Alternative Production Fire Series Tracks - AM54969, AM54331, AM55269.

[Platinum_2]

I am working on a alternative production track for select fire-series John Deere snowmobiles.

Application:

Direct replacement for AM54969. Also subs for AM54331 and AM55269. Covers the following models:

'78-'82 Spitfire
'79-'84 Trailfire
'80-'81 Sportfire
'82-'84 Snowfire
'82-'84 Sprintfire

Specifications (subject to change):

Length: 116"
Width: 15"
Pitch: 2.0
Weight: NA
Thickness: 0.25"
Lug height: 0.625"
Construction: One-piece molded rubber and Kevlar.
Target Price: $449.00 - $649 USD, plus shipping.
Warranty: TBD
Target Production Run (Qty): TBD
Target Shipment Date: mid - late 2021.

Please respond with your interest below.

Best,

Gary

[tieszo6]

Thanks for taking on this important and challenging project. It will help keep a lot of sleds on the snow that would otherwise be parked or parted out if they have a track failure. I don't currently have any sleds that would take this track but you can put me down for one as I may need one in the future.
Mark

[Matt]

Hi Gary,
So this is basically a rubber track that will direct fit on Spitfire/Snowfire/Sprintfire/Trailfire/Sportfire?

Any concern with the thicker rubber wrapping around the small drivers on a Sptifire?

What would the tread pattern look like?

[Platinum_2]

Matt,

Dimensionally, the replacement track is nearly identical to AM54969. The pitch is 2", there will be 58 windows which results in a length of 116". It's actually 116.46" because of rounding.

The only dimension changing is thickness of track, by 1/16" of an inch. I don't imagine a 1/16" is going to affect compatibility with the DD sleds. If it is a problem, I can change the specification.

Deere made thousands of machines that used this track, and there are many that need them. My hope is members here get all they need and whatever is left of the first 100 units produced will be purchased by a retailer or distributor.

[JoeRainville]

Gary,

I am interested in your project as it's a lot easier than adapting existing 15x121 single ply track to the direct drive sleds. I would be very interested in purchasing one to try out on a Sprintfire I use frequently. I am curious as to how you did a low volume run, but congrats for figuring it out. Kimpex told me years ago it would be $300k for a new mold.

Will everything be on the same center distances, including the slide rails and the drive sprockets?

Let me know when they are available.

-Joe Rainville
joerainville@hotmail.com
585-406-4593 cell/text

[wycrumb]

Hi,

I would be interested in a track. Any idea on the price point and timeline yet?

Thank you,

Wyatt

[Hemi guy]

If this happens, you can count me in for 2 at that price.

[buckeyetrailfire]

I would be interested . Keep us posted thanks

[400brian]

An update on this project, posted in the General Talk section, might result in more guys seeing it.

As the owner of a 78 Spitfire, I find this very interesting.

Please update us.

[Garyharley1]

I would be interested in 2 tracks. Glad to see someone spearhead this huge project.

Thanks
Gary Ray
79 spitfire
80 spitfire

[Platinum_2]

Hi folks,

This will be a 2021 project. Initially, I was hoping for February, but since I have to finance the project myself, it will require more time.

There are a few details left to work out, but I'm mostly there.

As a side note, when Deere sent 60 semi-truck loads of parts to Polaris after the buyout (dealer letter, fall 1983), there were certainly many tracks on those trucks. Polaris then sold the JD inventory to Parts Unlimited. I don't ever recall PU selling these tracks, so who knows where they ended up.

Anyway, for all of you with good machines simply in need of this track, don't part them out just yet. I'm trying to keep cleated track models out of the graveyard.

These will be available through New Breed Parts when they become available.

-Gary

[Platinum_2]

Gary,

I am interested in your project as it's a lot easier than adapting existing 15x121 single ply track to the direct drive sleds. I would be very interested in purchasing one to try out on a Sprintfire I use frequently. I am curious as to how you did a low volume run, but congrats for figuring it out. Kimpex told me years ago it would be $300k for a new mold.

Will everything be on the same center distances, including the slide rails and the drive sprockets?

Let me know when they are available.

-Joe Rainville
joerainville@hotmail.com
585-406-4593 cell/text

Joe,

This will be direct replacement for '80 Sportfire, '80-'82 Spitfire, '82-'84 Snowfire, and '82-'84 Sprintfire.

It will substitute for '78-'79 Spitfire, '79-'84 Trailfire and '81 Sportfire.

-Gary

[Platinum_2]

Also,

If someone has an old cleated AM54969 that is toast, I would appreciate a 12" cutoff for benchmarking. The only tracks I have are still good. PM me if you can help.

[mikes90]

Hello,

I am interested in a couple tracks as well. Please keep me/us posted.

Thanks
Michael

[Platinum_2]

Thanks for the interest! I can assure you I am working diligently to complete this project in 2021.