Getting around in snow question

[n_mathews13]

I don't deal with snow much where I am, but I have been going to ID for spring bear hunt. I never get to where I would like to be because of snow.
I have 2 grizzlies , 400 & 660
The road normally are clear to a point but then have a foot of snow. Then once you get closer to a corner the snow gets a little deeper. Then at a certain elevation at a tree in the road the snow banks up 3'.  Normally just around corners then bare road , to a certain elevation anyway.

What quad tires do I need?
Width over narrow ?
Any input?

[follow maggie]

If you can swing the cost, tracks are awesome. I have a friend in North Dakota who has a set on his Ranger side by side and goes anywhere he wants. I think there are some less expensive brands than Mattracks, but these are what my friend uses. http://www.mattracks.co/tracks/atv-sxs/

[runamuk]

I ran my hill at work last winter in a silly thing like this until it simply got deep enough we switched to snowmobiles (2 1/2ish feet plus all the way). Tires,were not great it's more knowing how to drive in snow. I could get 6 inches of snow in the park and at the top it would be a foot.  Until we started grooming I ran it with the little yellow beasty.  Tracks would have been fun.

[n_mathews13]

But, how do tracks hold up on the bare dirt/gravel ?

[wadu1]

I ran my hill at work last winter in a silly thing like this until it simply got deep enough we switched to snowmobiles (2 1/2ish feet plus all the way). Tires,were not great it's more knowing how to drive in snow. I could get 6 inches of snow in the park and at the top it would be a foot.  Until we started grooming I ran it with the little yellow beasty.  Tracks would have been fun.

Love to have one of them, but yellow is not BROFO scouting colors 

[CAMPMEAT]

You don't need any special tires or tracks for that matter, unless you want to go where snow machines go. I've had an ORV of some sort for 35 years and never used them I only put 8 ply tires on mine for rocks. Quads aren't made for snow, Tracks are around $4000 plus install for Camoplast tracks.

[Mudman]

I don't deal with snow much where I am, but I have been going to ID for spring bear hunt. I never get to where I would like to be because of snow.
I have 2 grizzlies , 400 & 660
The road normally are clear to a point but then have a foot of snow. Then once you get closer to a corner the snow gets a little deeper. Then at a certain elevation at a tree in the road the snow banks up 3'.  Normally just around corners then bare road , to a certain elevation anyway.

What quad tires do I need?
Width over narrow ?
Any input?

If ya have enough HP run as wide a sand paddle as ya can.  I used to run my 450r with paddles on 3ft snow.  BUT stopping and going is a problem.  Gotta find a shallow or dry spot of sorts.  My 4x4 quad never had a prayer after 18"aprox,

[WAcoyotehunter]

Just grab some tire chains for ATV,  they make an amazing difference

[CAMPMEAT]

Just grab some tire chains for ATV,  they make an amazing difference

They do, but you have to make sure they are on tight, real tight so they won't come off.

[WAcoyotehunter]

Just grab some tire chains for ATV,  they make an amazing difference

They do, but you have to make sure they are on tight, real tight so they won't come off.

good advice!

[KFhunter]

just air down the tire, install the chains then air back up and they're tight

[jrebel]

just air down the tire, install the chains then air back up and they're tight

Awesome advise.....never thought about that.     

I had my side by side in 18" of snow this year and it did great without chains.  I have chains for it but never had to use them.  As a note....spring snow is the worst!!!!!  It is usually very wet heavy snow with a crust layer on top.  If you were ever gonna get stuck in the snow, it will be spring snow.   Make sure you have a winch and plenty of gear to get unstuck regardless of tires, chains, tracks etc. 

[n_mathews13]

Anyone try or seen these in action ?  "J Wheelz"

[CAMPMEAT]

Don't forget, you can burn your belts up if you over do it with strain...If you do crazy stuff in the snow.

[n_mathews13]

Anyone look these up?

[Mudman]

Genius!  Wonder how they last? Reliable?  Wheel bearings and such will be stressed much.

[Special T]

Bet they are made out of rubber or high density plastic of some sort. Great idea to lower the ground pressure and increase traction


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[n_mathews13]

[Machias]

But, how do tracks hold up on the bare dirt/gravel ?

No issues at all in mud (they really shine) bare ground and rocks.  However they are heck on your gas mileage.  The cost and your much lower mileage is the drawback to tracks.  But they will take you places you probably shouldn't go. 

[n_mathews13]

But, how do tracks hold up on the bare dirt/gravel ?

No issues at all in mud (they really shine) bare ground and rocks.  However they are heck on your gas mileage.  The cost and your much lower mileage is the drawback to tracks.  But they will take you places you probably shouldn't go. 

What kind you have?

[idaho guy]

I totally agree with the chains as and inexpensive option and have used them quite a bit. I bit the bullet and got camoplast 4s tracks for my razr 900 and I can go anywhere I want and sometimes places I wish I had not. If you want an inexpensive option for spring bear hunting buy chains  if you want to go anywhere buy tracks and pack your chainsaw. The camoplast 4s are made for all seasons and I run them through mud etc. Gas mileage on my set up is still ok I just take them off in the summer fall to save on wear and tear and they slow me down quite a bit.   

[Machias]

But, how do tracks hold up on the bare dirt/gravel ?

No issues at all in mud (they really shine) bare ground and rocks.  However they are heck on your gas mileage.  The cost and your much lower mileage is the drawback to tracks.  But they will take you places you probably shouldn't go. 

What kind you have?

I don't have any yet, I just have done a lot of research and talking with guys who cat hunt with hounds on what type they have.  Best place to look and buy is in Spokane at www.atvtracks.net

[KFhunter]

biggest problem with spring snow and chains is you'll high center your ATV all the time in the chunky snow, that sucks


I never use chains in the spring, I use big radials and air them down low PSI and I take all the crap off my ATV to make it lightweight as possible. 

I've been riding with a lot of folks with big powerful ATVs and they all have boxes full of gear, coolers of beer and I leave them all behind floating on top with my light weight ATV and big aired down radial bighorn 2.0 tires.  Those guys are making huge ruts using waaaaaay too much throttle and I just tip toe over the spring snow barely getting off idle. 

[Mudman]

The Bighorns are really good in snow.  Big mudders are not.  I agree KF.  I find once your sunk to bottom of machine you are done.  Wet snow is worse, powder is much easier.  Worst is getting stuck, high centered, spinning em up and getting suctioned cupped in.  This can burn up a small winch.  Wet snow is bad, don't play with it.  Fluff is sooo much better.  Weight, footprint and clearances are the important stuff.  I would run tracks if could afford em.  On another subject related to this I am going to purchase the Summit or Jegs (universal auto/hot rod) utv heater for my utv.  $150.  Check em out guys so much cheaper than the kits they try an sell us for $500!

[Woodchuck]

But, how do tracks hold up on the bare dirt/gravel ?

No issues at all in mud (they really shine) bare ground and rocks.  However they are heck on your gas mileage.  The cost and your much lower mileage is the drawback to tracks.  But they will take you places you probably shouldn't go. 

What kind you have?

@gramps

[gramps]

I have used my 4 wheeler with tracks on bare ground and gravel without any problems.....but I ride very slowly for other reasons.  My rig has had a clutch kit put in, but you can still smoke the belt if not careful.  As stated above, it will take you places you shouldn't go.  I have been in 6 feet of snow and stop and step off and sink to my waist.....while leaving a 4" deep track

[kellama2001]

X2 on the bighorn tires, great in the snow.

[pianoman9701]

If you have $25K kicking around...http://www.droold.com/track-n-go-wheel-driven-track-system/

[n_mathews13]

Anyone ever do a dually kit on a quad?

[KFhunter]

no, the thing is wide enough already - I'd have to stop and saw way too many logs out of the way


I think it would be worse than tracks for drag, yet not as effective.