The hydraulic WheelTracker retractable wheel system is a wonderful device created in the region of Beauce. It was launched at the Motorized Recreational Sports Show held in Québec City in October 2011. Right away snowmobilers went crazy about the WheelTracker, much more than what the manufacturer had expected. Here are the comments from SledMagazine.com team members who had the opportunity to test the WheelTracker on an Apex model.
First, the manufacturer asked us to set an appointment to install the WheelTracker and we chose a date at the beginning of January 2012. But there has been a few days delay due to lack of snow and to a minor repair needed on the snowmobile.
When at last the test began, the weather was very cold. We experienced a little problem with the hydraulic oil; wheels did not spread as it should have. We proceeded to the hydraulic oil change and then, everything worked correctly. So, at -25° C, we recommend to operate the system twice or three times without lifting the skis. It is easier for the whole hydraulic system and it warms up the oil.
Then, we were ready to use the WheelTracker in the garage to get up and down from the trailer very easily. Inside the trailer, we must never leave the snowmobile on the wheels; the sled could move during driving maneuvers and could be damaged and even damage the trailer. So, always fasten the snowmobile safely to the trailer. The WheelTracker system is also very useful in other occasions : when riding on the road side, in restaurant parking lot, at the gas station, or else on any other surface than snow and ice.
During our first season with the WheelTracker, we rode between 4 000 and 5 000 km in every possible conditions, on surfaces covered with rain, calcium, sand, and under extreme cold temperature. The WheelTracker system has always been operated without any problem. It is recommended to grease the pivots because they are exposed to all road and trail worst conditions. Lubricated pivots will be very efficient and will not go rusty.
It takes between 6 to 8 seconds to spread the wheels, which is very quick considering that the system is always operating in cold weather and only from time to time, thus with cold oil. We had absolutely no problem to spread the wheels. The problems we had came mostly from holes, ice blocks or cracks on the pavement or from curbs. The pilot decides when to operate the WheelTracker system; we think the device should be operated when the snowmobile is not moving. When wheels are functioning, the speed limit should be 30 km/h.
The WheelTracker parts are produced in the Province of Quebec and assembled at the manufacturer’s. Their impeccable quality of fabrication delivers a premium product that can be installed on a snowmobile then transfered on another one, even of another brand, by simply changing the pump and wheels brackets.
For all these reasons, we recommend the installation of the hydraulic WheelTracker retractable wheel system.
