Mattracks... How is this for getting around

Yep, thats what I need....LOL

Hi Michael
Perfect for desert travel. No more punctures - perfect. You better hide the link, as I bet Mick O will get some. LOL

Cheers

Stephen

Now I know what to ask Santa for next year

Cheers Teza

I bought a full set for my Humvee in the US about 5 years ago. Got them for a song, brand new military surplus. Had them sitting over there awaiting shipping for about 6 months at a friends house.
Then I was offered a lot of money for them (read huge profit) so sold them.
The ambo's use them on troopies down the snow in NSW, there was a pic on here a while back about them.
They widen the track by the width of the tracks so make any vehicle far more stable and a lot higher off the ground.
They would be great for cross country use in trackless terrain but talking to friends in the US that have them they can be a problem on narrow tracks in bush country if there are well defined ruts/tracks as you are constantly avoiding trees.
But in sand or snow they work well.
The big down side is if you are bogged they are virtually totally immersed in the goop and only an excavator or another tracked vehicle (read bulldozer ;-)) will get you out.

Awesome stuff,
I had a look at several other videos on the same subject on the same site. I could have used them in the 80's and 90's in the snowy mountains. They put chains to shame... lol...

I have seen photos of Series 1 Landrovers with a very similar if not exactly the same device fitted.

But just 'cause it aint new don't mean it aint good.

Duncs

These look just the idea for those cross desert runs with punctures every 3 meters.

But the price looks off the planet. It might be cheaper to tow a trailer full of spare tyres.

I found this letter on another forum as a response to a query about price.







Dan,

The MATTRACKS is considered an off-road item. They are not meant for on highway use.

Yes, we do build MATTRACKS for your vehicle! You would use models from the MATTRACKS 105 Series. This series has 4 models in its lineup. Here is a brief breakdown on each of the models. We have also included a specification sheet as an attachment.

105 M1. Solid-Rail Model. This model has a 10,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Capacity. The 105 M1 has a retail price of $23,998.00 US Dollars.

105 M1-A1. Suspension Model. This model has a 10,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Capacity. It also has an Offset Oscillating Suspension for smooth ride. The 105 M1-A1 has a retail price of $28,998.00 US Dollars.

105 M1-A1-SA. Suspension Model with Steering Assist. This model has a 10,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Capacity. This model has an Offset Oscillating Suspension for smooth ride, plus TRACKSTEER™ Steering Assist for ease of steering. This system allows for easier steering on hard surfaces. The 105 M1-A1-SA has a retail price of $30,998.00 US Dollars.

105 M1-A1-SA-M. Split Set. This model has a 10,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Capacity. This model has a pair of Model 105 M1-A1 Suspension on the front with Steering Assist, and a pair of solid rail Model 105 M1 on the rear. This helps keep the price down verses a complete suspension package. The 105 M1-A1-SA-M has a retail price of $27,998.00 US Dollars.

Shipping and handling is additional.

For many applications we recommend the Model 105 M1-A1 and the Model 105 M1-A1-SA. Here are the reasons for the recommendations.

1) The Model 105 M1-A1 and the 105 M1-A1-SA feature an internal, offset oscillating, suspension. This provides a smoother ride and allows the track system to follow the contours of the surface. This will also allow the track system to work well in rough and uneven areas, keeping a large footprint on the ground and providing increased stability. Rarely do you travel in just snow, or just mud. Ice chunks can be hidden in the snow. Rocks can be hidden in mud, tree stumps can be hidden in a marsh or swamp. The most popular models in the MATTRACKS product line feature internal suspension. The internal suspension provides two very important features. It provides a smoother ride, and it provides more stability and traction. We will explain.

The sidewall of the tires provides a cushion that absorbs the bumps you would feel going over rocks and moguls (depressions) on the surface you are driving on. If your track system does not have an internal suspension, all those jolts and bumps are transferred right to the vehicle's hub, spindle, and wheel bearings. With out an internal suspension, you are also asking the road wheels and their axles to absorb the shock and impact of the rock or mogul. This can lead to damaged road wheels or bent road wheel axles. The MATTRACKS Suspension Models feature an internal offset oscillating rocker arm suspension that will help absorb road bumps, rocks, and moguls.

These models also have increased traction and stability. When your road wheels are mounted to a solid frame rail, they do not have the ability to contour or form to the surfaces shape. If you are driving over an obstruction with a solid frame track system, you will come to a pivot point (like a child's teeter totter). At that point, you will lose stability (teetering at the pivot point), and lose traction (smallest amount of track in contact with the ground at that time). The MATTRACKS Internal Suspension Model contours (forms) more to the surface. This keeps more track in contact with the ground for better traction and stability!

2) The Model 105 M1-A1-SA features our TRACKSTEER Steering Assist. This provides for one handed steering while standing still on hard surfaces. What TRACKSTEER does is to use the vehicle's power steering system to power a hydraulic cylinder that pushes down on one of the offset oscillating arms and shorten the footprint of the front tracks. It is similar to going from the flat of your foot to the ball of your foot and being able to pivot. Without TRACKSTEER you would need to be in motion to steer because of the very large track contact area. TRACKSTEER adds to the maneuverability of the vehicle once on a hard surface.

The MATTRACKS System has a large footprint that will provide you with increased floatation, traction, and mobility in snow, sand, and mud. Another real benefit that the MATTRACKS System provides is the ability to go back and forth between tires and tracks on a vehicle that you already own. After initial installation, it takes as little as 30 minutes to go from tires to tracks, or back. No other system out there offers this feature.

We look forward to your reply. Let us know how you wish to proceed!

With regards,

Tom Wollin
International Sales
MATTRACKS® Incorporated
202 Cleveland Avenue East
Karlstad, MN 56732
USA
01 (218) 436-7000 Phone
01 (218) 436-7500 FAX
http://www.mattracks.com