ATV Tracks for Snow use

[HardwaterHero]

I am looking to buy an ATV and would like to install tracks when i purchase it. Does anyone have any insight on how they handle on ice? Also what would you recommend for a brand? How do they handle when pulling an ice house?

[leech~~]

One thing I would do is get something 700cc or bigger is better if you want to get any speed or have the power to turn them and pull something!

[CaptainMusky]

+1 and power steering.

Are you pulling a wheelhouse or a sled behind?

[randerson]

also be aware they create a ton of snow dust almost need a wider fender so you don't have a white out condition

[aczr2k]

Yup everyone has you on the right track, minimum of a 700, power steering is a much nicer ride. What brand of tracks are you considering? I'm getting out of tracks, these are for sale, Polaris Pro-S.

[HardwaterHero]

Wheel house when the ice gets thick enough but otherwise it will be a sled. I was kind of thinking the Polaris 550 X2 EPS. I know its smaller but i am not looking to go 80+mph. I am kind of torn which brand to go with. i would go with either the TS4s or the Polaris brand.

[mysnopro]

Yup everyone has you on the right track, minimum of a 700, power steering is a much nicer ride. What brand of tracks are you considering? I'm getting out of tracks, these are for sale, Polaris Pro-S.

Why you selling your tracks?

[hawkeye43]

With tracks you will not be going 80 mph anyway, they are geared so top end is maybe 30 mph. The only down fall is slush, you will spin down to the wet ice and be done. Other than that they are unstoppable. It takes power to turn the tracks that's all there is to it.

[bigshooter23]

Be aware also once tracks are put on your Polaris atv whether its there tracks or tatou it does void your warranty. It is like rule #11 or 13 in there disclosure. Been there done that with going to court and everything. My frame actually started to yoke out in the front by the bushings. Bushings where perfectly fine if they had also made the bushing go into the frame member also, but they aren't. Tracks where great when I had them, but now I switched to arctic cat and a good set of tires and chains and wont go back. For the 3500 or more they are asking a guy could get a older fan cooled sled for fishing when the snow gets too deep.

[BrandonN]

The only down fall is slush, you will spin down to the wet ice and be done.

If you stud the tracks then you would have no problem

[aczr2k]

Mysnopro- I am looking to trade off the ranger and get a new 900 ranger. Selling the tracks helps makes up some of the difference in trade price.

[dfeste]

If you're looking to run long distances I would choose another option. I run a Rancher 420 with Camoplast tracks and do fine with the combo. I understand it's a small machine but speed and pulling a ton of weight were not high on my list of needs. It pulls my portable and gear just fine even with two on the machine.

It's possible that the Rancher isn't even big enough to spin the tracks on slush but I have never had any major issues. One precaution I always take while on slush is to disconnect the wheeler from my sled and move it a little every hour or two. Keeps the tracks from freezing in or sinking down too much.

[BLACKJACK]

Be aware also once tracks are put on your Polaris atv whether its there tracks or tatou it does void your warranty. It is like rule #11 or 13 in there disclosure. Been there done that with going to court and everything. My frame actually started to yoke out in the front by the bushings. Bushings where perfectly fine if they had also made the bushing go into the frame member also, but they aren't. Tracks where great when I had them, but now I switched to arctic cat and a good set of tires and chains and wont go back. For the 3500 or more they are asking a guy could get a older fan cooled sled for fishing when the snow gets too deep.

Is the warranty voided for other brands also?? For instance if I buy a Honda and have the dealer install the tracks, would the warranty be voided??

I've always thought that a wheeler with tracks would be the clear chit on those winters when you get dumped with 2.5 foot of snow and you can't drive your pickup out. I had some surveyors out one year during the winter and I was amazed at the snow that they went thru with their tracked ATV's!!!

[bigshooter23]

I know with arctic cat it is not voided. When I went to court with Polaris the warranty would be voided if anything, and I mean anything has been added after it left the factory. Simple things such as a plow, aftermarket wheels, windshield, hand warmers. Some things dealers will let side but if they have to call in and get a tech out be care full.

[ncesi]

I run a Cam Am 800 Outlander Max with the Appachee track system on it. These are factory so the warranty is not voided but any other aftermarket track will void the warranty. The machine is almost unstoppable in soft deep snow and will push snow up over the front end until it stops and can push no more. Just back up and climb over the pile and start again. In the hard pack on top and soft underneath you will get stuck and have to dig out or winch out, there is no picking up the machine or pushing it just does not work. I have never been stuck in the slush but was worried on a few occasions if it would continue to pull thru but always did. In 3-6" of now it will move 50 mph by GPS but in 12" plus you are slowed down to 35-40 at most and holding it to the handle bar for that. It will cruise comfortably pulling a sled or three with no issues at 25-30 mph. they do suck more gas though. For shorter runs and daily on and off the lake they work awesome but if you plan on running 10-15 miles it will be slow and be sure to bring plenty of gas.

[LindellProStaf]

I just bought a 2005 Grizzly 660 with Mattracks and can't wait to use them. I will just use to go out to my fish house and then back into the heated garage. My snowmobile works great but have always wanted to try tracks on ATV. Also will be great to pull house off when there is snow to go through. I have a wheel house but have skis I put on and take the wheels off.