SWEDE
New member
Is there much of a efficiency difference between 8 and 9 tooth track drivers?It seems to me in theory that bending the track tighter up front would be a bad thing, is it noticeable in actual use?Also is there much affect in how a machine goes thru the snow with a slightly steeper angle in the front with 8 tooth drivers.Am I over analyzing this stuff?I ask all this because I'm thinking of going to anti-rachet drivers and am trying to decide whether to go 8 or 9 tooth with the eight having some appeal because of the additional clearance it creates.I am currently running a 136" m-10 with a ripsaw and stock drivers, any insights would be much appreciated.
In my opinion it is kind of a mixed bag.
The tighter bend is less efficient, however less clearance causes more air flow restriction. It is really hard to tell if there is a difference because so much is usually changed along with the drivers including the final gear ratio, the track lug, etc. That said, I have read track dyno numbers that showed the difference on a particular series of tests, and it wasn't a major issue.
The approach angle only changes slightly so it isn't much different. I would run the largest drivers you can and still have good clearance based on the track you want to run. Usually if you run 8 tooth drivers, it is because you have to.
The tighter bend is less efficient, however less clearance causes more air flow restriction. It is really hard to tell if there is a difference because so much is usually changed along with the drivers including the final gear ratio, the track lug, etc. That said, I have read track dyno numbers that showed the difference on a particular series of tests, and it wasn't a major issue.
The approach angle only changes slightly so it isn't much different. I would run the largest drivers you can and still have good clearance based on the track you want to run. Usually if you run 8 tooth drivers, it is because you have to.
SamuelJackson
Member
And when U are using extrovert drive sprockets U can keep track looser and its more efficent.
SWEDE
New member
Ok thanks guys some good info there now the thing is if I ever want to run studs in my ripsaw or go to a six pitch predator 1" track which I'm told is better in off trail situations which my 136" with simmons skis excells at and still stud with 9 tooth drivers or the 8 tooth with my current setup.Truth be told I've always wanted to try a predator and remember many positive comments about it over the years.
BARON 8BU
New member
I assume you're talking a 2.52 pitch on your drives. I read somewhere that if you go from a 9 tooth 2.52 to a 8 tooth 3.0 pitch it pretty close to the same diameter and doesn't require gear changes. This way your track has less clips and rods making it lighther.
SWEDE
New member
Interesting, I never thought of that and had not heard of anyone on this forum doing that