You may think that your 4 x 4 with its lugged tires is pretty good in the snow, but it's never going to match the traction and flotation offered by a tracked vehicle. While systems such as those made by Mattracks allow users to replace their vehicle's wheels with tracks, AD Boivin Inc's Track N Go lets you simply add tracks onto your wheels when needed.
Each Track N Go kit includes four tracks and two loading ramps. To get the tracks onto your wheels, you start by placing the tracks on the ground two at a time (side by side) with the ramps leading up to them. You then just drive up onto them, and clamp them on – integrated rubber rollers press into the tire from either side, apparently holding everything securely in place.
One unmodified 4-wheel-drive vehicle can reportedly be set up with a complete set of tracks in under 15 minutes.
The bottom of each tire ends up resting on a set of grip-textured geared rollers within the track. When the wheel turns, it turns the rollers, which subsequently turn the rubber track belt at a 1:1 ratio. The front tracks pivot with the front wheels when turning (up to 30 degrees), and ski-like deflector plates on each track help it to ride up on top of snow instead of diving into it.
For stretches between deep snow, the tracks can also be used on hard road surfaces at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
A complete Track N Go package will set you back US$25,000. The tracks can be seen getting put through their paces, in the video below.
Source: Track N Go
It is notably involved but done by one person on hard ground, not sure what one would do for a recovery situation if there was an accident in soft snow. For remote locations the capability is pretty impressive however a driver has to exercise good judgement to avoid getting stuck. I think the design should incorporate a way of remounting a single track if a stump or log dislodges it from the vehicle.
OR, Tyre turns Roller, Roller turns track, Direction problem solved.
Also, better to have roller geared into the main track drive pulley.
NB, Tyre friction drives often have a habit of prematurely wearing out tyres.... (Gear or chain drive is much more reliable)
Looking at the system, it is fixed to the wheels, (with pitch limiting devices permanently on the vehicle).... Not as rugged as MATTRACKS, but easier to install and uninstall.
Everyone needs a crane in the back of their truck for loading and un-loading: spare wheels, motorised wheelchairs, 44 gallon fuel drums, wheel tracks, etc...
It says wheel->roller->treads