Here's a fun toy someone on here should grab

I almost want to buy a 300 utility, just so I could install these...

http://erie.craigslist.org/grd/1495861701.html

I bet they're a beast in the snow.
ARPS half tracks

The following is the text that went with the ad:

"Full working set of ARPS Company Half-Tracks. These are made specifically for an IH 300 Utility tractor. *** They will only work on this tractor and the tractor has to be the kind that the rear axle will turn out on, in order for the tracks to work properly *** The tracks have only been used a few times due to the fact that they did not work properly on a stationary axle. "

I don't know what he is talking about for two reasons. (1) poor use of the English language. (2) what does he mean by "stationary axle".

I bought a set of metal Arps mounted on a F-400 at an auction. They were sold separately and I had to remove them before the tractor could leave the auction site. The brackets I purchased looked the same as pictured in the ad. But what sane person would photograph parts in a pile of dead leaves? WTF ?

I removed three grousers per side and made better-than-factory axle housing mounts. They are now mounted on a H as pictured below. They work fine and throw impressive "rooster tails" in the sand.

The only limiting factor on that set of Arps is the number of grousers. If someone wanted to run them on a larger tire, they would need a few more grousers.

<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r16/Wardner/?action=view&current=Electrallcatalogandactual013.jpg" target="_blank"> </a>

<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r16/Wardner/?action=view&current=Electrallcatalogandactual012.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

I have to make a phone call, I think I know those tracks. There were a set off a 300 ute that went for 350 on ebay a month ago.

If anyone wants those Arps half-tracks, I will count my grousers on my H and post back. You will have to ask the owner about the number on his set. Frankly, I don't believe he ever mounted them and knows nothing about what they will fit.

Just so you may have a better bargaining position, I only paid $100 for my Arps. This was at a well attended farm auction in central NY state about 10 years ago.

If it is the set I think it is, they might have been on once in the last 30 years, and the person who had them on is now deceased.

Also, if it is, the arms are long enough to fit 38" rubber.

I have axle brackets and 1 track for an M I might be willing to part with if someone gets these, just let me know before you go to pick them up as they are nearby.

Can you explain how they work. Never saw this before. Are they just over the tire tracks. Kinda like snow chains??

Have you ever seen a Caterpillar Challenger rubber-tracked tractor? It's kinda like that, except you still have the front axle to steer with.

There are bogey wheels that extend forward from the rear tires to spread the tracks, and the weight of the tractor, out.

No, they are not like chains. Look at the left side of my first picture. You will see that the track departs from the tire. It goes forward to an idler wheel. That wheel is connected to a three foot (approx) strut that is bolted to axle housing.

BTW, one of the idler tires in the ad appears to have problems.

If the author of this thread is the same person who placed the Craigslist ad, you need to submit better pictures.

It should also be noted that Arps half-tracks were frequently used on tractors that handled manure. Let that be fair warning.

The front of the track under the idler wheel bears little tractor weight. Only the weight of that portion of the track, some of the strut and idler wheel, and a minimal transfer of weight due to the wimpy spring.

I have never done it but I could probably lift the front of the track with my arms and back. I am in good shape but 65 years old.

I blew up the data plate on the advertised Arps. The model number is "BM". That is the same number on the set I have that were originally mounted on a F-400.

The advertised set will fit an M and later without alteration. Might not fit a 560 with 15-5 x 38 tires. You will have to check tire diameters.

(2) what does he mean by "stationary axle".

I wonder if hes refering to spin out rims?

I just talked to my cousin, these were my grandfather's. I think what he means by the stationary axle is the hub on the ute, where you have to turn the wheel around to change the track width.

The arms came from the set we had for my SM. If anyone wants these for an M, I will throw in the axle brackets and the track that I still have for $50.

They might have been on once or twice in the last 30 years.

(quoted from post at 20:31:53 12/06/09) I just talked to my cousin, these were my grandfather's. I think what he means by the stationary axle is the hub on the ute, where you have to turn the wheel around to change the track width.

The arms came from the set we had for my SM. If anyone wants these for an M, I will throw in the axle brackets and the track that I still have for $50.

They might have been on once or twice in the last 30 years.

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Wow, that's pretty neat. How far north are you, Scot? I am down in Washington County, but frequently check the Erie CL. Didn't mean to start a big debate or anything... It's just pretty rare to see ARPS tracks.

(quoted from post at 11:42:20 12/06/09) Can you explain how they work. Never saw this before. Are they just over the tire tracks. Kinda like snow chains??

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ere is a set on an MD at RPRU a few years ago.

We farmed on either side of I-79 about mile 158. I can look out my bedroom window and see mile 156 or so through the trees.

I would buy this set, but they are asking more than they are worth, if you ask me, and I don't have any cash laying around to make them an offer. The SM already goes places it shouldn't and having the half tracks on it I would just take it that many more.

Though I have been thinking, I have the brackets, I should be able to build the arms and use some 3/8 binder chain and flat bar to make new tracks. But I lose interest in my projects too quickly. Still might try it someday.

I think grandpa only farmed for a few more years after he got the 300, and mainly used the tracks for skidding logs and excavation work. How much manure they have seen I can't attest to, but they are in pretty good shape.