I have thought about this before, but I really think it would work pretty good. They would be similar to those tracks kits people mount on their ATVs and trucks. They are a triangle type shape tracks and they bolt right in place of the wheels with no modifications. They would solve all traction issues on ZTRS and WBs, thus making them much safer, plus eliminate ruts due to their low ground pressure PSI. Plus they wouldnt tear up the ground as bad as tires when doing a zero turn, and you could tackle ANY hillside with a set of tracks versus wheels and tires! I think they would be fairly affordable as well. Anyone ever consider this or have any experience with the tracks kits you mount on ATVs and trucks?
Small tracks for commercial mowers?
MikeKle
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Yeah but you can make the gears anything that you want. That would only apply to Mattracks.
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That is why I said to not forget to compensate for it. Unless you want to raise the back of the mower up, you would need a smaller sprocket than the original wheel, thus decreasing maximum speed. Therefore, you need gears between the axle and the sprocket.
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demt
1/3 on 24'' =8''; deck angle too steep to accommodate with leveling even with larger front wheels
or live with 1/3 speed reduction.... for some applications, steep hills or when ground very soft - ok... (providing tracks wouldn't destroy turf)
it seems like easy in-out (just mounts on the hub instead of wheel?)
p.s. i saw toro movers with winter tracks - can't find any info on the web... hmmmm
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I misunderstood your meaning. I thought that maybe you were insinuating that the tracks themselves would slow the mower down. Carry on.
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looks like more room 4 tracks than it might seems
![Image]()
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thanks
http://www.asvi.com/rc30_turf.cfm
http://www.asvi.com/asv_rtss_technology.cfm
Smooth Rubber Tracks
Specifically designed smooth rubber tracks let the RC-30 Turf Edition travel and work on fragile surfaces like turf without leaving a trace. Yet, this machine has the power and traction to work productively in most conditions.
Minimal Ground Pressure
ASV's unique, patented undercarriage technology lets the Turf Edition machines crawl over any surface with minimal ground pressure. For the RC-30, ground pressure is 2.5 psi - about half the ground pressure of a person on foot. Low ground pressure means these machines work with minimal surface disturbance, plus minimal compaction to protect fragile root systems and underground utilities like irrigation lines.
The rubber track itself is the culmination of over 20 years of research and development. It's a lightweight, pliable, yet tough material. A strong Kevlar-like wrap in the center of the rubber track prevents track stretch, so adjustments for track tension are minimal. No steel is used anywhere in the rubber track to avoid the problems of corrosion, delamination and early failure that is common on rubber tracks with steel inserts.
A special smooth green rubber track is also available on Turf Edition models. This unique smooth track offers ultimate protection of refined turf surfaces, such as on golf courses, sports fields and similar turf surfaces. These smooth tracks still offer excellent traction in most ground conditions.
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dont you think that the track would need about 18 small wheels to keep it with that 2.8 psi rating for a ztr? fit 18 wheels in that space in that small space
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ALC-GregH, try to remember - you don't have to type it - just copy-pasteHey, I can actually read this post. There's no WAY you typed that.Sorry, had too.
: ))))))
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also concern -turns, we don't want tracks to plow all bumps sideways;
20''wide track, 20''long=400 sq in
800lbs /400sq in=2psi
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tire footprint: 24''wide *2(3)'' long = 48(72)sq' in *2tires = 96(144) sq in
1000 lbs/96(144)= 10.4(6.9) psi
if lower tire pressure:
24'' x 6'' footprint = 3.45psi
24 x 8.3 = 2.5 psi ( or 26'' x 7.7'')
1000 lbs/96(144)= 10.4(6.9) psi
if lower tire pressure:
24'' x 6'' footprint = 3.45psi
24 x 8.3 = 2.5 psi ( or 26'' x 7.7'')
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I have been doing some drawings of different track set-ups and really need to decide whether I am going to try to utilize the mowers OEM wheels and tires and have the track running over them, or not using the stock wheels and tires at all, and going with a sprocket type wheel that mounts to the wheel studs, but these type would be much more expensive? I really like that green rubber track, as it wouldnt cause any turf damage. I also am thinking of making my tracks really wide, just to handle hills better and for better weight distribution. I will probably make a prototype set this summer and see how they work, then decide how/ if to take the next step. In your alls opinion, what would be an ideal price range for a set of tracks for a commercial mower, say a full size WB for now? Im thinking in the $300. range for a set. But I guess it really depends on the price of the continuous rubber track itself, that I have yet to price.
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$300 would be really nice but I doubt you'll even get the tracks for that cheap. All of the track system I looked at for the 4 wheelers came in at 10 times that amount.
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someone really needs to design these and sell them, maybe i will get to it first>>>>>>>>>>>>
To many moving parts. Over time the cost of upkeep and repairs would not out way the slight benefit of the extra ground contact. I drive a articulating tractor with 8 tires (Case 9230) and have looked into the new track unit articulating tractor. The only benefit i see is they have a lot less compaction. ZTR wise If todays tracts where improved greatly for operation benefit, I don't see the extra cost on the already expensive mower that are out today. just my opinion.
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