks, he got confused in the instructions within half an hour. I had to go to a mechanic I knew, who showed me what to do and how to do it. My advice is, before undertaking this operation, ask a professional to show you what and how. And our tracks are really better in terms of price-quality ratio.
Answer
About the manufacturer Composite
(official full name - CJSC NPO "Composite" ) specializes in the manufacture of tracks for snowmobiles. Its products have a good quality-price ratio, so it is not surprising that they are very popular among owners of this type of transport.
The company constantly conducts research on existing models to identify opportunities for their improvement. As part of such research, Composite conducts sea trials of tracks.
She also contacts the population of the northern regions, conducting surveys to find out their opinion on the performance of certain products on the market.
The name of the company itself accurately reflects the essence of its products - after all, the company uses the latest composite materials in the production of tracks. Together with the results of ongoing research, this allows us to achieve many important goals:
- the products are economical, their use can reduce fuel costs by 5-10%;
- manufactured caterpillars are lightweight;
- they have high elasticity, and this increases their performance characteristics;
- the tensile strength of the tracks increases;
- the effort required to move away becomes minimal.
Among its products you can find tracks for all popular models of the world's leading manufacturers :
- Yamaha
For more information about the Yamaha snowmobile, watch the video:
- Polaris;
- Lynx;
- Ski-Doo;
- BRP.
A wide range of tracks for domestic products is also available, producing tracks for snowmobiles from companies such as:
- Buran;
- Russian mechanics;
- Taiga;
- Varyag 550;
- Tiksi;
- Lynx;
- Ermak;
- Dingo;
- Stels.