Track tension

[usmc0411]

I just installed a "new" track and skid on my 1994 Indy. Question is how do I know when I have the correct amount of tension on the track?

Last season it felt like the track would slip from time to time when I really got on the throttle.

[mthunter]

I believe Polaris typically recommends 1/2" of sag in the track with a 10 lb weight hanging from the track. (check specs for you specific machine)You can use a fish scale to put 10lbs of pressure on the track.

[leech~~]

I just installed a "new" track and skid on my 1994 Indy. Question is how do I know when I have the correct amount of tension on the track?

Last season it felt like the track would slip from time to time when I really got on the throttle.

It may have been your belt slipping and not your track! Check for chunks out of your belt. Same thing happened to me once. Thought it was the track but found a nice chunk out of the belt!

[redneckdan]

Back it off until it ratchets then tighten it up a bit until the ratcheting stops.

You want to run the track as loose as possible without causing damage. Too much tension robs power and prematurely wears the sliders.

[givetoget]

mthunter is correct, measure weight at center rail. and if it is a new track check tension occasionaly as it may stretch a little, that will depend on how hard you ride it, if it has studs put in. You do not want to ride with a loose track, if you ride hard and corner hard the track could roll off slide and studs would enhance that possibility

[usmc0411]

Thanks everyone for the the info. I checked it with a 10lbs weight and I'm good to go. Had that problem last year when it was too loose and the track fell off the skid 3+miles from the nearest road. NOT FUN.

[Surface Tension]

Back it off until it ratchets then tighten it up a bit until the ratcheting stops.

You want to run the track as loose as possible without causing damage. Too much tension robs power and prematurely wears the sliders.

I know my tracks have more sag then what is recommended.

When work is done at a shop they need a baseline. When you do the work yourself you can

dial in the adjustment. The above reasons are why. Along with that, your sled should roll to a stop. If you feel the track tension breaking your stops then the track is too tight.