Alternative Production Fire Series Tracks - AM54969, AM54331, AM55269.
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- Platinum_2
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:30 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Alternative Production Fire Series Tracks - AM54969, AM54331, AM55269.
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
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
Last edited by Platinum_2 on Sat Mar 13, 2021 9:06 pm, edited 14 times in total.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
1980 Sportfire
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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
Mark
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- Real Name: Matt
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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?
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?
Matt - JDsleds.com Administrator
- Platinum_2
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:30 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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.
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.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
1980 Sportfire
- JoeRainville
- Posts: 4355
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 12:00 am
- Real Name: "John Deere Joe"
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Contact:
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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
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
Honorary Tech Editor
Chuck Norris doesn't get frost bite. He bites the frost.
Chuck Norris doesn't get frost bite. He bites the frost.
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
Hi,
I would be interested in a track. Any idea on the price point and timeline yet?
Thank you,
Wyatt
I would be interested in a track. Any idea on the price point and timeline yet?
Thank you,
Wyatt
Wycrumb
'09 John Deere Snow-Mower SM440
'96 Lifted Utility Club Car Carryall II
'82 Kawasaki KZ650 CSR
'74 John Deere 300
'72 John Deere 400
'73 John Deere 400
'73 John Deere 600
'79 John Deere Trailfire 340/440
'80 John Deere Sportfire 440
'09 John Deere Snow-Mower SM440
'96 Lifted Utility Club Car Carryall II
'82 Kawasaki KZ650 CSR
'74 John Deere 300
'72 John Deere 400
'73 John Deere 400
'73 John Deere 600
'79 John Deere Trailfire 340/440
'80 John Deere Sportfire 440
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
If this happens, you can count me in for 2 at that price.
Dusty
Riders:
83 Liquifire
80 Trailfire (grandpa bought new)
79 Spitfire (grandpa bought new)
Projects:
79 Spitfire AKA: FrankenDeere
81 Liquifire
Riders:
83 Liquifire
80 Trailfire (grandpa bought new)
79 Spitfire (grandpa bought new)
Projects:
79 Spitfire AKA: FrankenDeere
81 Liquifire
-
- Posts: 241
- Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:26 pm
- Real Name: Mark Elliott
- Location: Springboro Ohio
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
I would be interested . Keep us posted thanks
1979 Trailfire 440
1980 Trailfire 340
1980 sportfire
1980 Trailfire 340
1980 sportfire
- 400brian
- Posts: 5620
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:00 am
- Real Name: James T. Kirk
- Location: South Central Wisconsin
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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.
As the owner of a 78 Spitfire, I find this very interesting.
Please update us.
'09 Vintage Challenge Survivor, and I wasn't late for supper!
'10, '11, '12, '13,'14,'15,'16,'17, '18, 19, 20, 21, 22 Vintage Challenge Survivor !
72 400 restored, Father bought new in '71
73 X8 restored
'74 340 green machine
'74 X8 9 time VC finisher
'78 Spitfire in progress
2 '75 340S 1 running, one on deck
'78 LF 440 future CC clone
'73 Skiroule RTX 440, 500 mi.
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2020 7:57 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
I would be interested in 2 tracks. Glad to see someone spearhead this huge project.
Thanks
Gary Ray
79 spitfire
80 spitfire
Thanks
Gary Ray
79 spitfire
80 spitfire
- Platinum_2
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:30 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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
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
Last edited by Platinum_2 on Thu Feb 04, 2021 1:11 am, edited 2 times in total.
- Platinum_2
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:30 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
Joe,JoeRainville wrote: ↑Sat Jan 09, 2021 5:46 pm 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
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
Last edited by Platinum_2 on Thu Feb 04, 2021 1:31 am, edited 2 times in total.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
1980 Sportfire
- Platinum_2
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:30 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
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.
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.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
1980 Sportfire
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
Hello,
I am interested in a couple tracks as well. Please keep me/us posted.
Thanks
Michael
I am interested in a couple tracks as well. Please keep me/us posted.
Thanks
Michael
- Platinum_2
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:30 pm
- Real Name: Gary
Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969
Thanks for the interest! I can assure you I am working diligently to complete this project in 2021.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
1980 Sportfire