Don’t be an ATV wimp

This looks like a great modification for anyone using an ATV, whether it is for checking cows or roaming the bush looking for elk or deer – a set of quad tracks for the four-wheeler.

I haven’t done a lot of ATV riding, but I know they are great little machines, with some limitations. If you are older and whimpy like me there are certain places you don’t like to go, and in winter you might as well park them unless you chain up.

This probably isn’t completely new, but Northern Plains Track had this display unit, (see photos) at the recent Agri-Trade Show in Red Deer. These Canadian-made tracks were installed on a John Deere side-by-side Gator, but Mark Nowacki of Northern Plains says the tracks can be installed equally as easy on a conventional four-wheeler.

Made by Camoplast of Quebec, the tracks can be installed in a couple hours, says Nowacki. And if the operator wants to switch back to wheels, that is roughly a half-hour project.

The tracks certainly make the average quad an all-season vehicle. It doesn’t mean a person should install the tracks and then get stupid by looking for high risk situations where no machine was ever meant to go. But

 for rolling over dry land, mud, snow and/or fairly steep country, I suspect these tracks give you the capability to go, with confidence you will be able to make it home in time for supper.

Great for just getting from Point A to Point B, or you could also put the machine to work in the winter and seriously plow snow. And let’s not forget the intangible benefit — you look good too. With these macho tracks on a quad, you’re not one of them wimpy flatlanders. You’re now equipped to climb trees.

A set of tracks cost between $4,500 and $5,000, but they may make the difference between getting a job done, or not getting it done. Supposedly they have a bit more cushion too making it easier on your back and butt. And, if you decide to sell the quad there’s no reason you can’t take the tracks off and re-install them on the new unit.

From the province that gave us the snowmobile and poutine, another great invention. Northern Plains Track, based in Minnesota is the distributor in Canada and the US. You can reach them at 1-866-332-8473 or contact Nowacki directly on his cell at 1-218-201-0786 or by email at mark@northernplainstrack.com

Lee Hart is a long time blogger and social media guru who can be reached at lee@fbcpublishing.com

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