[neparhino]

I've contacted DCNR at the state and district level with no replies. I'm trying to find out if an ATV with a full track system would be permitted on DCNR snowmobile trails? As far as i can find out an ATV with tracks would have all the specs DCNR requires for snowm. trails. I'm in the market for a new machine and I'm considering putting tracks on it. This is the reason for my curiosity.

[mikeexplorer]

I think at this time the answer is no, but I heard DCNR is looking into that since tracked ATV's would be very similar to a snowmobile. I will be curious to hear what DCNR replies to you about that.

A tracked ATV would have advantages verses a snowmobile since if there is little or no snow, you can just put your tires back on and still ride. I looked into how much tracks are for my quad, about $3,000

Mike

[neparhino]

If I could get a set for a grizzly 700 for 3g's I'd buy them tonite. The ones I would buy are pushin' 6.
Mike, curious why you would say no, Seems to me an ATV with tracks would have less impact on a trail than a snowmobile would. No skis to make grooves and more surface area on the tracks than a sled, keeping the weight distributed over a greater surface area

[mikeexplorer]

neparhino, on 02 February 2010 - 05:30 PM, said:

If I could get a set for a grizzly 700 for 3g's I'd buy them tonite. The ones I would buy are pushin' 6.
Mike, curious why you would say no, Seems to me an ATV with tracks would have less impact on a trail than a snowmobile would. No skis to make grooves and more surface area on the tracks than a sled, keeping the weight distributed over a greater surface area

I personally would like to see it, but as for my answer... Last year there was a discussion on NEPAST (Sno Trails) about allowing tracked ATV's on the trails and they shot it down. It was said that currently DCNR does not allow tracked quads on snowmobile trails. I never really looked into it since at this time I don't have tracks.

I agree about the weight distribution and another factor is since it is all 4 tracks, no skis, the skags would not gouge up road crossings and damage trails that have thin snow cover. Most tracks also allow riding without snow at all so the low snow conditions would not really be a factor either. DCNR should look into it.

Mike

[neparhino]

My things is, DCNR does not define what a snowmobile is, I cant find it anywhere. The only thing it says is the machine must have a working brake system, headlight and tailight and be equipped with tracks AND/OR skis. In the past 2 days I have quite a few hours of research in to this and cant find anything different. I think If I were on a state trail and got stopped the officer wouldnt have a leg to stand on, because technically I would have all the specs DCNR would want. I'm really excited for a reply back from them. I'm actually thinking of calling them instead of waiting for an email. Ya see, this is what happens when I have some time off from work.

[mikeexplorer]

Thats very interesting what you uncovered. I emailed them awhile back and they never replied. A phone call will work far better and I got a quick response. (it was over Dixon Miller being open for the winter) The next week they changed the phone message and corrected the mistake.

DO you have the link on DCNR's site as to how they define a snowmobile?

Mike

[neparhino]

Good news, Got an email saying YES. As long as the vehicle is dual registered and follows their equipment and lighting guidelines. That email was bittersweet because it gonna cost alot of money and my wife wasnt nearly as excited as I was. But now I know that my next machine will have tracks. I think this is really cool.

http://www.dmv.state...de/index.shtml.

[800polaris]

neparhino, on 03 February 2010 - 09:52 AM, said:

Good news, Got an email saying YES. As long as the vehicle is dual registered and follows their equipment and lighting guidelines. That email was bittersweet because it gonna cost alot of money and my wife wasnt nearly as excited as I was. But now I know that my next machine will have tracks. I think this is really cool.

http://www.dmv.state...de/index.shtml.

I think thay may not be right IT is my understanding that the track machine has to ba steered by SKIS to ride on any snowmobile trail . I don,t know any where you can ride this on a snowmobile trail. I could be wrong

[neparhino]

It states that the machine must be equipped with tracks AND/OR skis, DCNR's main concern was having dual registration. I'm guessing they just want more money. I guess I'll find out the first time I try to ride a snomobile trail on an ATV.

[mikeexplorer]

Taking this from Chapter 77.

"Snowmobile." An engine-driven vehicle which is all of the following:
(1) Is designed to travel over snow or ice.
(2) Has an endless belt track or tracks.
(3) Is steered by a ski or skis.
(4) Has an overall width of 48 inches or less.
The term does not include a farm tractor, construction equipment, military vehicle, vehicle with inflatable tires or machinery used strictly for the grooming of snowmobile trails.

The way that is written it does say it must have the skis. The width requirement might also be a snag too, that would eliminate any UTV's with tracks.

Mike

neparhino, on 03 February 2010 - 08:03 PM, said:

It states that the machine must be equipped with tracks AND/OR skis, DCNR's main concern was having dual registration. I'm guessing they just want more money. I guess I'll find out the first time I try to ride a snomobile trail on an ATV.

[neparhino]

Yeah, I saw that last night, but now I'm trying to find the spot where it said tracks "and/or" skis. My endeavor is slowly going down hill. No matter, the new grizz is going to have all season tracks. They're as easy to put on and take off as rims. I never bought a machine that was setup 100% how I wanted it, and the next one will be, and I've already figured divorce into the price Just kiddin guys

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=mDtmOy_1teo

[neparhino]

Well, can I just take a set of skis and strap them to the racks or do they have to be installed?

[mikeexplorer]

neparhino, on 04 February 2010 - 10:37 AM, said:

Well, can I just take a set of skis and strap them to the racks or do they have to be installed?

Hey there ya go! I have a few extra pair of old snow skis that could be used... They are considered "skis"

[flippedthe700]

Justin,you just need to get a quilty machine setup the way you want( witch will be totally wacked) and forget about these stupid tracks.You still might get that devorce but you'll have an awsome machine.lol