Haven't been back out to my folks place where it's currently stored. Have to finish a few projects at home before it can take it's place here. I should have a count on guide clips today.
Question though. If a guy was to build a set of winter only tracks, could he use aluminum for the grousers and light weight belting? Then have aluminum drive sprockets made, and maybe have them made twice as wide? If so what grade aluminum would you use? By light weight belting I mean 1 ply, or 100 series. I think mines got like 2 or 3 ply good year belting now. I like the idea of shaving weight. Takes less power, and is less harsh on parts. Input?
Dan ,
100 series is pretty light weight stuff .Isn't that about 1/8 thick?? I would be nervous of turning sharp and tearing the belting in half . You may be able to get away with it for awhile ,but how long will it last in the long run .
When I built new tracks I went with a 330 series made for use in a cold weather (-25 degrees ) . I am glad I did . I been running around on gravel and dirt and turning my cat in its own length ,which is easy to do if you have hydrostatic drive . So far the #330 belting has performed perfectly .
I did go down to the belting supplier and went over every type of belting he had ,as well as looking at the performace data sheet on each one . I am glad I took the extra time as I feel I got the best product for my intended use .
AS far as cleats or grousers ,Boggie actually has some nice looking Aluminmum grouser material that I bet would work perfect , check with him .
I think the actual wear on the spocket would be the issue ,not the metal material used . I know they can add all kinds of alloy to metal to make it stronger now . Aluminmum might worked but I am betting that it would need to be hard faced or have something added to keep from wearing to quickly . I am no metal expert ,but we got plenty of guys here who should be able to give you the answer to that .
Good Luck
Al