EDIT Below: I’ve seen a number of pictures and youtube reviews of the snow blower with the treads installed incorrectly. The treads should “scoop” into the snow for best traction. Here is a picture showing the passenger side of Yarbo with the treads in the correct orientation.
EDIT: I see in the Yarbo Wiki it states to install them opposite to what I’m showing in this photo. I’ll keep them this way to see how well it works out. Maybe the way Yarbo states is for better reverse traction.
The easiest way I’ve found is to pay attention to the stamped “Yarbo” logo on the track. I orient the word right side up so you can read it and it should be offset to the left when you’re looking at it when facing the front of the core.
So if you’re looking at the front of the core, left track would have the word Yarbo to the left and away from the core and the right track would have it closest to the core. I do the same thing with the summer tracks, but I don’t think it matters. I just like having the tracks face the same way.
I didn’t even notice the printing on the tracks as I was installing. It seems I have them backwards, however, I’ll leave them and see how well they work. My driveway is not on a hill so maybe it will be fine. I should probably just nuke this thread.
Don’t worry, there’s some Yarbo YouTube videos and live streams with them on wrong too. I’ve seen so many users go…”But I saw Ken’s video and I installed them like they were on that video!” I struggled with it the first time. I studied the support articles and ultimately ended up looking at the install manual (pic below). Even then, I ended up putting one on wrong. After it was installed, I noticed the Yarbo logo. I am not sure why they don’t just advertise this as what to look for.
The orientation choice seems a bit odd to me considering how snow tracks are typically in the “scoop” orientation. Great…now I’ll want to pay attention to it even more in the snow.
I thought the Yarbo was supposed to free up my time, not make me want to watch it work!
I think it’s more for traction (more rubber in this orientation when it hits the ground) and then releasing the caught snow, not so much with scooping it. You don’t want to dig into the snow, you want to move through it. Especially northern climates where the snow doesn’t melt and you need a good snow pack layer (like for gravel driveways).
I have a plan this winter should we get at least one good storm. We have a second story bedroom that overlooks the driveway. I can only assume it will be fun to remote control the Yarbo from up there with my kids.
I initially installed the tracks backwards based on the same logic as you. It was only after I installed them did I think it was a good idea to check the documentation. At least I can say I’m getting good at swapping the tracks.
I got it all back together several times and then realized I forgot to tighten the small screw or the track wheel bolt. You know, after a couple of times going through the motions, it all runs together. Got pretty good at it and lots of experience. It took me way longer than it should’ve that first time.
Sure would be nice if it was tooless and just a few locking clips and locking levers.
They really should add pulling the battery out and detaching the module(s) to the first steps. Also using the mower stand or a soft block (Yarbo packing foam works great for this) to put underneath the backside to help it from falling over onto the antennas.
I just did this this weekend…wife made a comment, “I’m supposed to walk through that snow next to the van?” I had it set up in a no-go zone so I canceled the recharge and manually cleared next to the van😁, much faster than putting on real clothes and going outside to do it😂