Yarbo Snow Tracks, Studs and Weighted Plates: Winter Traction Explained

Last updated: October 2026

The Snow Track is a heavy duty winter track rated to -13°F. Anti-Slip Studs are 100 hardened steel studs that screw into the rubber track for grip on ice. Weighted Side Plates add 9.4 lb per side for more traction and stability. Flat, plowed-clean driveways may need none. Icy or sloped ones benefit from one or more.

Why does a tracked robot need help in winter?

Tracks already give more grip than wheels, because they spread the machine's weight along a long contact patch. That is why the Yarbo Core can climb 70% (35°) on grass.

Snow and ice change the surface. Packed snow is slick. Ice is slicker. And in winter the Core carries the Snow Blower Module, which Yarbo lists at 83 lb, while pushing into a load. Grip is what turns motor power into forward motion, so Yarbo makes parts to add it.

What is the Yarbo Snow Track?

The Yarbo Snow Track is a track made for winter. Per Yarbo:

• A heavy duty track for traction on snow and ice.
• A wide design that spreads weight for stability.
• Takes optional metal studs, sold separately.
• Performs in temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C).
• Not compatible with the Yarbo 2023 version.

It is the base of a winter setup. The other two parts build on it.

What are the Anti-Slip Studs?

Yarbo Anti-Slip Studs come as a pack of 100 hardened steel studs for the rubber track. Per Yarbo:

• For traction on icy surfaces.
• Corrosion resistant coating.
• Increase stability, maneuverability and climbing on icy terrain.

Studs work by biting into ice, the same idea as studded winter tires or ice cleats on boots.

What are the Weighted Side Plates?

Yarbo Weighted Side Plates are sold as a pair, 9.4 lb per plate. Per Yarbo:

• More traction on slopes and uneven terrain.
• More stability during heavy duty work.
• Help in tough conditions: snow, wet grass and debris.

Weight presses the tracks into the surface. More downward force means more grip before the tracks slip.

How do the three compare?

All descriptions are Yarbo's.

Which driveways need which?

Flat, paved, cleared often. A robot that goes out every few inches is driving on fresh snow over pavement, which is the best winter grip there is. You may need nothing extra. Start the season and see.

Flat but icy. Shaded driveways, north-facing ones, and areas with freeze-thaw cycles build ice. Snow Track plus studs.

Sloped. Any real grade in winter is a traction test. Snow Track, and consider weighted plates. Add studs if it ices.

Gravel. Tracks do well on gravel. Add weight or studs based on slope and ice, not on the gravel itself. See Yarbo snow blower on gravel.

Heavy, wet snow regions. Weighted plates help the machine hold its line while pushing into dense snow.

Do these parts raise the slope rating?

No. Yarbo rates the Snow Blower Module for slopes up to 36% (20°). Traction parts help the robot perform within that rating in poor conditions. They do not extend it. If your driveway is steeper than 20°, see Yarbo snow blower on hills for options.

Will studs mark the driveway?

Steel studs grip by digging in. On ice that is the point. On bare decorative concrete, pavers, sealed asphalt or a garage floor coating, studded tracks may leave marks, as studded tires and cleats can. If your surface is delicate or your garage floor is coated, ask us before you fit studs and we will check Yarbo's guidance.

What about the Lawn Track?

The Yarbo Lawn Track is the summer counterpart: per Yarbo, a patented versatile terrain track with wide treads for slope stability that minimizes ground pressure to protect lawns. If you run a Snow Track in winter, the Lawn Track goes back on for mowing season. Plan the swap along with the module change.

How do you look after tracks?

• Grease. Yarbo Track Grease reduces friction and wear, runs quieter, is temperature stable and water resistant, and comes with a precision tip, per Yarbo.
• Inspect for cuts, missing lugs and trapped stones.
• Clear packed snow and ice from the track area after a run, so it does not freeze solid.
• Check stud tightness through the season if you fit them.

How do you fit them, and when?

Follow Yarbo's instructions for each part. As a plan for the season:

1. Late fall, before the first snow: swap to the Snow Track when you change from the mowing or leaf module to the Snow Blower Module. Doing both at once means the Core is on the bench one time.
2. Studs: fit them when the track is off the machine or raised safely. Space them evenly, as Yarbo's instructions show, so grip is the same on both sides.
3. Weighted plates: add them once you have seen the robot work on your slope, if it needs more bite.
4. Spring: remove studs before the robot goes back on pavement and lawn, and return to the Lawn Track.

Keep the hardware together in a labeled box. The parts you take off in April are the parts you will be looking for in November.

What else affects grip?

Parts are half of it. Habits are the other half.

1. Clear early and often. Do not let cars pack snow into ice.
2. Throw snow downhill on a slope so meltwater does not run back and refreeze.
3. Keep drains open.
4. Treat ice where it forms, with a product safe for your surface.
5. Map sensible routes. Avoid sharp turns on the steepest part.

How does this fit into winter prep?

Traction parts are one line on a longer list that includes shear pins, the scraper bar, the dock and the map. Our Yarbo winter checklist puts it in order.

What should you order?

• Not sure: start the winter stock. Add parts when you see how the robot does on your driveway.
• Known ice problem: Snow Track and studs.
• Known slope: Snow Track and weighted plates.
• Own a 2023 Yarbo: the Snow Track is not compatible. Ask us what is.

These accessories follow Yarbo's warranty policy. If a part arrives defective or damaged, the supplier covers the replacement and return shipping. Shipping cost and delivery estimate are shown at checkout. See all Yarbo parts and accessories.

Still not sure which fits your property?

Tell us about your driveway slope, surface and how icy it gets and a Yard Automation Pro will reply by email with a recommendation, or tell you honestly if none of our machines fits. Book a free consultation, or call +1 423-927-3776, 9am to 5pm EST. You can also try the Find Your Robot quiz and cost calculator.