Bravo Track on wrong direction - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

b2bc · 11-01-2009, 10:34 AM

New here, great site for info.

I acquired an early 80's bravo. The previous owner had the track replaced prior to selling. Reading the manual it looks like the track was installed backwards.
I spoke to a few dealers and got different reponses.
One dealer said the track could be damaged if it is on wrong.
Another said the only reason to have it the correct way is so there is better breaking.
Another said some put it in backwards for better tracking.

So now I am wondering should I go through the trouble and flip it or just leave it?

thanks

**BC_Dan** · 11-01-2009, 11:22 AM

Some tracks will have an arrow to point in the direction of rotation. I agree with the second dealer, most tracks are designed to be installed to be better at braking than at accelerating. It does look like the braking on your sled will be diminished because of the direction of rotation of the track...

Stopping can be pretty important in a snowmobile.. you may want to make sure it's on as designed...

TCOLLINS · 11-01-2009, 01:07 PM

I think it is on backwards. I don't know about tracks but belt sanders with paper on backwards breaks easily. I think the track would be ok though?

**BC_Dan** · 11-01-2009, 02:30 PM

Track direction shouldn't cause the track to break, there are a lot of guys that turn 'em around for better climbing. Stopping is the problem...

**smallengineguy** · 11-01-2009, 09:31 PM

Yes it's on backwards, no it won't damage it, but braking WILL be affected.

b2bc · 11-01-2009, 09:55 PM

I've looked for the arrow which would point the rotation direction but cannot see any markings on this belt on the outside. Haven't looked closely on the inside but I believe it should be on the outside.
I got this machine for ice fishing to pull gear so the way it is one would think it would pull better but I would assume that using the breaks would be a big issue, especially going downhill.

As for the first dealer saying the belt could be damaged, I find this surprising. Maybe it would wear down faster. But this does concern me if he is correct.

I'm still unsure if I should take the time and flip it.
I guess best pratice is to put it right.

Regarding the arrow on the belt, is this to ensure the belt is on correctly for proper traction and breaking?
Or are the belts built a certain way and should be run in one direction?

Thanks for the input.

b2bc · 11-01-2009, 10:04 PM

I didn't see smallengineguy's post prior my last post.
So basically no damage should occur.
I guess I'll wait for snow and see how it goes. I can always flip it later.
Again thanks for all your help

69CRUZR · 11-02-2009, 09:21 PM

just my opinion but I think we all need to realize were talking about a Bravo here, not a Mach Z 1000. braking will be a little worse yes but I have a hard time believing that 250cc sled is going to be doing 85 mph on a straight shot of a trail, and slamming on the brakes for a curve to avoid the trees. I say leave it. But what do I know?

Ultrafrozen · 11-03-2009, 02:58 PM

The shape of the cleat is a hold over from the original tracks designed by Armand Bombardier. He found that the wedge pushed/ packed snow down and allowed the sled to float over the snow better. When the track is reversed as you have, the snow gets shovelled out and the sled digs down. This is no longer critical as new paddle track designs do this exclusively.

As stated above, I don't think you will see a huge loss in braking as long as you keep the speeds below 100 mph.

b2bc · 11-06-2009, 08:43 PM

Thanks for the info/feedback
Just waiting for snow to see how it performs pulling weight
Much appreciated