Powersports vehicles come in all types, sizes, and configurations. Many are purpose-built to solve a niche problem or do a particular job.
For example, this 1979 ASV Track Truck 2500 was designed to tackle jobs in very loose, wet conditions. It uses a rear-drive track system with ATV-style wheels and balloon tires for maximum traction and stability—like a battle tank.
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Tracked Vehicle Technology Since 1983
Founded in Minnesota in 1983, All Seasons Vehicles Inc. (ASV) develops tracked vehicles capable of traversing terrain where traditional wheeled vehicles struggle. Founders Edgar Hetteen and Gary Lemke were pioneers in the snowmobile industry. One of their initial groundbreaking products was the ASV Track Truck. It can maneuver through mud, snow, swamps, sand, and other difficult terrain.
ASV further demonstrated its innovation when it introduced its first Posi-Track system. The patented rubber track technology was designed to cause minimal impact to the road surface while providing increased traction. The ASV Track Truck's Posi-Track system operates in situations where a metal track might not be allowed because of the excessive damage it can cause to a job site.
Performance in Extreme Conditions
The 1979 ASV Track Truck Model 2500, like this one, stands out among powersports vehicles thanks to its unique appearance and drive system.
A 2.5-liter liquid-cooled AMC Jeep four-stroke engine powers the Model 2500 and cranks out 110 horsepower. It delivers power to the ground via a hydrostatic transmission. This eliminates sprockets, gears, and chains for a smoother power delivery. Likewise, twin hydraulic motors use pressurized hydraulic fluid to drive the two 18-inch-wide rubber tracks and assist in turning the Truck Track.
ATV-style stabilizer wheels up front—assisted by ASV's Posi-Turn power steering system and a car-style steering whee - opens in new window or tab.l—steer the Model 2500. As the driver turns the steering wheel, the front wheels turn. Power to the rear tracks varies, with the outside track moving faster than the inside for smooth and seamless turning.
The combination of a rear track and balloon tires helps increase stability over tracked vehicles with no wheels up front because it eliminates straight-line bobbing and front-end burial when cresting steep inclines.
A sizable pickup bed comes standard on the Track Truck Model 2500. It sits just behind the tilt-up, removable engine compartment. The design makes maintenance duties easier. The truck-style cab features a fully enclosed interior with standard bucket seats, a floor shifter, and a parking brake. The factory cab heater - opens in new window or tab. includes a defroster/blower setting.
From Ski Tracks to Forest Fires
ASV offered many optional equipment add-ons when the vehicle was released. You may be able to locate accessories such as an ASV Track Truck trailer, snowplow kit, hydraulic crane, and ski track groomer. The vehicle can also be reconfigured as a van or firefighting rig.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, ASV expanded its product range to include compact track and skid-steer loaders - opens in new window or tab. for construction, agriculture, landscape, and forestry industries. ASV was acquired by the Terex Corporation in 2008 and Yanmar - opens in new window or tab. Holdings in 2019.
Despite ownership changes, ASV continues its legacy of innovative all-season, all-terrain tracked vehicles with outsized performance capabilities.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.