40
3. Install the left-side access panel.
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 the 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
(see chart). Measure the deflection (dis-
tance) between the bottom of the wear
strip and the inside surface of the track
clip. Measurement should be 2.0 in.
746-788A
NOTE: Measurement is from the
bottom of the wear strip at the point
of the shock pad on the slide rail.
NOTE: Only tighten track until the
track does not ratchet. Too tight of a
track will cause the rear suspension
to not work properly.
Adjusting Track Tension
NOTE: To ensure proper track ten-
sion adjustment, perform all adjust-
ments on both sides of the
snowmobile.
1. Loosen the idler wheel axle cap
screws.
0745-811
! WARNING
Never operate the snowmobile with-
out the belt guard/access panel
secured in place.
! WARNING
Track tension must be properly main-
tained. Personal injury could result if
a track is allowed to become exces-
sively 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.
Track
Tension
129”
20 lb
137”
25 lb
141”/153”/162”
14-15 lb
