2004 Polaris Switchback Owners Manual - Page 43

Accessories Traction Products THE PERFECT FIT A skag is a replaceable bar attached to the underside of the ski to assist in turning the snowmobile and to prevent ski wear caused by contact with roads and other bare terrain. The addition of carbide skags is recommended with studded tracks to help maintain proper vehicle steering and control. Similarly, if your machine is equipped with carbide skags or if you're adding them, it may be necessary to add track studs to maintain proper vehicle control. Proper balance must be maintained between the number of studs and the length of the carbide on skags. The more studs used, the longer the carbide on the skags should be. See your dealer's track studding chart for recommended studding and skags. Inspect skags and studs frequently. Worn studs or skags may reduce steering and braking control on hard-packed snow and ice. Replace worn studs and skags to maintain proper balance and vehicle control. When studded tracks are used, increased wear to the brake pads will result from increased braking. Extended-wear brake pad kits are available. See your dealer for more information. CAUTION Aggressive studding patterns may require that you grind protruding stud bolts flush to prevent idler wheel damage. Maintain track tension on studded tracks on the tight side of the spec to prevent heat exchanger damage. Center of stud must be at least 1 1/8″ (2.86 cm) from the outside edge of the track. Use only Polaris traction products on your snowmobile. Track warranties are void if track damage or failure results from improper or excessive stud installation or the use of non-Polaris traction products. 41