When choosing equipment for recreation and farming, many buyers give preference to utilitarian ATVs. Universal devices successfully cope with spring and autumn dirt, but in winter their effectiveness decreases. But what to do if you need equipment to work in winter? There is a solution - an ATV on tracks.
The devices, similar to a miniature tractor, can easily drive through the snow, transport cargo, and help you go hunting or fishing. However, users of tracked vehicles should be aware of a number of features of the equipment:
- Despite its menacing appearance, the ATV cannot overcome a log with a diameter of more than 20 cm. The rear tracks will simply bury themselves in the snow.
- A deep rut will become a trap for the device. The tracks may fly off the wheels or the car will simply get stuck.
- The rear tracks often run into high snowdrifts, stones or stumps.
- The car may fall under ice or deep snow. The reason for this problem is trivial - the small width of the tracks.
- ATV tracks increase the traction area, thereby increasing the power of the vehicle. But you have to pay for everything. Trucks weigh more than wheels, so fuel consumption increases significantly.
The tracks can be used not only in winter, but also when driving on difficult routes. Due to the tracks, the car holds better in wetlands, mud, sand, etc.
What should you pay attention to?
When choosing a tracked ATV, it is important to consider not only its power, but also other parameters. First of all, you should pay attention to:
- Load capacity. Some manufacturers are developing walking devices that are not designed for transporting heavy objects.
- Track width. The size of the tracks determines the traction, speed, ground clearance and maneuverability of the vehicle.
- Rollers and wheels. You need to take into account the type and material of parts, as well as the quality of stabilizers, bearings, hubs and gears.
- Purpose of caterpillars. Since the tracks are used not only for driving on snow, they are marked. Winter tracks are marked with “Winter” or “Snow”, and all-season parts are marked with “4 Season”.
- Presence of thorns. An excellent addition to the tracks would be studs that improve traction on the surface.
In fact, almost any ATV can be turned into something like a snowmobile. There are special sets of tracks on sale that are installed instead of wheels. The only drawback of this kit is that you will have to assemble the tracks for the ATV yourself. The buyer will have to independently connect all the links, install long bolts and secure a heavy track (about 20-30 kg) to the axle. The entire procedure may take about 4-5 hours.
Basic provisions
Crawler ATV
If you have always used wheeled ATVs, 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 to geometry should be taken into account when transporting an ATV, since it simply may not fit into the trailer you previously used.
Compared to wheeled quads, all-terrain vehicles with tracked drive have a reduced speed, and on average the speed is 45% less. The speed of tracked ATVs is 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. At the same time, the consumption of a caterpillar vehicle will be the highest of all types of ATVs.
Popular truck models
Crawler ATVs are very popular, so it is important for the buyer to understand the brands of trucks. Their durability, reliability and maneuverability of the equipment depend on the quality of the tracks.
The list of the most popular tracks includes:
- Tatau tracks developed by the Canadian company Camoplast. The company's products are distinguished by affordable prices and versatility. Tatau tracks can be installed on any ATV with an engine of at least 300 cc.
- Stels trucks. ATV tracks created by a Russian-Chinese brand are especially popular in the CIS countries. Despite their low cost, domestic trucks are not inferior in quality to their more expensive Canadian counterparts.
- Kimpex. These tracks are exclusively suitable for Commander ATVs. The brand produces two types of products: Trek (all-season) and WTX (winter).
There are also less popular companies that develop tracks. Therefore, it is important for the buyer to know the features of the chosen brand, its strengths and weaknesses.
"Hunter"
In a huge country there are places where you can find impassable places, but not for modern people. You won’t be scared by the taiga, snow or swamps, because there is such equipment as the Okhotets tracked all-terrain vehicle , the most popular type of special equipment for those who like to experience the thrill. This vehicle is chosen primarily for its excellent cross-country ability, the presence of an all-wheel drive system, efficiency and simplicity. There are about 4 model options, but the best tracked all-terrain vehicle from Russia has the same design, only the engine and colors change.
When choosing a unit for fishing or hunting, we can consider it an ideal option, because the tracked all-terrain vehicle hunter calmly overcomes small rivers and swamps; it does not need a road to travel further. All the wheels propel and the tracks move at the same time, which gives you confidence off-road. As an engine, all-terrain vehicles of good quality received a Chinese power unit from the Lifan company. The manufacturer is known in Russia and is therefore in demand. The cost for the “Hunter” in the basic configuration can start from 220,000 rubles.
- Power: 13-24 hp
- Speed: 30 km/h
- Load capacity: 500 kg.
- Track width: 40 cm
- Track: 1600 mm
- Clearance: up to 31 cm
- Tank: 6.5 l.
- Weight: 380 kg.
Popular ATV models
One of the most striking tracked ATVs on the Russian market is the Gepard model, created by the Stealth brand. The manufacturer equips the flagship series with high-quality tracks of its own production.
Almost any device from a well-known brand can be equipped with tracks. The only condition is engine power. If the engine displacement is less than 300 cc, the car simply won’t move.
Most often, tracks are not included in the package and have to be purchased separately. But there are also exceptions. The delivery set of some Polaris and CFmoto devices also includes tracks. Of course, it is unrealistic to find such equipment on a budget car.
Tinger Scout
Only the best all-terrain vehicles for hunting and fishing can replace 5 types of equipment at once, such as a tractor, snowmobile, swamp vehicle, quad and amphibian. Today, Tinger Scout has been heard all over the world; it is an excellent technique for the money, with powerful performance. A reliable engine of our own production, with it you can easily overcome absolutely any difficult obstacles on roads, swamps and mud. It is reliable and economical at the same time. The company has taken care of comfort, the seats look comfortable and it is easier for the rider to maintain control over the controls.
The best tracked all-terrain vehicle Tinger Scout has a reliable body that is not afraid of scratches, and during trips in the forest there are usually a lot of them. The steel frame is made at Severstal, which is much stronger than conventional material. The reinforced tracks are made of durable rubber and supplemented with rigid lugs 2.5 cm long. The cost of such a unit can reach 580 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration.
- Power: 22 hp
- Speed: 35 km/h
- Load capacity: 300 kg.
- Track width: 48 cm
- Track: 1340 mm
- Clearance: 30 cm
- Tank: 28 l.
- Weight: 580 kg.
ATV on tracks: advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of an ATV with tracks is the ability to transport cargo off-road. Thanks to the tracks, the machine confidently handles snow, sand, mud and even marshy areas. Due to better traction, the load-carrying capacity of the device increases significantly.
Apart from cross-country ability, the tracks do not give the car any special advantages, but they add disadvantages. The list of the most serious disadvantages includes:
- Reducing the speed of the device. If an ATV on wheels could accelerate to 70-80 km/h, then on tracks the speed would drop to 50-55 km/h.
- Increased fuel consumption. A set of tracks increases the weight of the equipment by more than 100 kg. Such modernization cannot leave its mark, so the ATV begins to literally devour gasoline. If previously the car spent an average of 10-12 liters per 100 km, then the modernized device will “eat” 14-15 liters.
- Increased vibrations and deterioration of stability. Even a small ditch or stump will become an insurmountable obstacle to the device. When driving on a rut, the chance of the car overturning increases.
- Weight gain. The weight of the car also does not go unnoticed. The driver will notice a deterioration in maneuverability and control, which is especially noticeable when driving through the forest.
- Constant maintenance. The tracks require regular inspection and tightening of the rollers.
- Cost of a set of tracks. Caterpillars are an expensive pleasure. Even a budget set developed by the Russian company Stealth will cost 140-150 thousand rubles.
Despite all the shortcomings, it is almost impossible to do without caterpillars in winter. A device equipped with tracks can be used for recreation or transporting goods, but something will have to be sacrificed.
The fastest all-terrain vehicle - FunCruiser2000 SuperSport-R buggy
The Russian speed record for all-terrain vehicles is 169 km/h. The result was obtained on a wheeled car FunCruiser 2000 SuperSport-R, which moved along an ice track. The equipment is equipped with a 24-cylinder 250-horsepower Honda engine, designed to use fuel with an octane rating of at least 98 units.
The fuel tank is made of stainless steel; On professional models for competitions, a reservoir is installed that is homologated by the international federation of motor sports FIA.
The buggy has plug-in all-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual gearbox. The professional modification is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive and a sequential sports transmission that provides quick gear changes. The driver and passenger sit in separate seats installed inside the spatial frame with standard or sports seat belts. There are metal shields on the outside to protect against dirt and dust.
Homemade 4x4 ATV “Tramp” with an Oka engine
The author of the homemade product is Alexander Kustov.
The engine and gearbox are taken from a VAZ-11113 car. The rear differential is welded. The frame is made from 32mm water pipe. The front suspension arms are also homemade - from a pipe with a diameter of 27 mm. Shock absorbers are front from “classic”, springs are front from “Oka”. The gearboxes are also from the classics, converted to internal CV joints from the “nine”. Also, hubs from 2109 were taken.
15-inch wheels are installed through spacers to widen the track. The front axle is disengaged, the transfer case is homemade. The radiator is located under the plastic in front of the instrument panel.
The ATV has disc brakes. The ideas for implementing the steering control were borrowed from the buggy and adapted to the design of the ATV. The wheel alignment is adjustable.
The seat is double, with a backrest and footrests for the passenger. The author glued the body out of fiberglass.
Selection and production of elements
You will either have to make this component yourself or restore it after use - in both cases, the engine must be bolted as securely as possible. It is placed in both the front and rear of the vehicle. To prevent backlash, the drive and transmission must also be connected very tightly. For the manufacture of the frame, water and gas pipes are used, the size of the metal layer in which does not exceed 3 mm. For the spar, take a pipe with a cross-section of 25 mm, and for a cross member or strut it should be 5 mm smaller.
Spot and solid welding (in that order) will help to connect the pipes. The lugs on which the levers and shock absorbers are attached must be welded immediately. The installation of the brackets will occur simultaneously with the fastening of the components and assemblies for which they are intended. Reconstructing a finished frame begins with removing all unnecessary components (only the frame remains). The back part is removed, and the front part is built up.
When this is done, the elements that are needed to attach a complete set of components and assemblies are welded. Rebuilding a motorcycle frame is not difficult. It will only be necessary to move the seatposts by 0.4-0.45 m. Next, you need to cut blanks for luggage racks from metal sheets. They are welded to the frame, and after the final connection, all parts are painted.
Assembly
Let us analyze in detail the construction of a homemade ATV based on a four-stroke liquid engine from Oka. In this case, a welded space frame is used. The main pairs of spars are made bent; the lower ones are bent horizontally, and the upper ones – vertically. The bend is not done with your own hands in the proper sense, but on a pipe bender. The gearbox should be taken from the same Oka car. The rod inside the gearbox is extended, conclusions are made on both sides of the box, and fixation is provided in two positions.
Reduced gears and differential locks are not necessary. It is recommended to assemble such an ATV with a Ural steering wheel, since the parts of other motorcycles are too thin. The steering shaft is supported by a thrust bearing. In the middle it will rotate inside a split nylon bushing bracket. It is better to make the bipod from 8 mm sheet steel in the shape of the letter T.
The edge of the rack element is supplemented with a channel with a diameter of 20 mm, into which the steering shaft is inserted and welded. The lugs are equipped with conical holes for attaching tie rod ends. Such holes will have to be reinforced with welded washers. The ears are slightly bent down, achieving almost complete parallelism to the rods.
Wheels with independent suspension are used. The levers are made from round profiles VGP-20. Wheel hubs and steering knuckles removed from the VAZ-2109 are welded to the wheel ends of the front levers. Springs and shock absorbers (rear) are taken from Oka. Important: both of these last details will have to be finalized.
Tools and materials
The set of accessories used is determined by what kind of ATV they are trying to create. Utilitarian models weigh quite a lot, but boast excellent cross-country ability. It is easy to transport several people on such cars. The speed reaches 90 km/h. The stunt machine can accelerate to 137 km/h; Narrow platforms are required.
The main components of the device itself are:
You also need to take into account the battery, external light, muffler.
The ATV can only be fully assembled using a welding machine. You will also have to perform a number of works on a lathe. Such a product can only be assembled in a large garage.
To work you will need:
Components from the following types of vehicles are usually taken as a basis:
Homemade ATVs - options from VAZ, Ural and walk-behind tractor, is it worth building?
Snowmobiles for deep snow - features, which one is better to choose
Two-stroke snowmobiles - features, pros and cons
Homemade ATVs, as a rule, are built on the basis of components of Soviet and Russian equipment - they are inexpensive, and in case of breakdown it is easy to find a replacement. In the article we will talk about four interesting specimens created by folk craftsmen.
Homemade ATV from the Urals (IMZ 67-36)
The author of the homemade product is Sergey Pletnev.
The engine, gearbox and clutch were left from Ural. To maintain normal engine temperature, forced air cooling is provided from the VAZ-2108 “stove” fan.
The frame of the Ural has been redesigned to suit the design of an ATV - the changes at the rear are minor, and an additional subframe made of thin-walled steel pipes with a diameter of 30 mm is welded at the front to attach the suspension. The rear axle is from a VAZ-2101, but shortened to narrow the track and make the ATV more maneuverable. The driveshaft is homemade from Oka axle shafts and CV joints - the original Ural one does not fit the main drive of the drive axle, and the Zhiguli one is not compatible with the motorcycle transmission.
The double wishbone front suspension is made in-house from 25x25mm square tubing with 2mm wall thickness. The steering knuckles are taken from the rear-wheel drive VAZ. Front shock absorbers - from a “penny”; the spring is from Ural. The “original” motorcycle shock absorbers remain at the rear.
The brakes are from a Zhiguli - but without a handbrake and a vacuum booster. Motorcycle pedal driven.
The wheels of the ATV are also “Zhiguli”. The front tires have on-road tread, while the rear tires have off-road tread.
The steering wheel remains from the Ural motorcycle, lever-type. All other steering elements (column, rods, knuckles, bipod) are from VAZ-2105.
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