If you’ve ever witnessed tracks at work on any ATV, UTV or other 4×4 vehicle, then you’ve caught a small glimpse of the ingenuity and capabilities that Mattracks has provided to the off-road industry.
Mattracks is the inventor and manufacturer of the original rubber track conversion system, designed, patented and released to the public in 1994 by Glen Brazier, with a great deal of inspiration from his then 11-year old son, Matt Brazier.
Three decades ago, no type of rubber track conversion system existed on the market. Matt made a drawing in school of a large truck with tracks in place of tires, and asked his dad, “Can we make something like this?” Glen, who was widely known and respected in the transmission business then, put his mind to work. And the rest is history. The drawing, conversation and ingenuity present in both father and son laid the foundation for what Mattracks would soon become.
After rigorous testing and refinement, Glen secured a patent for the world’s first rubber track conversion system. The original Mattracks model (the Model 86) was specifically designed for full-sized pickups, transforming them into versatile machines with unprecedented tank-like features. One of the key advantages of the company’s groundbreaking track design continues to be the conversion aspect, which allows the user to seamlessly switch from tires to tracks or vice-versa in under an hour.
As word of the track system spread, Mattracks quickly gained a reputation for quality, dependability and performance. Mattracks soon caught the eye of numerous media outlets seeking to cover the innovation, which opened the floodgates to the world and a strong presence in the international market.
With the success of their initial product, the company embarked on an ambitious journey of expansion. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of many new models, each designed to cater to the specific needs of individual vehicle classes and industries. Mattracks continually improved its technology, incorporating advanced materials and engineering techniques to enhance performance and durability. Mattracks received its first of many contracts with the U.S. military in 1996.
One of the company’s milestones is the development of the Track-Tor-Assist series, which hit the market in 1997. This innovative solution allowed agricultural vehicles to benefit from the advantages of tracks, significantly improving their traction and reducing ground pressure. Mattracks remains heavily focused on agriculture to this day. In 2022, the company released the Mattracks 9000-LM-1010, featuring a 9.6-inch-wide rubber track that provides the industry’s narrowest profile for row crop application and the flotation to effectively avoid leaving behind deep ruts.
The millennium also brought other notable advancements to fruition, including Mattracks’ introduction of the world’s first ATV rubber track conversion system in 2000. Mattracks continued its focus on its Litefoot lineup to introduce the first ever UTV-compatible rubber track conversion system a year later, in 2001.
Today, tracks seen on ATVs and UTVs are a glimpse of what people might believe rubber track conversions are. That’s just how popular tracks in the off-road/recreation industry have become. Many don’t realize that Mattracks started it all with the release of its Litefoot line. When it comes to the types of vehicles that they make track conversion systems for, ATVs and UTVs are just a splash in the bucket.
Innovation has been at the core of Mattracks’ success since day one. The company continually invests its resources in research and development to improve track design, durability and compatibility with different vehicle types. For instance, most Mattracks models feature an internal shape-changing suspension system placed within the track’s frame.
This innovative feature allows the track system to contour with the terrain while the vehicle is in motion, providing a much smoother ride and better traction than a straight-frame type system. It’s important to note that Mattracks is the only track manufacturer that offers suspension of any kind.
Today, Mattracks is widely recognized for being the first rubber track conversion manufacturer and for its exceptional product quality, safety and service. In 30 years, Mattracks has experienced zero injuries, fatalities, accidents or lawsuits through its rubber track conversion products. Headquartered in Karlstad, Minn., Mattracks has many satisfied customers across 150 countries and all seven continents. The company officially shipped out its 100,000th track system in 2021.
Mattracks’ reputation extends far into the operation of the track systems themselves; proven dependability, smooth riding and minimal maintenance (self-cleaning) are all highlights that Mattracks customers associate with their product experience. This positive reputation has resulted in a strong resale value and market. Mattracks allows its customers to purchase their products directly from the factory. Customers can also call the parts department and speak with personnel regarding any questions or product requests. Mattracks’ rubber track conversion systems are engineered and manufactured in the U.S.
Their product line has seen significant growth and continuous innovation, with more than 170 models and more in development. In 2023, Mattracks introduced the RT125 TC, a skid steer compatible, 4-track conversion option that also accommodates the Bobcat Toolcat.
Mattracks rubber track conversion systems are currently produced for almost any multi-axle vehicle including ATVs, UTVs, SUVs, trucks, heavy-duty agricultural and construction equipment, snow groomers and military operations.
The company’s products are used globally across various industries such as recreation, agriculture, construction, search and rescue, snow and ice management, snow grooming, research, exploration, disaster relief, the motion picture industry and any other industry requiring added traction and flotation.
Three decades later, Mattracks continued to strive to push the boundaries of what is achievable in off-road mobility. Glen and Matt’s vision transformed how the industry perceives mobility, proving that even the toughest challenges can be conquered with ingenuity and determination. As a result of their mindset, an entire industry was born. Any tracking system equipped to a vehicle today is either Mattracks or has roots in Mattracks’ heritage.
As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to pioneering new technologies and expanding the capabilities of track-driven vehicles, ensuring that the legacy of Mattracks’ innovation continues for generations to come.
For additional information and to place an order, contact Mattracks at 218-683-9800, 877-436-7800 (toll-free U.S. and Canada) or 218-436-7000. Visit the website at mattracks.com, follow the company on Facebook, X (@mattracks), Instagram (@mattracksinc), Youtube (@mattracks), TikTok (@mattracksinc) or email sales@mattracks.com.
