Outside bands track studding

[Randy J Beyer]

1003 miles on Apex GT with outside bands studded in the 1 1/4" Rip Saw
and working fine with no problems.

Here's how I made it work :

Studded using 4 then 2 which will equal one ( 1 )
stud in every other outside band. Studs placed
in the outside bands were centered in the middle
of the outside bands ( Not Staggered )

Studs were placed using the normal staggered V
pattern down the center band which has two (2)
studs in every band. This keeps the studs balanced
and gives you coverage over larger area resulting
in much better holeshot.

I used Woody's mega-bites 1.365 studs, round
aluminum plates, extended steel nuts and this
pattern requires 144 total on the apex gt.

Yes you can stud the outside bands if you pay
attention to details above. And some people will
tell you not to do this ! Over 1000 trail miles
proves you can make it work

 

[ROCKERDAN]

1003 miles on Apex GT with outside bands studded in the 1 1/4" Rip Saw
and working fine with no problems.

Here's how I made it work :

Studded using 4 then 2 which will equal one ( 1 )
stud in every other outside band. Studs placed
in the outside bands were centered in the middle
of the outside bands ( Not Staggered )

Studs were placed using the normal staggered V
pattern down the center band which has two (2)
studs in every band. This keeps the studs balanced
and gives you coverage over larger area resulting
in much better holeshot.

I used Woody's mega-bites 1.365 studs, round
aluminum plates, extended steel nuts and this
pattern requires 144 total on the apex gt.

Yes you can stud the outside bands if you pay
attention to details above. And some people will
tell you not to do this ! Over 1000 trail miles
proves you can make it work

take alook near front,there are metal LOOPS on your suspension(ontop)and you will see they are ground down....the back of studs on outer belts HEADS will hit these loops....We noticed this on buds GT and it didnt look too good....with about 1200 miles,he now removed those outer studs.

check closely...you will see it....if those LOOPS get worn thru you will have some problems when rubber track hit sharp edge when loop is worn off.

I love more studs too,for drags ect...but on these sleds i dont think its worth it....

and this has no bearing on the fact the outer belts will take alot more punishment and usually tear out a stud or two.

dan

 

[Randy J Beyer]

Dan Thanks for your reply and concern but your overlooking the
following :

1.) metal loops line up are located approx. 1/2" to 3/4" from outside edge of track.
The head of the stud when centered in the outside band of the
track is 7/8" from outside edge which misses the loop by 1/8"

2.) Thats why I stated its important to install the studs in the middle of
the outside bands which is approx 7/8" of an inch from edge.

3.) I have inspected my hoops and I do not find any damage nor have
the head of my studs hit or are marked up.

4.) After close inspection everything looks good !!!!

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Dan Thanks for your reply and concern but your overlooking the
following :

1.) metal loops line up are located approx. 1/2" to 3/4" from outside edge of track.
The head of the stud when centered in the outside band of the
track is 7/8" from outside edge which misses the loop by 1/8"

2.) Thats why I stated its important to install the studs in the middle of
the outside bands which is approx 7/8" of an inch from edge.

3.) I have inspected my hoops and I do not find any damage nor have
the head of my studs hit or are marked up.

4.) After close inspection everything looks good !!!!

oh good that is great to hear.....When we studded buddys we used a template which always staggers the outer studs....Its apparent that you not staggering them keeps them away from loops..so all is well.

Only negative I can see is....A good stud pattern always makes the MOST scratch lines in ice....and if you have them all inline,youre not getting much help from those outer studs.

Good luck and keep an eye on those....if you are a hard trail rider in corners you will see some pull thrus sooner on outer belts then center.

Dan

 

[Roadrunner]

Good luck and keep an eye on those....if you are a hard trail rider in corners you will see some pull thrus sooner on outer belts then center.

Dan

I agree with this statement, and once you have a weak point in the track from a pullout + a sled that you're not afraid to run all out for miles at a time = kaboom. Outer track band rips loose, and the still partially attached track with studs whipping around takes out your heat exchanger. Don't ask me how I know. That's one of the downsides of a 4 stroke. You're not worried about burning it down on the lake so you hold it wide open longer, only to find out that the track loaded with studs might not be ready to take what your sled can dish out.