for you snow trac owners i havn't seen any thhing here about this yet , but it is a problem as i have seen several varriators with bird terd patches on them around here. there is an ear in the photos that will some day brake mine looke as if it was gas welded on at the factory, i repaired it with a wire feeder and 035 wire put the same 2 spot on the front and than also weded it down the back i wanted to keep the pivot shaft removable for service