I'm a newbie that's been tinkering around with a '96 Arctic Cat EXT 580 EFI; it's stock as far as I know but does have a studded track. It's got metal ski's with plastic covers and carbide runners, which seem to be in good shape.
I read up a bit on installing studs/cleats and it seems an extra so many (maybe 25-50) down the center area might be needed as far as getting the sled to hookup but I couldn't find enough information on studding to make a decision on my own..
The number of studs on my track is minimal compared to other studded tracks I've seen and a few (three counted) of the outside studs are ripped out (leaving square holes about 1/4 inch inside of the outer track edge). I haven't counted them but based on the pattern I don't think it's even got 96. The track is in good shape otherwise but isn't anything special; the tread is only about 1 inch and doesn't seem to have been been worn down at all. I'd say minus the missing studs it's "like new".. to me the missing studs with a new looking tack means it has probably lost studs due to the excessive force placed on the minimal existing studs..
Lately the ice on the lake I live on has been pretty bare and I can no longer hookup at all; it worked fine with some snow but now it's like riding a quad or something and I can't get on the throttle without having it fishtail back and forth.
It's a decent starter sled and everything (in my humble opinion) but I couldn't justify paying the labor to install more studs or cleats and I'm wondering if it's practical to add some myself.
I'm definitley mechanically inclined and have pleanty of tools, including a right angle drill which I think might come in handy.
Is this a good idea? Should I add cleats or studs? Any reccomendations on technique/placement?
Thanks in advance,
Jon
