Automotive

Track N Go system adds tracks to trucks

Track N Go system adds tracks to trucks
The Track N Go system incorporates the vehicle's existing tires
The Track N Go system incorporates the vehicle's existing tires
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Integrated rubber rollers press into the tire from either side, apparently holding everything securely in place
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Integrated rubber rollers press into the tire from either side, apparently holding everything securely in place
The Track N Go system incorporates the vehicle's existing tires
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The Track N Go system incorporates the vehicle's existing tires
One unmodified 4-wheel-drive vehicle can reportedly be set up with a complete set of tracks in under 15 minutes
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One unmodified 4-wheel-drive vehicle can reportedly be set up with a complete set of tracks in under 15 minutes
The front tracks pivot with the front wheels when turning, up to 30 degrees
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The front tracks pivot with the front wheels when turning, up to 30 degrees
Ski-like deflector plates on each track help it to ride up on top of snow instead of diving into it
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Ski-like deflector plates on each track help it to ride up on top of snow instead of diving into it
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You may think that your 4 x 4 with its lugged tires is pretty good in the snow, but it's never going to match the traction and flotation offered by a tracked vehicle. While systems such as those made by Mattracks allow users to replace their vehicle's wheels with tracks, AD Boivin Inc's Track N Go lets you simply add tracks onto your wheels when needed.

Each Track N Go kit includes four tracks and two loading ramps. To get the tracks onto your wheels, you start by placing the tracks on the ground two at a time (side by side) with the ramps leading up to them. You then just drive up onto them, and clamp them on – integrated rubber rollers press into the tire from either side, apparently holding everything securely in place.

One unmodified 4-wheel-drive vehicle can reportedly be set up with a complete set of tracks in under 15 minutes.

Integrated rubber rollers press into the tire from either side, apparently holding everything securely in place
Integrated rubber rollers press into the tire from either side, apparently holding everything securely in place

The bottom of each tire ends up resting on a set of grip-textured geared rollers within the track. When the wheel turns, it turns the rollers, which subsequently turn the rubber track belt at a 1:1 ratio. The front tracks pivot with the front wheels when turning (up to 30 degrees), and ski-like deflector plates on each track help it to ride up on top of snow instead of diving into it.

For stretches between deep snow, the tracks can also be used on hard road surfaces at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).

A complete Track N Go package will set you back US$25,000. The tracks can be seen getting put through their paces, in the video below.

Source: Track N Go

Track N Go part 2

View gallery - 5 images
14 comments
14 comments
Mel Tisdale
When it comes to packing up and heading back to base, I think that you would need a surgical truss if you had to heave one of these units on to the bed of the truck alone and quite probably if working with someone else. Even then, by the time you had loaded the fourth one, you would be exhausted, to put it politely. (I note that they do not show this part in any of their videos.)
deni377
It would have been more impressive if they had gone through some deep snow.....it wasn't near bumper height.
CreativeApex
@Mel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZruohbsDHQ

It is notably involved but done by one person on hard ground, not sure what one would do for a recovery situation if there was an accident in soft snow. For remote locations the capability is pretty impressive however a driver has to exercise good judgement to avoid getting stuck. I think the design should incorporate a way of remounting a single track if a stump or log dislodges it from the vehicle.
Doc Rock
This is EXACTLY what I am currently building, except for my scooter. It is my only transportation, and I thought the only way to survive would be to have slip-on tracks for the back wheel, and skis for the front. A slight difference though. the tire turns the track fron the side so that the tire sticks out below the track. we often have cleared patches where tracks would be inadvisable..
Aaron Turpen
For $25k, this had better install its damn self. Nobody needs this bad enough to spend half their truck's value buying it.
StWils
I had a brochure from an Electrolux dealer showing the Electrolux 2000 vacuum system. This "system" had a flexible shaft that plugged into the back end of an otherwise excellent vacuum cleaner and provided power to an improbable array of accessories. They had a cuisinart-like food processor, a random orbit pad sander and a belt sander on a waist high stand. I think there may also have been a saw as well. Either way this collection expensive bits is still just a bad idea looking for a place to collapse upon.
POOL PUMPREAPAIR guy longwood
Well I didnt like it at first BUT it seems to me when calving season comes around it would be nice. OR for beer runs, and a small V plow on the front might help groom trails making the return trip easy. It looks like a useful device for the right conditions. well done !
The Skud
Have anybody else noticed that your gearbox would have to be in reverse gear? (Tire in forward gear is spinning clockwise, turns belt it is resting on, belt is forced to turn anti-clockwise, truck backs into a tree). I hope reverse gear could take the strain of continuous heavy use, normally that gear is little used.
MQ
@TheSkud.
OR, Tyre turns Roller, Roller turns track, Direction problem solved.
Also, better to have roller geared into the main track drive pulley.
NB, Tyre friction drives often have a habit of prematurely wearing out tyres.... (Gear or chain drive is much more reliable)
Looking at the system, it is fixed to the wheels, (with pitch limiting devices permanently on the vehicle).... Not as rugged as MATTRACKS, but easier to install and uninstall.
Everyone needs a crane in the back of their truck for loading and un-loading: spare wheels, motorised wheelchairs, 44 gallon fuel drums, wheel tracks, etc...
Ranscapture
@the skud
It says wheel->roller->treads
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