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

[jdsledhead]

I would eventually WANT 3 of them, but would take 1 for sure when released, possibly 2 depending on final cost.

Regarding the finances, have you considered something like kickstarter, gofundme, etc.? Not sure if applicable, but it might fast track your timeline - pun intended! haha

[Platinum_2]

Can someone help describe the difference between AM54969 and AM54331? I think there is a difference in width, but not sure of other differences. Need this info. for prototyping. Thanks!

[jdsledhead]

I can't comment on dimensional differences (if any) but I know for sure that they changed the mold design. The older track (AM54331) looks more like the older 70's cleated tracks with the "square knobs" between the cleats, but otherwise smooth. The new AM54969 has arrows molded in, as you know. The newer track is definitely a superior design.

[Matt]

Gary, I just remembered that a while back Joe Rainville made a post about the track differences through the years:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=93&p=9694&hilit=track#p9694

I think the two part numbers you posted are the same dimensions, but there was a track style or manufacturer change. I think I just saw a NOS version of the AM54331 with the older design on Facebook, which confused me because the part number came up for Spitfire, but I thought Spitfire tracks had the "Chevron" Vs, but this one didn't. Now it makes sense.

[Matt]

Here is the AM54331

[Matt]

Here is the AM54696

[AirborneX4Special]

Yep the newer version had a tread pattern change but the dimensions were identical. Had a '79 TF with the old style and an '82 with the new style tread like the one in the picture. The original had straight rubber lugs oriented parallel to the direction of travel if I remember correctly.

[AirborneX4Special]

Didn't scroll up all the way....my 79 had a track like the first picture....

[Platinum_2]

Thanks fellas. Next question: can AM54969 be used as a substitute for AM55269?

[JoeRainville]

Gary,

First, the guys got it right. AM54311 was the 78-79 Spitfire and 79 Trailfire track. It is 100% interchangeable with the newer AM54969 track you plan to reproduce. AM54969's claim to fame was that the Chevron lug was actually taller than the cleat for improved traction and reduced cleat wear. Deere actually patented that feature. However it seems that good ol '311 was made out of better rubber and is less prone to cracking and dry rot.

The AM55269 was used on the 81 Sportfire and 81-84 Trailfires. The only difference from the AM54969 is that the AM55269 outer track belts are slightly wider for better floatation and maybe improved strength. However, the M54969 would be totally interchangeable with the AM55269 track, but the wider AM55269 does not fit into the direct drive sleds tunnels. So the track from the 81 Sport and 81-84 Trailfire does not fit the 78-82 Spitfire or 82-84 Snow and Sprintfires. Oddly enough, Deere produced two different cleated tracks from 81-84, but they used the same cleat.

As long as you reproduce the original width AM54969 style track in rubber, it will fit the all the 78-84 Spit, Sprint and Snowfires and the 79-84 Trailfire and 80-81 Sportfires.

I hope this helps,
-Joe Rainville

[Platinum_2]

Gary,

First, the guys got it right. AM54311 was the 78-79 Spitfire and 79 Trailfire track. It is 100% interchangeable with the newer AM54969 track you plan to reproduce. AM54969's claim to fame was that the Chevron lug was actually taller than the cleat for improved traction and reduced cleat wear. Deere actually patented that feature. However it seems that good ol '311 was made out of better rubber and is less prone to cracking and dry rot.

The AM55269 was used on the 81 Sportfire and 81-84 Trailfires. The only difference from the AM54969 is that the AM55269 outer track belts are slightly wider for better floatation and maybe improved strength. However, the M54969 would be totally interchangeable with the AM55269 track, but the wider AM55269 does not fit into the direct drive sleds tunnels. So the track from the 81 Sport and 81-84 Trailfire does not fit the 78-82 Spitfire or 82-84 Snow and Sprintfires. Oddly enough, Deere produced two different cleated tracks from 81-84, but they used the same cleat.

As long as you reproduce the original width AM54969 style track in rubber, it will fit the all the 78-84 Spit, Sprint and Snowfires and the 79-84 Trailfire and 80-81 Sportfires.

I hope this helps,
-Joe Rainville

Thanks, Joe. That was what I concluded when I started this project. I was looking for a "one track fits all" solution. I was pretty sure this was all correct, but I knew there was a width change and different size drivers on some models and of course, clearance, flexibility, and weight considerations.

I have never weighed the cleated fire-series tracks, so if someone has that morsel of knowledge deep in their thoughts, I'd love to learn! I'm trying to balance weight (performance) and durability in the design.

[Derfo]

Put me down for 1 track maybe 2

[Billagroom]

I'm in for a track,1979 spitfire.
Mine is cracked but still working for now.
It would be nice to open her up without worrying about a blowout!

[Platinum_2]

PROJECT UPDATE

We are re-working our pre-production drawings to reflect some engineering & design changes that have been made to enhance the finished product. Once complete, the drawings will go to CAD to be finalized into production-ready status. At that point, a small test run would be done to evaluate the finished product. The outcome of that run determines what happens going forward.

Assuming all goes well and the project advances as planned.....

Availability:

Not definitively known at this time. But, we think a mid-late 2021 launch would be reasonable.

Pricing:

Not definitively known at this time. We expect to be within our target, however.

Production Volume:

There has been a lot of interest in this part. I am planning to supply to those who have expressed interest. Beyond that, there should be no expectation for continued availability.

Other:

I obviously want this to be a successful project. It is my hope folks can appreciate the elements that go into a project such as this. If this were easy, it would have been done by now, plain and simple. One issue I'm facing is beta-testing. Ideally, I would like some time on the snow in various environments and elements to validate the design. This is what John Deere would have done. However, the way the timing is working out, I'm going to be short on snow at production time. I am evaluating my options. I have some ideas, but suggestions are welcome.

That's all for now.

[Matt80]

I would be interested in 1, possibly 2 tracks depending on the price. I believe mine is a 78 spitfire and it is really in need of a track.
Would love to open up the throttle on it but I'm pretty sure the current track would fly apart if I did so.