Vector limiter straps, hyfax and track howl

[PJVMAX]

Where do you have your limiter straps set to minimize hyfax wear? On my SX700R, I had to pull the limiter straps all the way in and run the track loose in order to minimize hyfax wear. Same on the Vector? How does limiter strap setting and track tension affect track howl?

 

[twomorestrokes]

Where do you have your limiter straps set to minimize hyfax wear? On my SX700R, I had to pull the limiter straps all the way in and run the track loose in order to minimize hyfax wear. Same on the Vector? How does limiter strap setting and track tension affect track howl?

I adjust my straps for handling and performance, regardless of the effects it may have on hyfax. They are a maintenance item. I use a general rule of thumb for strap adjustment as a starting point. I set it to where the track touches the floor evenly front to rear when picking up on the back and setting it back down. Personally, I don't care for the feel of a sled with the straps sucked all the way in.

I run my track as loose as I can without allowing ratcheting. This is looser than factory recommended, but works well for me. I have my original hyfax, but the track howl is definitely there.

 

[NY_Nytro]

I also would not adjust the limiter straps just to get more hifax life.
The limiter strap really has a major effect on the overall suspension, especially front (skis) to rear balance. If you pull them up too high you'll throw a ton of weight on your skis and make it steer like a Hummer with flat tires.

 

[LazyBastard]

I didn't think you could steer a freight train (rails)... maybe you mean a trail groomer?

 

[NY_Nytro]

I didn't think you could steer a freight train (rails)... maybe you mean a trail groomer?

Bad choice..edit has been made.

 

[PJVMAX]

I also would not adjust the limiter straps just to get more hifax life.
The limiter strap really has a major effect on the overall suspension, especially front (skis) to rear balance. If you pull them up too high you'll throw a ton of weight on your skis and make it steer like a Hummer with flat tires.

I should clarify. I don't adjust limiter straps based strictly on hyfax wear. However, the SX 700 was hard on hyfax and would push in corners. Had to adjust the lmiter straps to reduce hyfax wear AND improve the handling. Was just wondering if the same was true with the Vector and wanted an idea where to start. Thanks for the info.

 

[QCRider]

I actually DO like the way the sled handles and rides with the straps sucked up in. Steers EXACTLY like a freght train. That is, like it is on rails. You turn, it turns... NOW. Suck the straps up and loosen the preload on the skis and they ride like a dream. No ski lift either.

 

[NY_Nytro]

I actually DO like the way the sled handles and rides with the straps sucked up in. Steers EXACTLY like a freght train. That is, like it is on rails. You turn, it turns... NOW. Suck the straps up and loosen the preload on the skis and they ride like a dream. No ski lift either.

The main reason I say do it with caution is because I did exactly that last year. It made the steering so heavy on my Warrior that it was nearly impossible to turn unless I was on the on the throttle. I only pulled the strap up about 1/4" to 5/16".
There was times I was screaming in my helmet as I'm hanging half off the sled "turn you mother f*cker, turn". I had to goose the throttle just to shift some weight to the rear to get it to turn.

 

[twomorestrokes]

My last sled was an SX also. Due to 144 studs, it also tended to push into the corners. Pulling the straps in made it feel very heavy in the front and hard to steer, so instead I compensated by using either 8" or 10" carbides on C7A Pros. Talk about a slot car. I do still miss whipping that sled through the corners.

My wife's 99 Phazer had the straps way too loose so she couldn't make the corners well. At each stop, we pulled the straps in slightly more and it got progressively better. Then we ended up going a little too tight, and it instantly felt like a sled that weighed twice as much.

For maximum traction and safety, I don't believe that you should pull the straps in to a point where the rear of the track touches ground before the front. Just my opinion.

Back to the subject though, the Vectors do have more ski lift then the SX. Probably because they actually have suspension. There are a lot of different views on this forum about how folks like to set them up to get them to corner better. I am also running 10" carbides on this sled to be able to keep the front preload a little light. There are also a lot of different claims concerning hyfax life. I don't treat the hyfax that well, but mine seem to be wearing at an acceptable rate.

 

[Arctic Express]

I adjust my straps for handling and performance, regardless of the effects it may have on hyfax. They are a maintenance item.

I agree with hyfax are maintenance items as well as belts and carbides. Plugs useto be another but thinking with a 4 strokeone can get by changing them once a year or so. One should always have a few spare parts around!