Track Failure Analysis, Part 4 - Bergstrom Skegs, Inc.

Page 4

The track and the plastic slides are lubricated and cooled by the snow and water. On icy trails, frozen lakes and rivers with minimal snow cover, avoid sustained high speed usage to prevent track and slide overheating. An overheated track will be weakened internally which may cause failure.

Avoid riding off trail until there is sufficient snow cover.

It generally takes several feet of snow to provide a good overall base to properly cover debris such as rocks, logs, etc. If the snow cover is not sufficient, stay on the trails to avoid track impact damage.

In general, track life will be shortened when studs are installed. Drilling stud holes cuts the internal fibers which weakens the track.

Avoid spinning the track, as studs may catch on something and pull out of the track which leaves tearing and damaged around the area the already weakened area. Consult your stud manufacturer for installation and stud pattern recommendations to minimize possible damage. Know the benefits and trade-offs involved, make your decisions and live with them.

SnowTech thanks Gregg Hillyer and the Yamaha Service Department for the photos of damaged tracks.

*Track Failure Article*