32
4. Release the brake lever lock.
Track Tension
Track tension is directly related to the
overall performance of the snowmobile.
If the track is too loose, it may slap
against the tunnel causing wear or it may
“ratchet” on the track drive sprockets. If
extremely loose, the idler wheels may
climb over the track lugs forcing the
track against the tunnel causing the track
to “lock.” Arctic Cat recommends that
the track tension be checked daily during
the first 300 miles of operation and once
a week thereafter and adjusted according
to need. The track will stretch and take a
“set” during break-in. Track deflection
must be maintained within the recom-
mended range.
Checking Track Tension
1. Remove excess ice and snow buildup
from the track, track drive sprockets,
and the inside of the skid frame.
2. Elevate the snowmobile on a
shielded safety stand high enough to
use a spring scale.
3. At mid-point of the track (on the
bottom side), hook a spring scale
around a track clip; then pull down
on the scale to the recommended
pressure. Measure the deflection
(distance) between the bottom of the
wear strip and the inside surface of
the track clip. Compare the measure-
ment with the chart.
0743-188
NOTE: On the M-Series models,
measurement is from the bottom of
the wear strip at the point of the
shock pad on the slide rail.
Adjusting Track Tension
NOTE: To ensure proper track ten-
sion adjustment, perform all adjust-
ments on both sides of the
snowmobile.
1. Loosen the rear idler wheel adjust-
ing bolt jam nuts.
739-636B
2. If the deflection (distance between
the bottom of the wear strip and the
inside of the track) exceeds specifi-
cations, tighten the adjusting bolts to
take up excessive slack in the track.
! WARNING
Never operate the snowmobile with-
out the belt guard/access panel
secured in place.
! WARNING
Track tension must be properly
maintained. Personal injury could
result if a track is allowed to become
excessively loose.
! WARNING
DO NOT attempt to check or adjust
track tension with engine running.
Turn ignition key to the OFF position.
Personal injury could result from
contact with a rotating track.
Model
Setup
Tension
After Break-
In Tension
All Models @ 20 lb 44-51 mm
(1 3/4-2 in.)
51-57 mm
(2-2 1/4 in.)
