anyone built skidsteer tracks

[leaddog]

My son was asking me if I thought I could build a set of skidsteer tracks and I thought I would ask here if anyone has seen or done that. I have the equipment and time just need some ideas. thanks
leaddog

 

[Taylortractornut]

Leaddog have you ever seen the page of Easy track They manufacture EZtrack in truck books and on the net along with a few other attachments. They make traks out of 3/8ths heavy duty chains that have 3/8ths by 2 inch plate weleded to the ends for grousers. THe plates are cold formed to fit the tires shape. I had a cousin make a few about 2 years ago when I got my table burner i cut out his dies for his press to form the grousers. He also built a few sets of tracks from old tractor tires. Hed find a set the when the sidewalls were sawed out he could use as a set of rubber wrap around tracks. He then lowered the air pressure in the tire and would wrestle them on. Once on he would reinflate the tires and they rode good. One thing he made a roller kit that had a small boat trailer tire between theloadertires to lower the ground pressure and take the strain off the alxles.

 

[rdbrumfield]

I built a set of tracks for my tractor and they work well. I just took channel iron and cut to desired lengh and welded chain in three link portions. On the sides to keep them on I used 3/8x3x6inch flat bar welded up from the track to keep them centered. Have had no problems with them. For skid steer you might have to leave a gap between the section for flexibility. I left no gap as they wrap around one tire and I don't have to worry about them bending backwards.

 

[leaddog]

Thanks for the replies. The eztrac type look like they would be easy to make. I just have to come up with the scrap steel. I keep my eyes open for scrap all the time and use it for my projects. The use of channel seems like it would work well but might be thin and bend with all the twisting. I'll have to keep thinking on this. sounds like a doable project. Thanks for the info
leaddog

 

[leaddog]

I saw your post along time ago about your tracks for your tractor and kept your pic's for future use as I thought it might be a good project for my tractor when I cut firewood back in the mud. It was a great idea and I thank you
leaddog

 

[jimgerken]

My Dad has a set for his 60XT Case skidsteer, a pretty heavy machine, with 60Hp (about) deisel engine. We put them on when we HAVE to because of mud, and get them off as soon as possible, 'cause they gobble up the power and you can just feel the stress they put into the machine's drivetrain. Before you waste a bunch of time fab'ing them, think carefully if you really need such a thing for mud and snow. The Grouser brand have replaceable bushings in them, and they are adjustable in length by using one of two different mounting holes for the hinge points on each pad. They do stretch due to wear and from grinding out the rust every time they sit idle. I would think you'd want adjustability, or they will be very sloppy soon. Good luck.

 

[proimageprints]

I don't suppose anyone would still have pictures of Rdbrumfield's homemade trac-chains? I have been considering building some and would appreciate a reference pic or three. Had the exact design in mind and found this description, except I was thinking of using 6" channel and possibly extending 4" past the tire's outer wall to increase flotation. Just starting (trying to start) on our new home on 10 acres of trees in clay...