Tri-Hub Failure

[BFS]

Joe, I went with the JT Stealth Big Wheel Kit. 8.5" Wheels on that kit, and I think it look good to.

 

[Joe ltx-le]

Joe, I went with the JT Stealth Big Wheel Kit. 8.5" Wheels on that kit, and I think it look good to.

That looks really good.

 

[FrozenTows4]

Joe, I went with the JT Stealth Big Wheel Kit. 8.5" Wheels on that kit, and I think it look good to.

What benefit is there going with the larger wheel? I'm a trail guy with a 137" track. Sometimes the trails are really hard.
Wouldn't the larger wheel, that would cause uneven hyfax pressure, reduce over all traction? More point load to the very rear of the track.
I would think the front curved hyfax portion would experience accelerated wear with the concentrated load on that point.
Or maybe that 1/4" rise, over an approximate 3ft span, is a non issue?

 

[rbell14]

I've seen a video of a stock skid removed and placed on a flat surface. The stock rear wheels were off the ground meaning the track was running heavy on the hyfax. With the larger wheels it allows for less contact with the hyfax (or more support in general). not sure how the front of hyfax would wear but I think that's one of the benefits to the design.

Maybe someone else has more insight to add.

This video shows the difference. At beginning stock wheels are off the table, after the big wheels are added the wheels support the skid which translates into less rolloing friction IMO.

 

[BFS]

I didn't log many miles this year so cannot determine what kind of hyfax wear I'm going to see thus far. I basically went by recommendations posted on here to go with the Stealth Kit, on the 137" kit it includes the 8.5" wheels. I didn't feel any traction issues and the trails were more ice than snow.

 

[Jeremy1472]

What are the pros and cons of different size wheels?

 

[BFS]

From the JT item description, Using this wheel kit will reduce hi-fax wear and friction while improving fuel mileage. It also creates less drag to allow easier rolling. Smaller wheels, more friction, increased hi-fax wear, lower fuel mileage, more drag. Just my thoughts. This is a accessory you can choose to purchase or not, some have Tri-hub failure, some don't, I know I don't want to be that guy who's does fail, sometimes your in the middle of know where and a failure could mean trouble. Been that guy who's drive shaft bearing went on a Polaris and it ruins your day and everyone else your riding with. Cheap Insurance!

 

[jsslye]

I installed Yamaha's 4 wheel kit (that adds two wheels to the outside) before my sled ever saw snow. Has anyone heard of anyone who had the tri-hub fail if they added the 4 wheel kit from the get-go?