Setting Track tension?

[sleddineinar]

What's the best way to set the proper tension on my track if I don't have a spring scale? (to get the 10 lbs of force) My "helpful" brother helped set me set the tension w/o a scale and set it too tight, I think. Because after only less than 100 miles, my new slides are at their wear limits at the front of the track. I was on the trail today for only about 8 miles. I could smell plastic melting. I stopped and checked it out. I turned back after seeing the slides so worn.

 

[YA*AM*A*HEAD]

tie a weight to a string and tie to the track .....you running stock track ?? i loosen it til it ratchets and than tighten a little at a time til it stops ratcheting

 

[dnale]

after putting new bushings and following alot of BTV's write-up on suspension tuning I basically have the tensioning nut just on the threads. I think I have about 1 thread past the nut on each. I couldn't get the track to ratchet (at least I didn't notice on the hard pack/ice). I'm running 192 studs so the track hangs pretty low without me even putting a weight on it.

 

[Vmax540]

tie a weight to a string and tie to the track .....you running stock track ?? i loosen it til it s and than tighten a little at a time til it stops ratcheting

I agree....As long as any track is Not ratcheting why run any tighter ? Gas mileage, performance and hyfax life will be better with a less tight track !

 

[FuzzButt]

My new track went on with the same ball park adjustment as dnail mentioned. My track is not at the 20 pounds to 1" deflection. It hangs down a good inch without any weight being applied. Loose enough so there is not as much wear on the sliders and powerloss. Tight enough not to ratchet under extreme braking.

I have nearly 1000 miles on the track now with little or no wear on the sliders that went in with the new track. Yes there will be some initial wear but after a certain point it just about stops.

 

[sleddineinar]

It's a 1.25 Predator (lugs trimmed over windows) with 96 or less studs.

 

[YA*AM*A*HEAD]

ya with that track loosen it til you hear it ratchet .....than tighten a turn at a time til it stops ....no sence in wearing out sliders cause track is too tight ...