ATV with Tracks - Freezing Problem

[SINX53]

I am fortunate enough to use my bosses ATV with tacks in winter for Ice Fishing. The problem I had last year was some of the lakes we fished on had big pockets of slush. When we drove thru them the snow built up in the tracks got wet and froze. I had to spend an hour at a local car wash pressure washing all the ice off. I was just wondering if anybody else had this problem and what they did to prevent it. I was thinking of spraying  some silicone spray or some kind of de icer on the tracks to prevent this??

[slipperybob]

I don't know for sure, but the silicone spray I would try.

[Tbone9]

I run an amphib with tracks. Tried the silicone but didn't help. After a while there's just enough room for the tracks to turn, guess it's just the nature of the beast. I understand you not wanting to bring it back all froze up though.

[redneckdan]

It pretty much comes with the territory when dealing with slush. Doesn't matter sled or atv. Best bet is letting it sit over night in a climate controlled garage.

[TacticalKeychains]

What about rain-x?  Put it in a weed sprayer. I use the orange rain-x windshield washer fluid and it works well to repel water/ice.

[tafts ta]

no matter what track vehicle you run slush is tricky.
My snobear tracks ice up pretty bad at times. fortunately the low range can get the track moving and break it free. Any type of silicone or rain-x is just going to rub off with natural friction and be of minimal if any use at all.
just comes with the territory.

[FISHFORPIKE]

Always a deal for ice and slush and snow.  I never really have a problem with it.  Just take off slow and it clears out.  I understand you don't want to return a borrowed machine caked with snow and ice so what you are do is the best, or find a warm place to park it for a few hours.
I can drive mine into my basement when it gets really bad, or when I want to work on it.

[SINX53]

The biggest problem was the bogey wheels got froze up and started to develop flat spots on them from the track

[FISHFORPIKE]

I've never had that issue.  Guess there can be a difference in the brand.  I've had my Camoplast Tatou 4s sytem for 5 years now.  Like them a lot.  I had to replace a couple boggie wheels with failing bearings this fall while doing a thorough inspection and adjustments.

[SINX53]

those are the same tracks that are on this machine, last year I had to replace 6-7 of those bogey wheel center covers. the ice froze to them and with all the weight pulled them off.

[FISHFORPIKE]

those are the same tracks that are on this machine, last year I had to replace 6-7 of those bogey wheel center covers. the ice froze to them and with all the weight pulled them off.

How old?  Those caps get "stiff" and don't hold on so well.  I lost one last year - replaced them all when I was doing maintenace this summer.  New ones really hold on.  I'm catching on to so maintence things that can be done to prolong the life of the components.  Annually, I will be removing all the caps when the tracks go into storage after the ice season; let them "rest and recover".
I bought the replacement boggie wheel kit this summer - works out to less than have the cost of individual replacements - I've got parts now, that will last me quite a few years.