How to Study a Snowmobile Track

The rubber and steel tracks on a snowmobile may resemble tank treads, but the similarity stops there. Tank treads are designed for rolling over harsh terrain and withstanding the ravages of war. Snowmobile tracks are made mainly of hard rubber that can rip and wear out. Because snowmobiles can quickly transport people to desolate areas in the dead of winter, it is important to study the tracks carefully before heading out on an adventure. A split or broken track effectively shuts down the snowmobile, leaving the user stranded. Here's how to study a snowmobile track and what types of damage to look for.

Things You'll Need

  • Snowmobile
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for missing studs in the track. The studs are arranged in rows across the surface of the track and resemble chocolate chips. Missing and broken studs mean less traction on snow and ice.

    • 2

      Check for cracks, rubber dry rot and delamination, which is the splitting and separation of rubber fibers that weaken and may eventually lead to a break in the track.

    • 3

      Look for broken track clips, which are the sprockets that rotate on both ends of the snowmobile axles. The sprockets grab and pull holes in the tracks to move the vehicle.

    • 4

      Study the track a section at a time for broken or missing grouser bars, which are corrugated steel plates that hold the track together along the width of the rubber at regular intervals.

    • 5

      Realize that track failure can occur at any time and the risk of a breakdown increases with missing studs, broken grouser bars and chipped or missing track clips.