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

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Platinum_2
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Alternative Production Fire Series Tracks - AM54969, AM54331, AM55269.

Post by 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
Last edited by Platinum_2 on Sat Mar 13, 2021 9:06 pm, edited 14 times in total.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
tieszo6
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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?
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Platinum_2
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
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JoeRainville
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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
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wycrumb
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by wycrumb »

Hi,

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
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Hemi guy
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by Hemi guy »

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

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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by buckeyetrailfire »

I would be interested . Keep us posted thanks
1979 Trailfire 440
1980 Trailfire 340
1980 sportfire
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400brian
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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.

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Garyharley1
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by Garyharley1 »

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

Thanks
Gary Ray :needsnow:
79 spitfire
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Platinum_2
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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
Last edited by Platinum_2 on Thu Feb 04, 2021 1:11 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Platinum_2
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by Platinum_2 »

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
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
Last edited by Platinum_2 on Thu Feb 04, 2021 1:31 am, edited 2 times in total.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
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Platinum_2
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by 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.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
mikes90
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by mikes90 »

Hello,

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

Thanks
Michael
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Platinum_2
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Re: Reproduction Fire Series Tracks - AM54969

Post by Platinum_2 »

Thanks for the interest! I can assure you I am working diligently to complete this project in 2021.
1981 Liquifire
1980 Sportfire
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