how to install aftermarket track pads on a closed window track

Polaris and Ski-Doo installed a unique two-inch lug track with every other track window closed and every third fitted with a metal wear clip on their mountain sleds, the RMKs and Summits. According to Polaris service technician Clint Cutright, Rexburg Motorsports and Ski-Doo service manager, Wes Donahoo, Tri County Equipment, both from Rexburg, Idaho, the windows are closed as a means to save weight and to provide more flotation on the snow. Less metal on the track equates to less weight and rotating mass. Fewer windows equates to more uninterrupted footprints on the snow, hence better flotation.

Clint Hansen, of Sno*Lite Technologies, says he tries hard to understand the weight savings and flotation concept, but he claims that track and hyfax wear, track vibration and resistance have drastically worsened with the closed window concept. Hansen also says it is hard to run a track tight with the closed windows; not overly tight he says, but at OEM specs.

Hansen cut the closed windows out of a 151-inch track and installed OEM wear clips. "With the rubber removed and metal added, the track gained 2.5 pounds." He said, I would rather have a little heavier track than one that vibrates, heats up from resistance and tears up hyfaxes."

Starting Line Products, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, developed an aftermarket metal track pad system that mounts to any closed-window track using the same installation method as studs.

The pads look like fifty-cent pieces that mount to the track (in the same configuration as the OEM U-shaped clip) with a protruding threaded end. These pads mount through the track and mate with a nut on the outer side.

The track pads are simple to install and, at the most, add one and three-quarters of a pound to the track, according to SLP operations manager, Jerry Mathews. The weight gain is minimal for increased track and hyfax life. The pads, according to Mathews, help reduce rolling resistance from the track. Furthermore, the track window stays closed for that added flotation the Ski-Doo and Polaris engineers want.

At SLP's disposal was a 2000 Polaris 700 RMK. SLP is familiar with Polaris' products and consumers and when the closed window concept hit the market, they knew demand for a track pad would surface. They met the demand.

Here, in simple terms, is the method to install the SLP track pads.

1. Remove the drive belt for easy track rotation.

2. Roll the snowmobile on its side or raise the tail end with a jackstand.

3. Using an electric drill and track stud drill bit, drill a hole through the Polaris star. When installing the track pads, drill the holes at the rear axle where the track rotates half-way around the axle. This will prevent the drill from penetrating the hyfax. Rotate track to next window and drill.

4. Slide the track pad, bolt end first, from the track's inside to the outside.

5. Place nut on the bolt end and finger tighten. Hold the flat track pad by its edge with a large pair of pump pliers and complete the tightening. Tighten until the track starts to compress. Install track pads on every closed window. The mounting bolts are intentionally short in order to avoid being broken or torn off when a rock or other fixed hard object is encountered. The pad package contains spares.

6. Reinstall drive belt.

7. Lower snowmobile.

OK, simple enough, but really what are the advantages? As mentioned, the pad, looking much like a 50-cent piece with a bolt, allows the track to slide more freely on the hyfax- with less resistance. In essence, less horsepower loss. Furthermore, according to Mathews, the track runs cooler on the hyfax with less chance of the hyfax becoming sticky.

Mathews says closed window tracks have been eating the hyfax with as little as 100 miles of use. The track, as it comes in contact with the hyfax, near the drivers, significantly heats and wears the hyfax until it peels away from its rail. This had been SLP's experience until they developed this kit. Mathews says a quality hyperfax can help alleviate this melting and peeling, but without clips or pads, the end result is only delayed. However, he suggests when installing hyperfax on a closed window track, install the anti-wear pads.

Of course we had to find out for ourselves if the track pads work. The 700 RMK had 300 miles on it when it received the pads. The 300-mile hyfax did show wear. Prior to installing the track pads, new OEM hyfax were installed.

We checked the track and hyfax periodically throughout the season and noticed the hyfax did not stain with burned rubber as much, nor did it have rubber build-up. Simply, the hyfax, at 600 miles, wore evenly. Furthermore, and perhaps this is just a feeling, the track seemed to rotate easier.

For more information on the 40-count track pad package, part number 25-102, contact SLP at 208/529-0244.