With a record-breaking 776 exhibitors and over 13,000 registrants, WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition was nearly twice the size of last year’s event in Los Angeles.
Photos from the show
I had to ask a few questions about these when i saw them
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vehicles will the tracks fit?
MATTRACKS has track conversion systems available that will fit 4x4 vehicles as small as a Suzuki Samurai to full-size extra heavy duty trucks like a Ford F550. MATTRACKS also has the Trail-R-Mate systems available for utility trailers, as well as agricultural and industrial tractors up to 100 horsepower. If you need it tracked, MATTRACKS is your cost efficient solution! MATTRACKS also has MATTRACKS LiteFoot ATV Track Conversions for 4X4 ATVs and LiteFoot Trail-R-Mates for light duty utility trailers.
Does the MATTRACKS System require me to modify my vehicle?
Depending on the year, make and model of your 4 wheel drive vehicle, some alterations may be needed for proper track clearance. In some cases, removal or trimming of mud flaps, bumpers or running boards is needed. Body or suspension lifts can also provide the needed clearance for track operation.
How do you put the tracks on and off? How long does it take to install the tracks?
Installing MATTRACKS on your vehicle is as straight forward and about as easy as changing tires! You jack up your vehicle and remove the tire, and simply bolt the MATTRACKS track assembly to the wheel studs. Adapter brackets are required once installed, there is one more bolt for the anti-torque linkage for each corner, and that is it! You’re all set to go.
The time needed for initial installation of the anti-torque linkage brackets, and a simple alignment of the linkage brackets will depend upon your vehicle, tools and mechanical abilities of the installer.
What type of terrain can you go through and how does MATTRACKS reduce compaction?
With MATTRACKS, you really not going through it… you’re going on top of it! You see, MATTRACKS has a unique ability to reduce ground pressure. When you reduce ground pressure, you travel on top where the going is easy!
MATTRACKS large surface area (26 square feet!) will allow you to travel on snow, mud, sand, swamp, or bogs with ease! A standard truck with tires will exert up to 40 p.s.i. of down pressure on it’s tire contact area. A person standing will exert 6 to 8 p.s.i. of down pressure. The MATTRACKS system on a vehicle has as low as 1.5 p.s.i. of down pressure. This eliminates compaction and ruts.
How long do the tracks last and does the terrain affect their longevity?
The molded rubber tracks with a rugged Traction Tread design provides extended wear characteristics while retaining a smooth ride. Large internal drive lugs with angled paddles assure no material buildup while providing increased side slope capability.
MATTRACKS customers have enjoyed very good service from their tracks. Most customers report only moderate wear in 7 to 8 years of operation. MATTRACKS have had tracks operating in Yellowstone National Park that have traveled over 30,000 miles with no noticeable wear.
The wear on the tracks are similar to that of the wear on a tire, and will depend upon the weight you carry, the abrasiveness of the surface you’re driving on, and the speed at which you drive.
How fast can you travel with MATTRACKS?
Never travel faster than the conditions or terrain warrant! On a hard surface, MATTRACKS can travel at high rates of speed for short distances. We recommend not exceeding 40 mph.
How much power does it take to pull the tracks?
Because there is a natural gear reduction, (the drive sprocket is 2/3 the size of your original tire) the power to run the tracks is about the same as required to turn the original tires. With tracks when your speedometer reads 60 mph, you are actually traveling approximately 40 mph.
How much does the MATTRACKS System cost?
MATTRACKS has over 35 different models available to match your needs. The price is dependent on the vehicle application.
The MATTRACKS System is SIX to THIRTY-THREE times less expensive than a dedicated full tracked vehicle. And you can use a vehicle that you already own or have in inventory!
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The AeroCam is intelligent science. The science behind the BroadStar AeroCam is brilliant in its simplicity. In the same way that an airplane wing uses the movement of air to generate a force powerful enough to raise an enormous aircraft and keep it airborne, the AeroCam captures energy from wind with incredible efficiency. The patented* design features aerodynamic blades that use the natural flow of air to create lift, and an offset cam that allows the blades to continually adjust for optimal pitch throughout a 360 degree rotation of the turbine. As a result, the AeroCam is approximately 30 percent smaller yet generates the same power when compared to conventional horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). I had the opportunity to Interview Steve Else the founder of Broadstar and inventor of the Aerocam Turbine. [display_podcast]
This is our first Podcast the evening before the show started. [display_podcast] This is our first podcast at mattgoesgreen.com.
