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Steel Studed Tracks (Skidsteer)

40K views 33 replies 16 participants last post by  TheChosenOne 
#1 ·
Does or has anyone studded thier tracks on their Skid? It seems that the tracks on my buddies skid are worthless. They don't get any grip on snow. Does any one else have this problem? It is because the rubber is to hard? Or because they are worn?

We where thinking about putting steel studs in the used set for the winter months after we put new ones on this winter.

Any feedback/pics would be great.
 
#2 ·
Its funny to see this thread because I have been thinking of doing the same thing on my T190......the machine gets good traction if your doing a low traffic area, but when you start getting on hard pack or ice :eek: its pretty bad.........my dad has a T300 and it is much better? dont understand why? It has a lower psi rating and the tracks have alot more wear, which together you would think is worse, but it does fine...........I did call a local dirtbike/atv dealer and spoke with a friend of mine about studs. A packet of 250 was like $20.......I would think that studs in tracks would make even a more dramatic improvement in traction over being in tires because you would have 2 or 3 times as many studs touching the ground???? I was told that the studs can be inserted/removed with either flat screw drive or small socket and come in varying shank lengths.........I'm anxious to see some posts on this, cause I would like to try it.........
 
#3 ·
when you start getting on hard pack or ice its pretty bad
Exactly, I have trouble turning even.

I dont' know what kinda studs you where thinking but I was thinking of using self taping screws.
 
#10 ·
I used to race ATVs on the ice and there is a big difference! Self taping screws will round off in a couple of hours and be worthless. Trust me I know. The problem with using the screw studs is that with the strain put on them they will pull out pretty easily. We used to replace 15_40 each race.
I think your best bet,if this is what you're going to do,is to drill the tracks out and install car/truck tire studs. You will need a special tool to expand the hole and drop the stud in. They are not cheap (barrow one?). There base is large and will hold . They are made of Tungson (SP?) and will hold up to the ware.
 
#8 ·
Only problem I see is the increased potential for causing a rip or tear in the track.

If you had the ability to run a winter track different from a summer track, I think you'd be set. I'm not sure what the track replacement procedure is like, but I'd sure hate to have to pull 2,000 rusty screws every April.....
 
#9 ·
I dont see the tracks ripping, I do see the heads just shearing off from the extreme difference in weight and torque compared to an atv not to mention what it would do to the surface your plowing...
-Eric
 
#11 ·
You will not get those at a hardware store, unless special order.....least round here!!!!!



2000 SCREWS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: HOLY COW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would think a 100 or so in each track would be good enough, just a little somethin to give bite !?!?!?!?!?!???




I would also think that if a guy were to put them in newer tracks ( .5 in shank stud screws like shown above) you could take em out at the end of winter and by fall the next year wouldn't even be able to tell where they were from the last time?????????


This has got me thinking now:D No one here seems to have done this first hand(in CTL)??? Maybe I'll volunteer my 190 as the guinea pig:p
 
#12 ·
I have a Gehl CTL60

I have tried 3/4" machine screws in mine this season. They lasted all but 1/2 hour. Most ripped out of the track. Made no difference in traction.

Found an advertisement in a snow magazine. Bridgestone has recently came out with a track specifically designed for snow. Been to there website. Very little information has been available about them. Emailed factory rep. He confirmed they are making them. They are availeable for most CTLs with the exception of Gehls/Takeuchis
 
#13 ·
I agree with all that say don't use regular self tapping screws. I have an exmark with a blower on the front. We had the tires solid filled and screwed in a bunch of 2" long screws thinking they would hold up. They didn't. They pull out or round off quickly. In hindsight we should have installed regular tire studs and then solid filled them so we could replace them if need be.
 
#14 ·
On the topic of screws for tracks, I have seen tungston-tipped self-tapping screws made for snowmobile tracks. May be better than the others talked about above, but probably still not up to CTL usage.

Then there are the TrackBites sold by SkidSteer Solutions and perhaps others:
http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Skid_Steer_Track_Loader_Trak_Bites_p/tb-12.htm

Look like they would provide pretty serious traction for mud/snow/ice but are described as fitting Bobcat tracks. May fit a few others depending on track size & profile and body clearence. They clamp on, so no holes in the track. Check out the videos too.

Welcome to the forum JSCH2000. Does Bridgestone make snow/ice tracks to fit the larger CAT/ASV track machines?
 
#18 ·
I agree that those TracBites would not be suitable for most snow removal on paved surfaces at least. May work where nothing else will on unpaved roads/parking lots or in real deep conditions however.

Looks like it would take a hour or so to install a full set and less to remove. $1300 is not that much if it stands between being able to accomplish a big task or sitting there looking at it.

When we get the big dumps here in the mountains, skid steers all chained up cans do quite a bit of work, but CTLs mostly have to sit on the side lines. They can not handle even moderately steep conditions. Those bolt-on cleats would make a world of difference.

Stainless steel screws are not neccessarily stronger or more wear resistant than others.

Knew of a guy who bolted 3/8" chain in like every 3rd or 4th groove on his CAT MTL tracks for snow plowing, said it worked great, but then after 1 or 2 seasons sold his machines.....no real explanation as to why.
 
#19 ·
Got some literature in the mail today about the bridgestone tracks........but cant find anything about em on the web!??!?! There called "Polartread", look cool, just dont know how effective they'd be?
heres what SS's they make em for - Bobcat T180,190,864,200,250,300,320 - Case 420,440,445,450CT - JCB 190,1110T - JD CT322,332 - Komatsu CK20-1,25-1,30-1,35-1 - NH C185,190
 
#21 ·
there is a local guy here(in bloomington), that used the polar treads last year on his ctl........and claims they made a huge difference...there is a video on youtube interviewing him and showing some clips(look up polartread and i think you'll find it?).............i just found this out yesterday while at the bobcat dealer, they are selling the polartreads for a little over $3000/set.............wonder if their cheaper at a bridgestone dealer?
 
#25 ·
those polar treads might work pretty good, but sounds like an expensive alternative just for the winter months. According to how much they are, I'd definately only run them in the winter.

On another note...Why wouldn't you or could you put chains on your tracks. (without the exception of marking up surfaces) You could either chain the whole track (like a tire chain) or make a bunch of small loops around the track inbetween some of the treads (Like someone mentioned before)
 
#26 ·
I just put a set of Solideal tracks on the Takeuchi. I am hoping they work out well. The dealer was real confident in them. $2700 for a set with new sprockets also.
 
#27 ·
I also recently replaced my tracks on my Taki. Must have bought the tracks from the same Solideal supplier. I was told the same by the saleman. I have my doughts. But I am curious to give them a try. As I posted before. I've tried screws in my old tracks. They did'nt make any difference. Nor did they last. They either ripped out or snapped off.
 
#29 ·
Those screw-in carbide studs look like they would work pretty well in SS or tractor or ATV tires and rubber CTL tracks. UTI sells them in Canada, while Bair Products and SkidSteer Solutions sells in US. Not sure who actually makes them.

Have a CAT 287 that could use some serious traction help on ice. Will have to try these out.
 
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