Thiokol Spryte tracks information?

I'm just in the process of installing complete new tracks on to my spryte. they're 45" wide, 2-5" belts 2-8" belts on each. When I took the old tracks off there were 72 cleats each side with the adjusters backed right off & the tracks so tight they had no slack whatsoever. I ordered the new belts with holes for 74 cleats, thinking I would start with about 73, so that I may have some slack in my tracks. The manual says to run the tracks as loose as possible without the tracks coming off. We don't get much snow here so I'm unsure what to run the track tension at? Also if i use the track hinges I will have to drill 60 holes to mount them, or do I just over lap the belts 3 set of holes , with longer bolts? Your opinions would be appreciated.

all my 1200s have 73 cleats and i have to move adjuster out about and inch for track tension.in low snow don,t use hinges as they can bend and break on rough terrain do the over lap and save yourself from ripping your new belts it is more work to put on and take of but better than losing a track because of hinge failure just my 2 cents

Thank you for your thoughts, I like the idea of the overlap, I was afraid of tearing the hinges out like you said.

45 inch tracks, and you don't get much snow? I'm assuming you expect to run this machine on either thin snow or tundra? In both cases I'd avoid over lapping the belting. I know some machines have always used this method, but never understood why. I've used overlaps as field repairs on belts I knew were on the way out when I drove on them. But never on a rebuild. The thumping of a double layer of belting as it crosses the sproket is annoying. These machines aren't "tanks", with good belts I've never had a hinge pull out in 12 years of use on a 1450 Super Imp with 32 inch "Spryte" tracks mounted on it.

Well said BORVIG....Well said.

OT.....