It is safe to put a longer track on a snowmobile, but this modification may have adverse side effects. Installing a longer track can improve stability and handling in deep snow but at the risk of negatively impacting the snowmobile’s acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Snowmobile enthusiasts often modify their machines to make them faster, more agile, and more comfortable. One popular modification is the installation of a longer track. There are a lot of different opinions on this topic.
Some people say it is safe to put a longer track on a snowmobile, while others say it is not secure. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. This article will explore the pros and cons of installing a longer track on a snowmobile.
Can You Put a Longer Track on a Snowmobile?
You can put a longer track on a snowmobile. The longer track will provide more stability and traction for the snowmobile, making it easier to control and navigate. That said, there are some things riders should take into consideration before making the switch to a longer track.
For one, the length of the track may make it more challenging to turn the snowmobile around in tight spaces. Additionally, a longer track will create more drag on the snow, meaning that it will take more effort to move the snowmobile forward.
Benefits of a Longer Track on a Snowmobile
While there are many reasons why some might prefer to use a long track on their snowmobile, one of the most compelling reasons is because it bridges bumps and moguls better than shorter tracks. That means that you will be able to ride your long track over obstacles with greater ease and comfort than you would with a shorter one.
Some other benefits include:
- A longer track also offers the opportunity to venture off-trail, which is a great way to explore new areas and find new trails.
- It provides more traction and control over the snowmobile, making it easier to turn corners, especially when going downhill.
- A longer track also provides more stability for riders because it is not as easy for them to lose balance when they turn and accelerate or decelerate.
- A longer track also reduces slippage and allows the sled to gain more significant forward momentum.
Disadvantages of a Longer Track
As with any modification, the pros always come with some cons.
- A longer track creates more friction with the ground, making it harder for the snowmobile to make a sharp turn.
- It becomes more challenging to get up hills. The longer track creates more drag, making it harder for the snowmobile to move forward.
- Longer tracks can also get caught in tree branches or other obstacles, making your snowmobile more likely to get stuck in the snow.
- A longer track may be more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, but increased stability and power are the trade-offs.
- The increased weight of the vehicle may cause it to be less fuel-efficient than before.
Short Track vs. Long Track: Which Is Better?
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a short track or a long track for a snowmobile. The most important thing is to understand the purpose of each type of track and how they will benefit your snowmobile.
Short track snowmobiles are better if you want your snowmobile to go as fast as possible and want to make tight turns with ease. Long track snowmobiles are better if you want more balance and a smoother ride.
Short tracks are better for speed and agility. They are ideal for making tight turns and quick maneuvers. If you are looking to race or do tricks, then a short track is the better option. Short-track machines are better for riders who are just starting.
They’re also suitable for people who live in areas with many trees and tight trails. Short tracks are more agile and easier to turn, making them ideal for tight spaces. They also tend to be lighter than long-track machines, making them easier to maneuver.
Long tracks are better for stability and power. If you want to travel long distances or ride in rough terrain, a long track is better.
How To Choose the Perfect Track Length
Snowmobile tracks come in many different types, lengths, widths, and thicknesses, so making a perfect choice can be difficult. The type of snowmobile you have will determine the length and width of the track that you need.
A track’s length should match the size of your engine and how much power your snowmobile has. Too long of a track will make it challenging to turn tight corners, while too short will make it difficult to get up hills or heavy snowdrifts.
The width is determined by how wide your snowmobile is and what type of terrain you plan on driving on. The thicker (lug height) a track, the more stable it will be when driving on rough terrain or steep hillsides. However, they are heavier, so they may not be best for racing.
Considerations for Snowmobile Track Length
When you are out riding your snowmobile, one of the most important things to consider is the track length, which will determine how well your snowmobile performs on different types of terrain.
Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect track length for your snowmobile:
- First, consider the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you will be mostly traveling on trails, a shorter track length is better since it will give you more agility and allow you to make quick turns. If you will be riding in open areas with lots of hills and curves, a longer track length is better.
- The shortest tracks are usually on racing snowmobiles. They are fast and agile, but they can also be challenging to control in deep snow.
- The longest tracks are on touring snowmobiles. They are slower and more cumbersome, but they can handle deep snow and uneven terrain better than the shorter tracks.
What Is the Standard Snowmobile Track Length?
The standard snowmobile track length is about 129 inches (327.66 cm). However, that’s just an average, and you’ll likely find snowmobiles with significantly longer or shorter tracks depending on the vehicle’s purpose.
How Long Does a Snowmobile Track Last?
Snowmobile tracks can last from 500 to 1,000 miles (804.67 to 1609.34 km). Your track will wear down at a different rate depending on how often you ride and the terrain you’re riding on. It’s a good idea to check your track regularly and replace it when it starts to wear thin.
Snowmobile tracks usually consist of some type of rubber. Depending on the type of rubber and the climate, they can last anywhere from one season to a few years.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to improve your snowmobile’s performance, putting a longer track on it is a great way to do it. As you can see from this article, it’s a safe and effective way to upgrade your snowmobile.
This article looked at the pros and cons of adding a longer track to a snowmobile. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of doing this, you can decide whether or not it is ideal for you to put a longer track on your snowmobile.
