Operation
37
track, slide runners, and drive sprockets. Op-
eration of the snowmobile on the following
surfaces should be avoided at all times:
Dirt
Sand
Rocks
Grass
Bare pavement
Other surfaces that should be avoided for the
sake of drive track and slide runner life are:
Glare ice surfaces
Snow mixed with a lot of dirt and sand
All of the above surfaces have one thing in
common in regard to drive track and slide
runners: little or no lubricating ability. Drive
track and all slide rail systems require lubrica-
tion (snow or water) between the slide run-
ners and the slide metal. In the absence of
lubrication, the slide runners will rapidly wear
and in severe cases, literally melt away, and
the drive track will be subject to damage or
failure.
Also traction aids such as studs, cleats, etc.,
may cause further track damage or failure.
WARNING
EWS00281
Drive track damage or failure could result
in loss of braking ability and snowmobile
control, which could cause an accident.
Always check the drive track for dam-
age or maladjustment before operating
the snowmobile.
Do not operate the snowmobile if you
find damage to the drive track.
NOTICE
ECS00351
Ride on fresh snow frequently. Operating
on ice or hard-packed snow will rapidly
wear the slide runners.
ESU11351
Maximizing drive track life
Recommendations
Track tension
During initial break-in, the new drive track will
tend to stretch quickly as the track settles. Be
sure to correct the track tension and align-
ment frequently. (See page 64 for adjustment
procedures.) A loose track can slip (ratchet),
derail or catch on suspension parts causing
severe damage. Do not overtighten the drive
track, otherwise it may increase the friction
between the track and the slide runners, re-
sulting in the rapid wear of both components.
Also, this may put an excessive load on the
suspension components, resulting in compo-
nent failure.
Marginal snow
The drive track and the slide runners are lu-
bricated and cooled by snow and water. To
prevent the drive track and slide runners from
overheating, avoid sustained high-speed
usage in areas such as icy trails, frozen lakes
and rivers that have minimal snow coverage.
An overheated track will be weakened inter-
nally, which may cause failure or damage.
Off-trail riding
Avoid off-trail riding until there is sufficient
snow coverage. It generally takes several feet
of snow to provide a good overall base to
properly cover debris, such as rocks, logs,
etc. If snow coverage is not sufficient, stay on
trails to avoid impact damage to the drive
track.
Studded track
In general, track life will be shortened when
studs are installed. Drilling stud holes into the
drive track will cut the internal fibers, which
weakens the track. Avoid spinning the drive
track. Studs may catch on an object and pull
out of the track, leaving tears and damage
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