Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ Developing Community Assets ~ Serving 12 Counties SUMMER 2007
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Number 44
Pioneering a Path A well-beaten path doesn’t always make the right road. Many times, a route not yet discovered is the best opportunity to get where we need to go. To help us journey the difficult roads less traveled – both literally and metaphorically – the world has Mattracks. Mattracks, headquartered in Karlstad, Minnesota, is the world’s leading manufacturer of rubber track conversion systems. Since the first set of prototype tracks were built in 1992, Mattracks has been converting 4x4 vehicles, from 1 1/2 ton trucks to ATVs and tractors, into all-terrain vehicles that will go almost anywhere you need or want to go. These tracks are used to travel on every continent, in more than 55 international markets and for a multitude of applications from outdoor recreation and agricultural uses to exploration and military missions. “The whole idea,” says Dean Gorder, general manager of Mattracks, “is to increase flotation and reduce compaction. Our goal is to solve the world’s mobility problems.” Mattracks transforms standard vehicles into off-road powerhouses, but ironically is extremely delicate on the environment. Mattracks has ground pressure as low as one-and-a-half pounds per square inch, versus seven pounds for a person, and up to 40 pounds per square inch for a vehicle with tires. It’s also one of the only systems approved for winter travel on the Alaskan Tundra. “Our tracks can traverse fragile terrain with little impact to the environment,” says Gorder. “Many of those who use our tracks
are environmentally sensitive, and being environmentally-friendly has always played a role in the development of our products.” Mattracks is boldly taking people to places they’ve never been before, or at least to places they’ve never been in a vehicle. Projects utilizing Mattracks technology span the globe. For instance, tracks placed on fire and rescue vehicles help to provide fire protection to the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park. Tracks are also being used on Humvees for a project called Zero South (part of the Drive Around the World expedition), where alternative fuel methods are being tested in the South Pole. Neither of these would have been possible (or as successful) if it hadn’t been for Mattracks. Matt Brazier and Glen Brazier with the new Gladiator product.
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