Winter brings snow. While most folks will try to stay indoors and wait it out until spring time, sometimes an outdoor enthusiast just has to find a way. Deep snowdrifts are an almost impossible feat to carve through with an all terrain vehicle. While a lot of companies have tried to capitalize on turning a normal axle setup into a tracked vehicle – success rates have varied greatly.
But one thing is for sure – a great snow track system is the best way to get an ATV out through the winter snow. Deep snowdrifts are an almost impossible feat to carve through with an all terrain vehicle. Often too soft, too wet, and too light – the heavy wheels of a normal Can-Am 800 or Kawasaki Brute Force 750i will just sort of flounder. Thank goodness for the Apache tracked system.
The Can-Am 800 is already a fantastic all terrain vehicle rig. Taking it to the next level is the Apache tracked system. While the kit sold through Can-Am suppliers often requires a separate mounting kit to install, it’s a worthwhile investment for those living in cold weather environments. One of the great features is actually the ground clearance. (more…)
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As good as the tracks are on the Can-Am’s 799 cc engine, it’s about getting above the snow and staying there. The best part? Converting to the track set should only take abo
Can-Am’s Apache Tracked System – Total Win
As good as the tracks are on the Can-Am’s 799 cc engine, it’s about getting above the snow and staying there. The best part? Converting to the track set should only take about 20 minutes from start to finish. So your Can-Am 800 is ready for the heaviest snow drifts in no time flat. From the trailer to the slopes in under a half an hour? That’s a good deal.
Another great move is the Dynamic Power Steering Module. When installed alongside the Apache 360 system, it takes the Can-Am’s revolutionary Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) and modifies it appropriately for great handling and agility. At lower speeds, it allows for better steering. And at top speeds, it firms up quite nice. There’s also a speed correction for the speedometer so your Can-Am 800 accurately shows the speed you’re moving. Ultimately, what this does is remove the need for a snowmobile and get the most out of such a great investment in a high performance ATV. Now, this kit is going to set you back probably close to four grand – but considering it basically replaces the need for a snowmobile, that’s worth it.
Taking a Closer Look at Snow Track Systems
Converting a standard axle and wheel configuration to a tracked system seems like a no-brainer. In actuality, there’s quite a bit of engineering that goes into this process. Factors such as weight distribution, four wheel drive capabilities, and ground clearance all play an important role. Each major ATV manufacturer – Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, and John Deere – all strive to find that perfect balance. Often times, track system upgrades can either be purchased as an OEM kit with the vehicle or as an after-market modification. The reason why OEM may be the better move (though decidedly pricier) is because it’s often designed side-by-side the ATV or MTV itself. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fantastic after-market tracked systems for major brand ATVs and MTVs. Let’s take the Camoplast Tatou 4S track system. While it’s clearance is about a full inch less than the Apache tracked system for the Can-Am 800, it still seems to do an admirable job even in thick snow drifts. Mattracks, a company that specializes in making tracked systems for trucks as well as ATVs, is another example of where after-market gets it right. Here’s a H1 Hummer blazing through thick snow without an issue. Because Mattracks works with a variety of different configurations, vehicles, and models – it’s able to really focus on making sure the perfect balance of all three essentials are met.
Are Tracks Just For Snow?
Absolutely not. One of the greatest advantages of tracks is they keep an all terrain vehicle’s weight pushing above slick and sinking surfaces such as snow and mud. It’s why tanks and other tracked vehicles have such a great success rate moving through swamps and marsh. Those treads are able to dig in deep enough to keep the ATV moving forward – and that’s all that’s really necessary. And with snow and mud, if the ATV stops or grinds to a halt – it will immediately start to sink. For winter alpine ski enthusiasts, many resorts and lodges actually use Can-Am 800s and Kawasaki Brute Forces equipped with either Mattracks or the Camoplast Tatou tracked system in order to keep their trails groomed. Not only can a tracked system tolerate steeper grades, it’s able to keep its center of gravity low and still be agile. It’s one of the reasons why tracked systems on all terrain vehicles is an increasingly popular option for outdoor enthusiasts of all climes.
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