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POLARIS GOVERNMENT & DEFENSE
HELP CENTER
08/25/2023

Snowmobile Track Damage Analysis

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The following are some examples of common types of track damage. These types of damage are not covered by warranty.

Trail Damage
Description: The track lug is damaged, cut or worn.
Cause: Track overheats by running at high speeds or on hard pack snow. Track damaged by spinning on rocks, stumps or other hard objects.
Recommendations: Avoid spinning your track on low or no-snow conditions. Do not run at high speeds over long distances or extended periods of time. This is especially important in conditions with minimal cooling and lubrication or when operating a track with a 1-inch or higher profile.

trail damage

Clip Damage
Description: Track clips can appear to have a blue tint. Rail sliders build up on the clips.
Cause: Track spinning on gravel, pavement, ice or hard surfaces. Track is run at high speeds over long distances or extended periods of time. Lack of lubrication or cooling on slides and clips.
Recommendations: Avoid running in conditions with minimal snow or hard surfaces for extended periods of time.

clip damage


Stud Damage
Description: Traction products have been added to increase traction.
Causes: Incorrectly placed traction product installed on the track (traction product not placed in the center of the outside belt of the track). Incorrect size of traction product installed on track. Incorrect traction product backing plate orientation, causing backing plate to cut into the track.
Recommendations: Frequently check traction products for correct mounting.

stud damage

Impact Damage
Description: Track cords are frayed and showing, sometimes exposing the rod.
Cause: Track damaged by rocks, stumps or hitting hard objects.
Recommendations: Avoid riding in conditions with minimal snow or hard surfaces and objects.

impact damage
impact damage


Suspension Damage
Description: Excessive wear and/or damage on the inside of the track or on the drive lugs. A dull finish usually is on the areas where friction and wear have occurred.
Causes: Improper installation of rail sliders, suspension wheels or drivers. Suspension misaligned or damaged. Failed suspension wheel bearings.
Recommendations: Frequent suspension inspection. Check track tension frequently. Check suspension wheel bearings.

suspension damage


Overheat Damage
Description: Track lugs missing or section of rubber on track exposing webbing and rods.
Causes: Track is run at high speeds over long distances or extended periods of time. Lack of lubrication or cooling on slides and clips.
Recommendations: Avoid running in conditions with minimal snow or hard surfaces for extended periods of time.

overheat damage
overheat damage

 

Deep Snow Damage
Description: Cut, torn, damaged or missing track lug.
Cause: Track damaged by spinning on rocks, stumps or other hard objects.
Recommendations: Avoid spinning your track on low or no-snow conditions. Do not run at high speeds over long distances or extended periods of time. This is especially important in conditions with minimal cooling and lubrication or when operating a track with a 1-inch or higher profile.

deep snow damage


External Lug Damage
Description: Tear on the lug caused by a sharp object or prolonged bending of the lug.
Cause: Track spinning on gravel, pavement, ice or hard surfaces. Track damaged by rocks, stumps or hard objects.
Recommendations: Avoid spinning your track on low or no-snow conditions. Do not run at high speeds over long distances or extended periods of time. This is especially important in conditions with minimal cooling and lubrication or when operating a track with a 1-inch or higher profile.

external lug damage


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