Tire chains vs ARPS half Tracks

It would seem that the ARPS half tracks would be better in sand and snow than tire chains on an 8N. Chains would be an easy addition for next winter but every time I see a pic of the ARPS Half Tracks I get to wondering how effective they are. Has anyone here had them before? I am curious as to the advantage/disadvantage of them. Are they going to be as hard to find as a front Dearborn or ARPS snowplow?
Thanks.
 
The track set up does a lot for traction. I have and do own dozier's and they go places tires will never go but of course that can get a guy in trouble also. I have a small Dozier right now an old Cletrac which is fun to use.
 
there's a set on this site in Ohio for $1500.
"Contact: john Located in: medina, NOTGIVEN, USA *
For Sale: ihave a set of bombardier tracks will fit 8n .it comes complete with tracks and the wheelsthat they ride on the tracks run on tracks are rubber cleated and has always been inside.i willconsider trades trades.these tracks are very rare and hard to find Condition: very good-good Price: 1500.00
Phone: 330-722-2671"
Not mine. But wish they were.
 
Old, I had an early 50's Oliver HG with the wide track. It was the same as the smaller Cletrac. I put hydraulics on it and a blade. Was a lot of fun. Wish I had kept it.
Richard in NW SC
 
I had a chance a few days ago to try a tracked 8n on a variety of snow conditions. It was a lot of fun and I was impressed by how smooth and well the setup worked, but I cannot image they would be any better for plowing snow than chains. The tracks offer more flotation so they are better at keeping the tractor from sinking in to deep snow, muck or sand, but when plowing snow you are usually pavement or frozen gravel and want to be running on the cleared road or driveway, not a foot above. They are also not a perfect solution because the front wheels are left stock, so the front end has less floatation, and the front wheels are not up to the job of steering, requiring a lot of footwork. Some users of these machines, like Edmund nnalert when he drove a tracked TEA20 to the South Pole, found necessary to extend the tracks so they ran around the front wheel too, and use just the brakes for steering.

That said, I'd still love to have a set - and a v-plow to go with them!
 
I have the bombardier half tracks, basically the same as the ARPS. Although I have hooked up the V-blade I have used them with the back blade. They pull good in the snow with that. I have a friend who has the tracks on his 2n with a V-blade and he said that they don't push snow as good as he would like but are Very good with his rear manure loader in the mud.
I also have several dearborn snowplows and dozer blades that work well with chains and wheel weights.
It will be a lot easier and cheaper to find the snowplow and chains than a set of half tracks.

Kirk
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At some time in her past I believe Sadie had a set on her as the axle brackets are still there. The plate says BlackHawk by ARPS, model BM (8M?). At this time I have no use so if any one comes across a set missing these brackets let me know, I have no idea what value might be but look in good shape.
 
The Celtrac I have right now is an HG42 which is the narrow one. It has a loader frame on it but some one cut the bucket off so it is a dozier blade that goes up 12 foot in the air. It even has a roll cage of sorts on it
 
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I would be better off with a set of chains for the winter, which is my main concern. I could just keep some planks handy for running down to the lake when needed as the beach is only about 30 foot deep. I had seen a couple of ads for the half tracks for $500-$600 but no telling how old it was. No way I would put $1500 into them so guess it's a good thing you helped me decide against them.
 
I have a JD MC that really pushes snow but really have to watch for snow build up on inside of tracks. Real easy to throw a track. They make special track plates for working in snow. Big hole in middle of plate to allow the snow out somewhat.
 
BI,
My dad bought half tracks back in the mid 50s. We still have that set. I have been using a set on my 8N and find the benefits outweigh the non benefits. I do not use the idlers. Simply shorten the tracks enough to wrap the tracks around the tire. Not using the idlers makes steering much easier. One may lose some flotation but I would rather lose that than wear out the brakes prematurely. Tried chains after using the tracks one year and moved back to the half tracks because the half tracks do not slip on icy roads. Seems the chains slipped between the lugs and there goes your traction. I will try to post a photo of the set up. Hint, I believe the actual cleats were modified over the years. If you can find a set you are lucky! Make sure to check if the cleats are channel shaped or "L" shaped. The "L" shaped cleats release snow a lot better. Any questions on these comments- fire away!!
Mr. T. Minnesota
 
Mr. T.,
Sure I would like to see the pics of your setup. It never hurts to look, and I have not been able to find very good pics on the internet. Lots of side views but that's about it. Please feel free to e-mail them, that's a lot easier for me to do.
 
Chains with weight added pie and liquid in tires no ? about it, push pull or drag snow and ice.Reason I say this is the more area you spread the weight out the less traction you have. With chains the weight is concentrated in one cross link one at a time. If you don't get hi-centered you can do what you want to do on ice and snow. You wont loose traction but you can kill the power unit, unlike loss of traction and still have a running power unit. Tracts are a neat item but for snow and ice no contest for chains. Master of the Obvious L.B,
 
I have never used a set of tracks so I can't tell you anything about their performance. I do however have a new set of Duo-Grip chains that work very well for me with my TE-A20 with loaded tires. I use the back blade for plowing snow and my Driveway is on a hill. The Duo-Grip with V-bars would be better but not recommended for a paved driveway. If you have a dirt or gravel driveway then these would work for you. Poke the link.
Duo Grip V Bar chains
 
LB,
You made some good points comparing chains and half tracks.
That is why the method used on my 8N is quite effective. Wrap the tire with the tracks and the traction is concentrated on one spot. As for weight, the tracks weigh a minimum of 200 pounds and there is no need for wheel weights or loaded tires. I have stated in previous posts, half tracks will take the N tractor to task when eliminating the idlers.
Mr. T. Minnesota
 
Hey if it works for you thats what counts and I wish I had a set of tracks just to have. The problem with tracks is there aint enough to go around but chains are abundant.Enjoy.
 
Back in the 60's I used an 8n with arps half tracks for collecting map sap to boil it down in an evaporator for maple syrup. Collecting sap in the spring was a muddy affair and the tracks made it possible to drag a trailer with a 100 gallon tank in it. It sort of floated us from rock to rock and root to root through the woods in northern Wisconsin. Be prepared to replace brakes often as using them is the only way to efficiently steer. It also robs more horsepower to run the tracks verses using chains.

Rustyfinn
 
If you can find a set in your area for a good price buy them. I think that's the key, Got to go with what you can find. I've made a set of chains from 18 wheeler chains. Takes enough for three tires to make a set for an 'N'. They are sold in truck stops new for around $100 a pair. See them on CL all the time around $50 a pair. I've found unopened bags thrown out behind truck stops before. Maybe because the truck was loaded to heavy and the trucker needed to get rid of some weight or maybe he just needed room for something else, who knows? Some trucking companies will even give you old sets that that have been worn down to the point they won't pass DOT inspection. What I'm saying is chains are cheap. Tracks are not and they are hard to find. Shipping is pretty much a deal killer. Most all of us would buy a local set if the price was right. My chains do pretty good without weight and better with weight. I've got two 300#. never loaded a tire. I don't want to deal with a tire that heavy.
 
I have chains on my 8N all winter every year. One thing to keep in mind - chains are hard on tires. If your tires are reaching the end of their life the chains are going to speed that up. I wouldn't do without them, but my back tires aren't anything to look at anymore.
 
some interesting perspectives.

i've briefly used an 8n with arps tracks in the snow. no doubt, it floated well and i was able to drive through some deep snow with it. however, i don't believe i'd like to plow snow with the tracks, and that's just an opinion.

i do plow snow (front end loader) with both an 8n and 2n, both of which have chains and loaded tires. better traction for plowing snow than tracks offer.

for travelling through snow, or collecting sap in the woods, the tracks would be excellent.

wally

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(quoted from post at 17:21:34 02/13/14) Back in the 60's I used an 8n with arps half tracks for collecting map sap to boil it down in an evaporator for maple syrup. Collecting sap in the spring was a muddy affair and the tracks made it possible to drag a trailer with a 100 gallon tank in it. It sort of floated us from rock to rock and root to root through the woods in northern Wisconsin. Be prepared to replace brakes often as using them is the only way to efficiently steer. It also robs more horsepower to run the tracks verses using chains.

Rustyfinn
What size tire do you use on the idle arm
 

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