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Track Tension

Ace Freely

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Without the handy dandy tool from Doo, is there a "DIY" method? Like "Put a 10lb weight on the track at the apex of the sag, and tighten to 1.5 inches?"





Ace
 

White Rad

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You should be able to slip two fingers stacked vertically between the track and the rails at the point with the most sag. Thats without them being crushed nor loose enough you could fit three just good n tight. Any tighter and you will bind it up and loose power. Any loser and on the G4 I have founds its prone to wratcheting (its worse in NW wet heavy snow). After making any adjustments Always run the sled with the track in the air afterwards and eyeball through the track windows from the back to make surety track is staying centered
 

Circus Midget

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I was told take a rod or punch and push down on the track with it using one finger. The strength in the joint of your finger is real close to the 15 lbs or whatever the spec is to get 1.5” deflection.
 

mountainhorse

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Ha! The tension tool is only $50 but everybody suggests a redneck Mcgyver solution instead.

I actually see the spring gauge as a the redneck solution... constant weight is a more accurate way to set the track.

To me, it doesn't matter if it a 15lb kettle bell or a machined billet steel weight with powder coat.... 15lbs is 15 lbs as long as it fits the application.






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P
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Just eyeball it worked for me for the last 30 years even when I worked at the dealership. Maybe my Eyeballs are calibrated by now not sure but it is much easier than made out on here. If you use a punch and push down on it for example why not use the same finger and just push down on the track :face-icon-small-win
 

Devilmanak

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Just eyeball it worked for me for the last 30 years even when I worked at the dealership. Maybe my Eyeballs are calibrated by now not sure but it is much easier than made out on here. If you use a punch and push down on it for example why not use the same finger and just push down on the track :face-icon-small-win

Exactly. After hundreds (or thousands) you just get the feel. Too tight is bad, too loose will let you know with a ratchet. I like to run as loose as possible without ratcheting.
 

mountainhorse

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Ratchet prevention alone is a very poor standard for track tension settings... especially now a days.

The tracks 30 years ago.. or even 10 years ago have little to do with tension requirements of todays tracks... IMO.




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White Rad

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Of all the things I get ADD about and perfectionist style on my sled track tension is not one of them....

Once you develope a feel for it, it won’t be a concern anymore. I can even tell by hand/feel when the track is centered because the tension is equal on both sides. And then when you get stuck and roll the sled over you can always do a quick field finger survey that it’s just right ��
 

Hawkster

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For those that get Doo bonus points at the parts counter .
Doo calls it a tension tester , nothing new .
P/N 414 348 200
 

Hawkster

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Another option
 

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Hawkster

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Your welcome , once you start using it you won't be without . Takes the guessing out of things , close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades :)
 
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