Mattracks Inc.

Mattracks is an American continuous track manufacturer. It specializes in rubber track conversion systems for wheeled vehicles.

Mattracks Inc.
IndustryManufacturing
Founded1995
FounderGlen Brazier (CEO)
HeadquartersKarlstad, Minnesota
Websitehttp://www.mattracks.com

Products
At the Bridgeport, California Mountain Warfare Training Center in March 1997, a test Humvee drives through the snow, equipped with Mattracks treads.

The rubber track system is a bolt-on independent unit that takes the place of individual vehicle wheels.[1] One or two people with hand tools and a floor jack can install the entire Mattracks system.[2]

Mattracks also produces a motorized snowboard called the Powerboard.

History

Mattracks was started by Glen Brazier. The company developed out of a drawing by his 11-year-old son, Matt, in which tracks took the place of a truck's tires.[3] The tracks first went on sale in 1994.[4]

The rubber track conversion system was first manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minnesota in 1992.[5] Later, production was moved to its current location in the community of Karlstad, Minnesota. Mattracks, Inc. was incorporated in 1995.

In 2002, Mattracks launched the LiteFoot ATV track conversion systems, adding to the Mattracks rubber track conversion product lineup.[6]

Since 1994, Mattracks has created 72 different models of tracks that can go on four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, tractors, and trailers. The tracks are used for recreation, work, commercial and agricultural applications. Mattracks can equip most 4 wheel drive vehicles from a small ATV to trucks up to 25,000 lbs.

Uses
The Mars Institute "HMP Okarian" Humvee with Mattracks during the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition (2009-2011).

Mattracks have been used for a variety of applications, both for work and recreational purposes. Mattracks equipped vehicles have been used to travel over difficult terrain. The track systems have been put to work in industries including agricultural, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency services and government agencies.[7] Mattracks equipped the Mars Institute's "HMP Okarian" Humvee on the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition.[8] Mattracks are sold worldwide.[2]

See also

References
  1. Cory, Matt. "Mattracks a Sketching Success." Grand Forks Herald 27 Apr. 1996: 1B.
  2. Ricker, Amanda. "Making Tracks to China." Grand Forks Herald 4 Dec. 2006: 1B+.
  3. Latta, John. "Pickup Tracks; Switch Wheels for Tracks and Your Pickup is Winterproof." RentSmart Dec. 2001: 18+.
  4. Giesbrecht, Jeannette.New Track System Conquers the Worst Terrain. The Nisku Wildcatter 2000: 7.
  5. Company Profile: Mattracks, Inc.. Alaska Oil & Gas Reporter 1 Sep. 2002: 56.
  6. Mattracks (February 14, 2002.) "Mattracks Launches LiteFoot ATV Rubber Track Conversion System". Press release. Retrieved March 13, 2002
  7. McCutchon, Beverly. "Mattracks; Minnesota Boy's Invention Aids Work of Minnkota Crews." Minnkota Messenger June 1996: 1-3.
  8. Lee, P. 2010. Northwest Passage Drive : Preparing for Mars. Above & Beyond – Canada’s Arctic Journal. Sept–Oct 2010, 35–39.
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