Particularly ardent fans of ATVs use their iron horse almost all year round. However, some people send their car on vacation in winter period... Someone makes such a decision for their own safety, but someone prefers to just keep the quality of the ATV. In this case, both solutions seem to be quite reasonable.
And this is not surprising, because with the snowfall, movement on various roads becomes much more difficult and dangerous. In winter, the chance to get into an unpleasant situation increases significantly both for experienced drivers as well as for beginners. For those who do not want to part with their vehicle at any time of the year, there are special tracks for the ATV. They significantly increase the cross-country ability of the vehicle. With them, the driver will not be afraid of snow, mud and even the wildest off-road. In short, you can ride in almost any weather, because there are all-season models of tracks.
Advantages of ATV tracks:
the vehicle's cross-country ability increases several times in all weather and road conditions;
the traction of the ATV increases due to the larger area of contact of the tracks with the road surface;
increased ability vehicle calmly conquer small hills (hills and slopes);
after installing certain models of tracks, the ground clearance increases by tens of centimeters;
installation of tracks takes a little time.
The installation of tracks also has some disadvantages, albeit minor ones:
After the installation of the tracked set, the dimensions of the machine will slightly increase;
The maximum speed of movement is reduced;
Slightly difficult to control the ATV.
Factors to consider when choosing a track model.
The area of contact of the tracks with the road surface.
The presence or absence of a limiter turns.
Seasonality of use.
ATV model. Available as special track mounting kits for different types machines and universal systems.
The wear resistance and durability of the tracks, as well as a set of ordinary rubber, depends on many factors: the load on the vehicle, the speed of movement, the quality and type road surface as well as from caring for them.
Tracks for ATV will make the car a universal vehicle and will allow you to drive over almost any terrain.
Increasing requirements for operational characteristics ATVs led to the creation atvs with caterpillars... You can immediately notice that these ATVs have increased traction and more serious cross-country ability compared to wheeled ATVs. However, these tracked motor vehicles have their drawbacks as well. In this article, we will discuss the topic related to tracked ATVs, their advantages and disadvantages.
Basic Provisions
If you have used a wheeled ATV all the time, then when you see a tracked ATV, its size immediately catches your eye. Compared to traditional four-wheelers, they are much wider, longer and taller. Such adjustments for geometry should be taken into account when transporting an ATV, since it simply may not fit into a trailer that you previously used.
Compared to wheeled ATVs, tracked ATVs have a reduced speed, namely 45% less speed on average. Speed tracked ATVs is at the level of 40-50 km / h. It is not difficult for a tracked all-terrain vehicle to overcome its wheeled opponent in the snow, however, it is difficult for it to compete with a snowmobile. It can be noted that snowmobiles and tracked ATVs are approximately the same in overcoming obstacles, and show excellent results. In this case, the consumption of the tracked vehicle will be the largest of all types of ATVs.
Crawler ATV Suspension
One of the most frustrating aspects of a tracked ATV is its poor suspension. So, if we compare the weight of one wheel and a caterpillar, then the difference will exceed 4 times. Such superiority in mass can lead to fatal suspension effects. Hitting a bump or stone on high speed, the case may turn into a replacement of the suspension. It is also worth noting that even the presence of a power steering mechanism on the ATV does not allow you to relax when cornering. Constantly you have to make an effort, like on a hand trainer.
Difficulties
It should also be noted that the ATV with tracks is very difficult to cope with loose snow, and if you fall under a crust of hard snow, it instantly begins to burrow in place. Of course, in such moments it saves low gear and reverse... However, such manipulations cause unnecessary hassle. But when it comes to swampy terrain, then a tracked ATV is already in the lead and at the top of the podium.
Many tracked quad users point out the fact that you have to monitor the tracks very carefully, as the cost of a new track can be up to $ 5,000. It is also noted (even with careful driving) increased suspension wear. On average, you have to repair the suspension about once a year.
Where are tracked ATVs used?
Tracked all-terrain vehicles have found their main place of application for utilitarian purposes. They are very good at transporting heavy loads off-road. Another area of application for these ATVs is in the snowblowing industry. The wheeled ATV starts to slip even with a small load on the front-mounted scraper, and tracked all-terrain vehicle copes with this task without problems.
In Moscow, you can buy ATVs with tracks installed at the manufacturer's plant, as well as separate sets of tracks for your ATV. The ATVs with tracks on which the factory installs kits are: Grizzly, Arctic Cat, Argo and others. In the city of Moscow there are many points of sale of tracked quadrics, as well as tracked kits for your motorcycle equipment. The cost of an ATV with caterpillars is in the region of 800 thousand rubles.
Thematic video!
TO technical specifications caterpillars include everything dimensions track, side and front overhangs, as well as a lot of adapters. Most important characteristics, which first of all should be paid attention to will be the area of contact (contact with the ground), an increase ground clearance and decline maximum speed, which is usually indicated as a percentage. The type of wheels and rollers, the material from which they are made, as well as additional units in the form of gears, a hub and bearings, a stabilizer, a guide runner are also referred to technical characteristics. Often manufacturers indicate the duration of the initial installation of tracks on an ATV, which is very convenient. Today there is a huge variety of ATV tracks.
Choosing a model of caterpillars, the following nuances should be taken into account:
- Track kits exist as soon as winter use, and for use throughout the year. In order not to make a mistake when buying, there is corresponding marking... So, on winter, depending on the manufacturer, it is indicated "winter" or "snow". While all-seasons are marked "4 seasons";
- Can be of regular width, and can have increased rear tracks;
- Some variants can be additionally equipped with studs, which additionally increases traction.
In order to put your pet on crawler, it is necessary to purchase a special set, which consists of several boxes, where 4 tracks are stored in disassembled state, one in exchange for each wheel. Before proceeding with mounting them on the ATV, it is necessary to completely assemble each track separately, and only then proceed with the installation of the tracks on the ATV. According to the manufacturers, at first, it will take about two hours to assemble the entire kit completely, if there are two people. Over time, assembly can be much faster. Since ATVs are often stored outside the city, it is sometimes very expensive and problematic to deliver it to the service center, and sometimes it is simply impossible. In this case, you can use the tools at hand and independently replace the wheels with tracks with your own hands. To do this, raise the front or rear with a jack or winch. Next, remove the wheel and change the lower bolt to a longer one that comes with the tracks. It is very difficult to slide the track pinion onto the wheel studs. This is due to the fact that the tracks are very heavy, about 20-30 kilograms each. Then it should be secured with special nuts that clamped the wheel itself. When it is finished with one axis, it is necessary to repeat all actions with the remaining axis. If you are going to transport it on a trailer after installation, it should be borne in mind that after installing the tracks in its place, the size of the vehicle increases significantly, both in width and in length.
Popular caterpillar models
- Since today on the market there are huge assortment tracks for ATVs, I would like to dwell on the most popular models in more detail:
- According to statistics, one of the sales leaders can be safely called the Tatau truck, which is produced by the Canadian company Camoplast. Their popularity in the market allowed them to gain a low price, as well as their versatility. They can be used on almost any ATV. The only requirements for the car itself is that it has four-wheel drive and an engine displacement of at least 300 cubic centimeters;
- Equally popular are the Kimpex tracks, which are used exclusively on Commander ATVs. Under this brand, the company produces two WTX tracks - for winter and Trek - all-season. Distinctive feature These tracks are lightweight alloy, which is not inferior in quality to analogues, but the weight of the track is significantly lower. The contact area of each track is 1.2 meters. This model has the same web width both on the front wheels and on the rear, which is 29.2 cm;
- They also keep up with their Canadian counterparts and Chinese manufacturers who released STELS caterpillars. This option proves that the Chinese ATV tracks can be used on a par with the Canadian ones. Moreover, their cost is significantly lower. In this model, the tracks are rear wheel have a wider canvas than the front ones.
On the market, buyers are also presented with models in which the front part is not flat, but raised at an angle of 45 degrees. This makes it much easier to overcome obstacles in the form of fallen trees. Such models include the X-Gen STS4, in which the frame is made of plastic and aluminum, the width of each track is 29 cm.Its advantages include minor losses in speed, as well as an increase in clearance by 12.5 cm.
Most ATV owners do not use their steel friends in winter time leaving them in garages for conservation. They probably just do not know about a unique device such as ATV tracks. Gooselings give you the opportunity to get around by ATV all year round. But I would like to note: the use of caterpillars is possible in the summer. ATVs equipped with tracks increase tractive effort, therefore increasing the ability to transport and drag loads large mass(in tightness, and not in motion), the permeability also increases, in gratitude to which he freely moves on ice, snowdrifts, mud and sand, climb steep ascents, move over swampy swamps.
We read about other ways to increase cross-country ability:
- we will figure out whether the need for installation is necessary at all
- varieties of chains and videos of homemade chains
- detailed vidyuhi do-it-yourself installation and benefits
- a visual test of three different under the same conditions
- there are many kits for different types roads, as well as a video of a detailed description
There is a question : « But as pick up tracksto ourATV?»
Caterpillar tracks are of the following types:
- winter and all-season. On winter there is the designation winter or show, on all-season 4 seasons
- with regular width
- with spikes
- with wide rear tracks
Consider a few examples of market leaders:
Tatou ATV Tracks
are one of the leaders. Manufactured in Canada by Camoplast. The Tatou ATV track system stands out for its versatility. The above is explained by the fact that they can be equipped with any machine using installation kit... An ATV requires four-wheel drive and an engine capacity of at least 300 cubes. Tatou is also renowned for quality and durability, which is why it has gained its leadership and superiority among competitors.
Kimpex ATV Tracks
Kimpex tracks for ATVs Commander TREX 2.0 provide excellent traction, materials of manufacture have a special composition, so the tracks are not so heavy, simple construction assembly. The company produces TreK kits - all-season and WTX - winter kits. Front and rear track widths are 292 mm. , the length of each is 2438 mm. , profile height 31.75 mm. , support area 1.22 square meters, internal drive, 39 kilograms per track weight, 35% speed loss, delivery with special installation kits. The support rollers are rubberized and equipped with double bearings with special protective caps. The drive sprocket is reinforced for year-round use. The Kimpex ATV track support is based on a non-slip roller system. The truck has a steel frame special use in extreme conditions.
Caterpillars STELS for ATVs
- Chinese caterpillars STELS for ATVs are in demand no worse than their counterparts from Canada. Their quality refutes the opinion of the reliability of Chinese goods. A big plus of the Chinese STELS tracks for ATVs is in cost, it is not high in comparison with other manufacturers. After all, the price of a set of Canadian counterparts is equal to the cost of a Chinese ATV.
An important role in the selection is played by the rear caterpillar, or, to be more precise, its area, directly depends on the passing quality. The presence of a turn limiter is important, which serves as a load reduction on the CV joints and the steering wheel. Also consider the ATV model, hub mounts may not work despite the versatility of the tracks.
You can save money by buying disassembled gusies. But in practice, not everyone manages to assemble such a "puzzle", so it is better to resort to the assembled version.
And so we finally got to the point characterized by:
Do-it-yourself installation of tracks in a garage on an ATV
I will try to explain to you how to install tracks on an ATV with your own hands in your garage. Very often, your quad is located somewhere outside the city, far from service centers, and delivery to them brings you inconvenience and unnecessary costs. Therefore, it seems to me that there are enough people who want to install the tracks themselves. I hasten to warn you that the upcoming first installation of tracks on an ATV will be difficult for many. It is more convenient to do this procedure together. Installation time will take about an hour and a half.
First, you need to hang out the "front" of the quadric. As an auxiliary tool, you can use a winch, mini crane or jack. We unscrew the hub nuts, on rounded fist we put a bracket that serves as a guide for movement. For this, it becomes necessary to replace the lower bolt with the one that should be included in the kit (longer). The most important task is to put the “goose” drive gear on the hub studs. I warn you right away - it will not be easy, since the goose is quite heavy (weight is about 20 kg) and you have to keep it for a long time. After that, tighten the nuts and pull them in a circle. The front axle is finished. The installation of the tracks on the ATV is complete. The rear is identical to the front.
The video shows the entire process of installing tracks on an ATV in garage conditions
Main advantages and disadvantages
Many on blogs write that with the replacement of wheels with caterpillar ladders, the quad turns into a snowmobile and even better, they are mistaken, this will not happen. It should be remembered that your quad will increase its mass by about 100 kg (almost twice as heavy as the wheels), hence the increased load and excess fuel consumption, the width and length of the structure will increase, which will interfere with varying between trees in the forest, the speed of movement will significantly decrease, a whole a number of features or restrictions when crossing various obstacles, for example, such as a fallen tree (the front goose passes with ease, and the rear one rests). In these cases, you need to be especially careful, this can lead to damage to the suspension. And no one wants to stay in the woods in the cold. Because of this, many quad-lovers neglect trips on one frame cycle, or over long distances. The use of goslings reduces the durability of the components due to the increased load on the transmission.
Remember, the wider the contact of the front jibs, the heavier the steering wheel, but on the contrary, the permeability is higher.
The decrease in maneuverability, thanks to the steering limiter, will again affect the inconvenience of steering in the forest. After such characteristics, you will probably wonder: should you buy these tracks for ATVs? But this design also has its advantages. The very first is a significant increase in tractive effort, thanks to which you can easily drag a quad trailer with you, which cannot be achieved using a snowmobile or quadric on wheels. Second: an increase in ground clearance by about 10 cm and the ability to overcome high inclines from a standstill, which significantly affects passability.
While driving along thin ice remember, a fallen track will not be able to go to the surface on its own (unlike a wheel), the angle of attack does not allow this, and the use of a winch will most likely lead to a breakdown of the hub and goose.
Watch the tension of the jibs, at the most unnecessary moment it can fail. This event takes a couple of minutes, but the need for an operation is required.
ATV is a motor vehicle for off-road driving with four wheels. The first such technique was released in the 70s. Japanese company Honda, which was already very popular at that time and has established itself as a reliable and quality manufacturer... The US90 was very stable and practical, and most importantly, maneuverable. The wheels were "shod" with tires with a special tread, which allows to overcome unpaved roads without slipping. But, winter test technology showed that the wheels are not able to make their way through snow obstacles. Whatever the tread, the snow is tightly hammered into it, after which movement on snowy terrain becomes impossible. Then the company found worthy alternative wheels - tracks for an ATV.
Advantages and disadvantages of caterpillars
Transportation of cargo by an ATV on a wheelbase becomes impossible or very difficult, therefore “ iron horses»Canned for the winter. As already mentioned above, this is due to the tread, which is clogged with snow and there is no grip at all, the equipment starts to slip. In addition, the area of contact between the wheel and the roadbed is small - the ATV constantly falls through and loads in the snow. For year-round movement on ATVs, caterpillar tracks were invented, thanks to which the ATV can easily move through snowdrifts, swamps and loose soils. At the moment, there are two types of caterpillars: winter and all-season version. Inexperienced drivers probably have a question: why use caterpillar tracks in the summer season? First of all, this is due to a significant increase in tractive power, which makes it possible to transport cargo by dragging. The average ATV weighs 400-500 kg.
Due to the small area of the wheels, the pressure of each on the ground fluctuates within 140g / cm2. Due to the larger area of contact with the ground tracked tracks, the pressure decreases several times. As a result, the ATV does not load in snowdrifts in winter and has better grip with the ground in summer - the power increases. What are the disadvantages of track links? - first of all it is increased consumption fuel, because the ATV with tracks weighs much more. Also, we must not forget about the speed, it is rapidly decreasing due to the greater weight of the tracks. When overcoming obstacles, it is necessary to go around various hemp, logs and stones, because it is problematic for the caterpillars to drive on them. The counter-hanging method will help to overcome such obstacles.
Specifications, track parts
Specifications include track length and height, adapter weights. Also, the main characteristics include the area of contact with the ground, the percentage of the drop in the maximum speed. The main parts include transmission gears, rollers and bearings, guide rail and stabilizer. Modern production of caterpillars is put on stream, there are many perfect different models... To select individually tracked tracks, you need to take into account the following nuances:
- On sale there is a winter version of the tracks and an all-season one. In order not to be confused, before buying, pay attention to the special marking that is shown directly on the product. Also, it will not be superfluous to ask the sales assistant for which season this or that model is intended.
- The width of the tracks.
- There are special tracks that have additional studs for even more traction and traction.
Installation and installation of tracks
The installation of the tracks must be divided into two stages: first, each track is assembled separately, only after which they are mounted on the ATV. Such an assembly at the initial stage can take 2-3 hours, then it goes faster. For convenience, two people are recommended to assemble the tracks. As a rule, in order to use the services of a service center for assembly, you need to load the ATV on a special trailer and then deliver the equipment to specialists. You can independently install the assembled track tracks as follows: the tracks are placed on each side one by one, for which each side is raised with a jack. All track fasteners are connected to the wheel, then the drive gear is attached to the studs. At the final stage, all fasteners are clamped with nuts. We remind you that for a comfortable installation of the caterpillar you need several people, it is problematic to simultaneously lift and clamp 20 kg caterpillars.
Caterpillars Stels
ATV Stealth Tracks is a Chinese brand that has established itself as a reliable and quality product all over the world. No secret that given manufacturer will seriously compete with eminent brands from Canada and other leading countries in the production of ATV components. This is not the kind of "China" that ordinary technology enthusiasts are used to encountering. Also, we must not forget about the democratic price in comparison with other manufacturers of caterpillar tracks. Speaking of the cost of Canadian tracks, this amount will be enough to buy a completely new budget ATV. After purchasing this product, it will not take long to adjust the track to stealth. It is important to initially choose the right kit that matches the ATV wheel.
It is worth noting that manufacturers of stealth tracks, reviews of which are only good, always give a guarantee for their products. After watching the video, you can learn more about design features and the intricacies of the installation of these products.
Video review
