Quick Answer
To get maximum traction from your Redcat Machete 4S, start with tire pressure and suspension sag, then adjust weight bias and driving technique. These steps apply to the ready-to-run brushless monster truck.
Why Traction Matters on a 1/6 Scale Monster Truck
The Redcat Machete 4S is a 1/6 scale brushless monster truck with a lot of power. That power is useless if the tires can't grip the ground. Good traction means faster acceleration, cleaner cornering, and fewer flips.
Traction is a balance. Too much grip can make the truck feel twitchy and prone to traction rolling, while too little grip makes it hard to control. The steps below help you find the sweet spot for your terrain.
Trade-Offs: Grip vs. Stability
Adding weight to the front can improve steering grip but may make the truck nose-heavy on jumps. Lowering tire pressure gives more contact patch but can increase rolling resistance and heat.
Suspension tuning also has trade-offs. Softer springs help absorb bumps for better tire contact, but they can cause the chassis to bottom out on hard landings. Stiffer settings reduce body roll but may skip over rough terrain.
Step-by-Step Traction Setup
- Check and Adjust Tire Pressure: Start with slightly lower tire pressure for more contact patch. Use a tire gauge to set all four tires to the same pressure. Common mistake: uneven pressure causes pulling to one side. Recheck tire pressure after every few runs, as it can change with temperature.
- Set Suspension Sag: Adjust the shock collars so the truck sits with about 20-25% sag when resting on its own weight. This ensures the suspension can absorb bumps while keeping the tires planted. Common mistake: too much sag causes bottoming out. Use a ruler to measure ride height before and after adjustment.
- Tune Shock Oil Viscosity: Use lighter shock oil (e.g., 30-40wt) for smoother terrain to let the suspension react quickly, or heavier oil (e.g., 50-60wt) for rough terrain to reduce bouncing. Common mistake: using the same oil for all conditions. Change shock oil gradually and test after each change.
- Adjust Weight Bias: Add weight to the front bumper or lower chassis to increase steering grip, especially on loose surfaces. Common mistake: adding too much weight makes the truck nose-heavy on jumps. Start with 20-30g of weight and test before adding more.
- Choose the Right Tires for Terrain: Use taller, more aggressive tires for loose dirt and softer compound for hard-packed surfaces. The Machete 4S stock tires work well for general bashing, but switching to terrain-specific tires can improve grip. Common mistake: using worn tires with rounded knobs. Check tire wear regularly and replace when knobs are worn down.
- Practice Smooth Throttle and Steering: Apply throttle gradually and avoid sudden steering inputs. Use the throttle to shift weight during corners. Common mistake: full throttle on loose surfaces causes wheel spin and loss of control. Practice on a flat, open area to learn the truck's behavior before hitting technical terrain.
Product Facts
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Redcat Machete 4S 1/6 scale Brushless Monster Truck: The Redcat Machete 4S is a 1/6 scale brushless monster truck that comes ready to run; battery and charger are not included. Because it's ready to run, you can focus on tuning rather than building, but you'll need to supply your own battery and charger to get started.
Redcat Machete 4S 1/6 scale Brushless Monster Truck
