Track Failure Analysis, Part 2 - Bergstrom Skegs, Inc.

Page 2

Failure #2 - EXTERNAL LUG DAMAGE

The track layers are peeling and tearing apart. The separations are not clean, and several layers may be coming apart. This is caused by the track layers being pulled and torn apart by an external force, and is not a track defect. This is most often a result of riding on rugged terrain and impacting rocks, jagged ice, trees, or metal objects. High speed running with poor.

Lubrication may produce “gummy” external tracks lugs, also leading to separation.

Failure #3 - EXTERNAL LUG DAMAGE

Here the track lugs are worn excessively, scraped and ground down. Some lugs may be torn, gouged or separating. This is caused by spinning the track excessively on hard surfaces such as rocks or

riding on gravel roads, and is not a track defect. This is typical of riding in

marginal snow conditions, where the track is running on frozen ground more than it is snow. Anytime the track spins and catches something, even your trailer, this can happen.

Failure #4 - EDGE FRAYING

Exposed cord threads (along the outside edges of the track) are fraying and unraveling. This is caused by some cords.

In the edge area being left exposed or very close to the track surface during manufacturing. This is fairly common and does not affect track strength or performance. This is not a cause for worry, and requires no action other than cutting or melting the exposed cords away.

Failure #5 - HIGH PROFILE LUG DAMAGE

External lugs are torn off, and there may be impact damage to the remaining track around the same area. Notice the small gouge in the lug just below the missing chunk. This is caused by the track contacting hard objects such as rocks, logs, stumps, and other

hidden objects which may not be visible above the snow surface.

Excessive riding on hard pack trails or icy surfaces results in track layer overheating, and can lead to lug separation. This condition is also not a manufacturing defect, rather a use of the track in an improper application. This type of damage can occur when deep lug tracks are used without enough snow cover, or are ridden on packed trails.

Failure #6 - STUD DAMAGE

Here the track and the inner cords are cut along the edges of the stud base and backing plate. The hole to the left is also elongated. This type of damage can be caused by improper stud installation, mounting studs too close to the lugs or the edge, over tightening the studs,

using studs that are too long, and to some degree normal wear and tear from studding. Proper stud location, installation, and keeping all studs properly torqued will minimize this, but generally a studded track does not last as long. This type of damage is not caused by a defect in the track material or construction.

*Track Failure Article*