Test Drive - Hydratrek Amphibious Vehicles
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Craig Simonton from Hydratrek to test out one of their XT66 six wheelers. Craig had previously allowed me to interview him and the Hydratrek team via email for the VIP section of the site. If you missed that interview, be sure to check it out here: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/vip-a...-vehicles.html After that interview, Craig has kept in touch, and he offered to bring a Hydratrek all the way from Covington, Tennessee to Mount Holly, North Carolina so that everyone on 6x6 World could see what the vehicle itself was all about. That is a 9 hour trip one way just so we could experience Hydratrek first hand. :cool:
Craig headed out around 8am CST one Tuesday morning with plans of meeting me around 5pm EST. Unfortunately, some large storms throughout Tennessee and North Carolina extended his trip longer than planned, so it was about an hour before dark when he arrived. I was worried that the weather wouldn't even allow us to test out the amphibious vehicle, but we caught a lucky break from the storms and were able to take several pictures and a little video while out for a test drive before it got completely dark.
Test Area
Craig met me at 6x6 World member McCoy's place for quick access to a short powerline trail. This trail leads to a section of the Catawba River between Lake Norman and Mountain Island lake just Northwest of Charlotte, NC. We got to test out the XT66 about 1.5 miles downstream of the Cowans Ford hydroelectric dam and powerplant. The water between the two lakes here is varied greatly depending upon electric demand from the powerplant, and that leads to flooding of the lower land around this short section of the river. It makes for a great place to test out AATVs because the flooded lower lying land typically has water levels from 1-3 feet deep. Since the ground stays saturated most of the time, the mud bottom is very soft and unforgiving.
Here is a picture of the river we were on just about a 1.5 miles downstream from this dam:
http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...s_ford_dam.jpg
Here is a link to the test area on Google Maps: 6X6 Worlds Hydratrek XT66 Test Site
The Machines
Craig arrived in the Hydratrek company truck that is completely covered with a cool Hydratrek graphic wrap. He was pulling a 34 foot dual axle dove tail trailer that held two Hydratrek ATVs. The one in the front was a custom D2488B tracked 8x8 with a unique smaller cab and shorter rollover protection system. This leaves the rear of the eight wheeler completely open for hauling large game while the additional hoist makes short work of any lifting that needs to be done. This 8x8 was a dealers personal unit from Canada and was complete with heat and a windshield wiper. The second ATV on the trailer was the yellow XT66, and it would be our test unit for the day. It is owned by Alliance Landscaping in NJ and was sent back in for some additional safety /strobe lighting to comply with local regulations for performing work for the state.
This XT66 was equipped with the wider 20" rubber tracks (13" are standard) and the 44HP turbo charged Kubota diesel. It has the dual 11" bronze props and the standard tri-mode drive system that allows you to use the tracks, props or both while in the water. It was also equipped with a hydraulic parking brake along with the standard XT66 features. You can read about all of the standard features of the XT66 here on Hydratrek's website: MPAV MULTI PURPOSE AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE
When Craig pulled up with the two Hydratreks in tow, I became a kid again just standing in awe. I wanted to get some video of him pulling up, but I quickly found myself distracted by the two mechanical wonders on the large trailer in front of me. The first thing I thought was "wow, those are massive and they look incredibly rugged." The olive drab green 8x8 had me immediately thinking that these are being lent to us for the day direct from the US Army.
As I got my emotions in check and spoke with Craig in person for the first time, he began to unload the XT66 from the trailer and then led me around the vehicle for a quick tour of all it's features. He parked it next to my Max II and McCoy's Argo Bigfoot so that we could take some photos, and it was only then that I realized that the Hydratrek wasn't as large as I thought it would be sitting next to our six wheelers. Digging a little deeper it is actually the same width as a tracked Argo Centaur.
Testing the XT66
After Craig gave us a quick walk-around tour of the Hydratrek, I asked him to drive it down the trail while I, my photographer (aka wife) Jennifer, along with McCoy's neighbor "I'm never going to buy an AATV" Charlie, tagged along in the Argo and Max to take a little video. I was in the front followed by Craig in the Hydratrek and Charlie in the Argo. As we first turned onto the trail head I looked back and noticed that Craig had already stopped with the Hydratrek angled down in the front on a small berm. He was draining 9 hours worth of storm water out of the machine before we hit the trail. Later Craig showed me that the drain plugs for the Hydratrek were conveniently located in the front of the machine on the floor board. That makes it easy to drain any water that gets in without getting out of the vehicle and it also makes it convenient to just look down and see whether or not you have your drain plugs in before entering the water.
Once over my amusement of simple things like great drain plug placement :D we made our way down the trail to the flooded powerline. The trail itself didn't provide any challenges that any ATV couldn't handle, but it did give Craig an opportunity to show off the emergency strobe lights. When we arrived at the flooded section of the test area we got our first glimpse at the water level. Trees in the area were wet another 10-12 inches up from the waterline letting us know that the lower dam had been released and water was draining from the area which means the ground had been sitting saturated for a while. This is the kind of terrain that, when the water is low, looks solid but can swallow an unsuspecting webmaster stuck in say his Max II down to his knees and make him wonder if he will be going home with or without his boots. Not that that has happened to me or McCoy in this area in the past:
http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...s/IMG_5721.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...s/IMG_5719.JPG
From previous experiences we knew that the nastiest part of the area was right in front of us so I headed off to the side in my Max to get a better vantage point for the video camera and let Craig show us what the XT66 could do. Craig entered the muck and the XT66 followed the terrain with a slightly nose high attitude wherever he pointed it. When the floor of the flooded ground dropped out from under him into the water, the Hydratrek would make a gentle splash and begin floating. The worst part of the mud was directly under the power line from one side of the bank to the other, and when I saw Craig heading for that area I knew this would be the best test that we could throw at the XT66 in the short time that we had it. This was the only place that I heard the motor change pitch as Craig pressed forward on the sticks a little more than normal. The nose of the Hydratrek rose out of the mud as the weight of the motor and the turning tracks dug down slightly in the rear, but the vehicle just kept going while the mud appearing on top of the tracks got thicker. Craig just popped right out of the mud onto the bank where he turned around just to do it all over again. This was the worst place in the area that we knew of, so with that test behind us, we all four hopped in the Hydratrek and took off towards the river for a water test.
On the way out to deeper water Craig demonstrated how Hydratrek's hydraulics allow you to choose between tracks, props or both all on the fly. We started out running just on the tracks and while maintaining a constant speed forward towards the water, Craig engaged the lever for the propellers. Once we came to deeper water where the propellers were submerged, the tracks were disengaged while still maintaining water speed. With the props engaged the Hydratrek achieves 5 MPH in the water. For any of us used to typical AATVs, it definitely feels much faster than even a Max IV with 26" tires. It was strange having forward propulsion in the water and then looking down to see the tracks stationary just below the water's surface. Craig turned the tracks on and off a few times to see how it affected water speed, and there was really no difference with tracks on or off while the props were on other than the churning of the water. With the props off, the tracks provided little speed in the water, but who cares when you have two thrusters behind you for you to use as you please.
Craig turned the controls over to me and allowed me to navigate up and across the Catawba River into Duck Cove. The last time I was in the Catawba River with my Max, the current was strong enough that I couldn't swim against it. I was hoping to test the Hydratrek against that same current, but the river was calm by the time we arrived due to the water levels between the two lakes evening out late in the day. The first thing I noted while behind the sticks of the XT66 was that the control levers have great placement for single hand operation. With one hand I could move them enough to easily turn, and I enjoyed having the other hand free to hold on to the well-placed front protection bar. The placement of the levers also allows you to stand up while in the water and still be able to comfortably reach them. It makes water navigation more boat-like and gives you a break from sitting if you choose.
The only negative thing I could say about the controls is that they have a little too much back pressure on them. If you drove it for a long time your arm could tire easily from holding them forward. Craig pointed this out to me saying that they were working on some valving that made moving the sticks effortless. Outside of that, the Hydratrek was a blast to drive. It was very simple and intuitive and being able to engage / disengage the tracks or props any time you felt like it by simply throwing a lever was a great advantage.
I mainly drove the XT66 in the water. Duck Cove is a place too shallow for anything other than a john boat and too deep for most ATVs. It was a cool place to drive around since it was just deep enough to float in certain places, so we popped in and out of the water a good bit. Since it was getting dark we didn't stay long, turning around to head back to the trail. On the ride back Craig took a shortcut underneath the power lines where the Hydratrek was right at home. Compared to our recreational ATVs you sit up a little higher in the Hydratrek and it really made a difference when traveling through high brush. Visibility was much better and the best part was being protected from 5' tall weeds that would have had me covered in seeds and leaves if I were in my Max II.
As you would expect with a larger vehicle, the XT66 was much more stable than any ATV I have been in both in and out of the water. You really feel safe, and the huge interior space is very comfortable. With four people we didn't even get close to rubbing elbows with each other. Seating six wouldn't be a problem. As far as ride quality goes I expected hills and bumps to be bone jarring with all of that weight, but the Hydratrek rode just as smooth as any Max or Argo I have been in. In the water no AATV can come close to matching Hydratrek's performance, safety or comfort. Of course the speed from the protected dual thrusters speaks for itself, but as far as stability goes this 6x6 felt more like a pontoon boat than an ATV. While taking video on the river I climbed all over the outside of the vehicle hanging off the side as I pleased, and it stayed basically level the whole time. Craig and I tried rocking it by throwing our weight around just so I could see how it reacted, and it didn't move side to side very much at all. Craig was telling me about loading up the Hydratrek with five friends and heading out to the local sand bar at the lake to hang out for the day. I could easily see doing that and wanting to spend a lot more time in the water with a vehicle like this.
While most of our ATVs vary the throttle to gain speed, the Hydratrek like most other hydraulically driven vehicles has a "set it and forget it" type of throttle. You choose from four RPM ranges by sliding the throttle lever into notched positions. You can choose from Idle, Low, Medium and High RPM ranges. From there the Hydratrek's speed is controlled strictly through the hydraulic valves and how far forward you push the throttle levers. Most of the time during our testing the XT66 was left in the medium RPM range. This was a good balance between power and noise. Interior noise at a medium RPM setting was comfortable in the front seat. The whining of the hydraulics and the exhaust and turbo on the motor weren't very intrusive at all. Craig and I were able to carry on a normal conversation in the front seat with each other. The passengers in the rear seat couldn't hear as well though since they were closer to the heart of the beast and we were facing away from them. At a high RPM level the noise was noticeable but definitely tolerable. It sounds louder in the video than in person.
Cool Hydratrek Features
During the short time I got to spend with Craig, he gave me a crash course on the Hydratrek from best driving techniques to the theory behind the design. While I couldn't consume all of the knowledge he shared, the one thing that really sticks out to me as unique is the Hydratrek's drive system. Not because it is hydraulically driven but because the drive system is different for machines with tracks compared to those without tracks. This is why the model numbers for the tracked and wheeled 6x6's are different instead of tracks just being an option for the base model.
The wheeled version of the Hydratrek six wheeler (the XA66) has six individual wheel motors, one at each wheel. These motors are plumbed in series with one motor outlet feeding the inlet of the next motor. The tracked version of the Hydratrek six wheeler (the XT66) has four wheel motors as the middle wheels are not powered. They act as an idler and allow more efficient operation of the tracks. Since there are only four wheel motors to power, the XT66 is plumbed in parallel.
With my elementary understanding of hydraulics, I believe the advantage of a series circuit is that it eliminates a lot of plumbing going from a manifold to each wheel motor while still giving equal output at each motor. The downside is that it requires slightly higher pressure because the fluid has to be pushed through all the motors in the circuit. The parallel circuit allows you to run at a lower pressure since you are only pushing fluid through one motor before returning to the tank but it does require a little more plumbing. I found it interesting that Hydratrek designers optimized each system so well.
Another cool design feature was found on the D2488B eight wheeler. The front and rear tires were smaller than the middle two which caused the tracks to raise up at the front and rear of the vehicle similar to tank tracks or the Marsh Master. The advantage here is instead of encountering terrain head on you have a slight angle that helps you climb over obstacles more easily. It also helps to pull you up out of mud holes and bodies of water.
Final Thoughts
I was very impressed with the performance of the XT66, but beyond that, I was really shocked at how much my opinion about a larger amphibious vehicle was changed overall. When I first saw the Hydratrek online, there were two things that I didn't like from a recreational standpoint: the large size and the longer nose of the six wheeled version. I had assumed that there was no way it would fit down any of the trails we ride on and if it did I thought it would surely get hung up on steep hills. After seeing and experiencing the Hydratrek in person I quickly realized how wrong I was. The Hydratrek isn't as much of a giant as I had made it out to be. There was one point at the entry to the powerline trail that I assumed Craig would have to go around but he went right through with no problems. Like I mentioned before it is the same width as a tracked Centaur. As for the long nose, even climbing up a steep bank out of the river the Hydratrek never came close to hitting the body. I asked Craig if the body hanging over the front of the tracks ever posed a problem and he said it could hit a really steep hill before the tracks do but it was designed to just slide right up. After driving the Hydratrek I am sure the torque of the turbo diesel combined with the hydraulics could definitely slide you right up any hill you want. :D
I have to take a minute to really thank Craig and Hydratrek, Inc. for bringing us a vehicle to test. The only thing more impressive than their vehicles is the company itself. Hydratrek has spent years in R&D to bring the best product they can to market. They are very passionate about amphibious vehicles and they take great pride in their work. There is nothing they love more then showing everyone what a Hydratrek can do. Craig is head of sales and he is one of the most down-to-earth guys you will meet. He knows the vehicle inside and out and could tell you anything you wanted to know about them but his approach to sales is a very laid-back "I'll let the Hydratrek do the talking" kind of approach. A great product, passionate employees, and a will to develop relationships with their customers is a great formula for success. I'm sure we will be seeing more Hydratreks for years to come.
Now I just have to get Craig back to North Carolina again so we can take that 8x8 for a spin. :D
Pictures
http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...trek-6x6-1.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...trek-6x6-2.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...trek-6x6-3.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...ty-Vehicle.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...ue-Vehicle.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...k-In-Water.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...x6-UTV-Mud.jpg
http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...-8x8-Truck.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...D2488B-8x8.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...-6x6-Front.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...eeler-Rear.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...k-6x6-XT66.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...with-AATVs.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...6-Controls.jpg
http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...6x6-Tracks.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...ler-tracks.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...Dash-Panel.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...-Dashboard.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...-Headlight.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...-Hydratrek.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...Propellers.jpg
http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...ronze-Prop.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...esel-Turbo.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...rbo-Diesel.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...Diesel_JPG.jpg http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...-Reservoir.JPG http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/data...8B-Cockpit.JPG
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy2lY38yedo
