Other than our own snowman, Adam Clarke, and other folks who live in a different hemisphere, most of us aren’t even remotely thinking about winter or winter toys or vehicles right now. This 1986 ASV Track Truck 2800 can be used year-round but they’re famous for winter use. The seller has this one listed here on eBay in Hamilton, Virginia and the current bid price is just under $550 but the reserve isn’t met yet.
Most of us who live above the equator are thinking about how to cool off and keep gardens and plants watered during the dry season rather than what kind of winter project vehicles may be out there. We’ve seen a few of these unusual vehicles with tracks on the rear and wheels on the front and they’re always interesting, at least to me and other lovers of all things wacky. ASV stands for All Seasons Vehicles and the company was founded by two big names in the snowmobile world back in 1983.
The founder of both Arctic Cat and Polaris, Edgar Hetteen, and a top Arctic Cat dealer, Gary Lemke, founded ASV which is still around today producing compact construction equipment such as skid-steer loaders. The Track Truck was the first real serious production vehicle that they made and I don’t have a clue what I would ever use one for, but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t like to own one. You can see that this example isn’t perfect but a lot of parts are available.
The Track Truck has a hydrostatic transmission so you won’t hear me complaining about it not having a clutch pedal for a very welcome change. Parts of this 2800 series Track Truck look like they could be cleaned up nicely, and I’m wondering if the faded exterior could be brought back to life with some polishing compound? The 2800 part of the name refers to a 2.8L inline-four Isuzu diesel engine. The seller says that this one is in good working condition and it has very low hours on it.
They do mention that there’s a bad wheel bearing and I’m assuming that it’s the one shown in this photo, and in the photo above. You can also see some areas of cracked bodywork and there may be other small issues to fix, but hey, you have another few months before winter, unless you’re Adam and then you want to use it now. Would any of you have a use for an ASV Track Truck?
Seldom does it snow in Houston but it did this winter. Still no need for a rig like this.
God bless America
I live in Pennsylvania, and I guess I could use a rig like that, but then again, I have never had a problem getting through the worst storms with the Jeep. I bet it would be a blast to drive to the market for milk and bread during a major snow storm though, lol
If you live north of I-80, you need this. My late father would start putting up his woodpile for the winter on July 5th and have it done by Labor Day.
Yes, I do live north of I-80, You are right, some winters are horrible, kind of like last year, lol
That is neat especially with the diesel. I would like to know about parts though. What if a track or track wheel fails from age/dry rot?
The primary purpose of these machines is for “snow grooming” cross country ski trails and the smaller snowmobile trails. These units normally came with a drag that was operated from inside the cabin area. This is listed in Virginia. Two Maryland state parks-New Germany and Herrington Manor both had these units but unsure if they were diesel powered. Off the top of my head, the gas version of these vehicles featured a Jeep 4 cylinder engine.
Rarely did I see these in Wis. We always had the tried and true “Tucker Sno-Cat” for trail groomers. These were used primarily by construction crews or forestry depts. for access to remote areas. That motor, while not my choice for cold temps, is probably the most common 4 cyl. diesel ever. Construction equipment, reefer trailers, all used them, and would spin for years, sometimes low on oil or coolant. I sat in front of or operated equipment with these, couldn’t kill them. I’d think hydraulic issues are always a problem with these, but should be a problem getting a pump rebuilt. Cool find, but one step beyond to get to where I want to live,,,for now.
$1,582 now, but reserve not met, check out their other items.
Is there Ford Ranger DNA in these, or is all the bodywork made by ASV?
frnt TIREs? Well, gets me to thinkin – convertible. If only the track could switch off for a match w/the frnt (4 season use. I guess it can go in mushy stuff right now – not deep swamp)…
ASV is located about 200 miles from my home and they have been around for a good bit of time you do see a fair number of the skid steer loaders around here. The build a very nice looking machines and I have never heard any negative comments concerning them. A truck like this would be pretty useful for lots of things, the front tires could also be fitted with skis that attached to the front tires which would be mandatory for deep snow. One expensive part to replace on these units is the tracks the last price I heard was 10 years ago and they were about 2500 per track then. It would be my guess that Camoplast makes the tracks for them like they do for Tucker and don’t even bother trying to buy tracks direct, I tried for my Tucker and they would not even discuss it.
If you’ve never heard any negative reports about ASV skid steers, you don’t visit any skid steer or construction equipment forums. Lol.
Our snowmachine club had one of these several years back , used for grooming trails , ours was diesel also Perkins I beleive , we had lots of hydrolic problems , replaced by Tuckers
I believe the front wheels are not driven. So steering might be a challenge in deeper snow.
Steering is no problem because steering is mostly done with the hydrostatic drives on each track. They steer very similar to a tracked skid steer.
I’ve seen images where skis are attached to the front hubs in place of the tires.
Auction update: this Track Truck sold for $5,700!