MAXTRAX.........

[weeds]

i had the opportunity to use a set up the beach the other week.........it was to help a stranded Prado

impressed to say the least, simple and effective......

i borrowed two sets as it was my first time towing on sand, i didn't need to use them but now that i am doing more touring with the camper trailer i might just have to save my loose change for a set.....

https://www.maxtrax.com.au

they guys at MAXTRAX have supported a few AURO events so i reckon they get my support

oh and the prado should never have got bogged, first time on the beach for the owner

[Ranga]

best bet is to wait until SCA have their 20% off sale ;)

Edit: Currently $268 a pair at SCA, save $31

[Xtreme]

Even after generously donating all those matchbox Landys, you unfortunately weren't sitting in the 'right' seat at the Glenreagh XBG dinner last October :D

[Jeff]

Do they fly out the back or stay on the deck when you drive off them?

Jeff

:rocket:

[weeds]

Do they fly out the back or stay on the deck when you drive off them?

Jeff

:rocket:

the instructions are 'no wheel spin' from memory........pretty sure thats what was stamped on the maxtrax itself

i asked the prado owner to gently accelerate, i bit above idle the prado popped out of the sand and she was able to continue reversing down the sand.........the maxtraxs pretty much stayed in place

i would say in most cases there would be no need to jump on the throttle causing the maxtrax to fly out and become a hazard..........recoveries are best down in a controlled manner

[mike_ie]

i would say in most cases there would be no need to jump on the throttle causing the maxtrax to fly out and become a hazard..........recoveries are best down in a controlled manner

Probably the worst thing you could do with a set of Maxxtrax. Saw a guy bogged on Fraser Island borrow a set from another driver, put them under the wheels and put boot to the floor. He got out alright, but not before burning every nub from the back of each track. Great bit of kit, have gotten me out of trouble on a few occasions.

[Xtreme]

Most references speak about their use in sand, but don't be afraid to use them in other terrain where traction is lacking.

Saw them used quite effectively in rocky terrain in the Victorian high country last May.

[Jeff]

I was thinking I could use them with my road sidecar, as they will fit in, aren't heavy and can transfer to the Defender easily.

Jeff

:rocket:

[cal415]

I was trying to get some directly from them a while back but found them very hard to contact, i was trying to get the sand colored or green ones rather then the standard orange but in the end gave up trying to contact them and settled for a set of boab tracks for 70 each.

I wouldnt mind a set still though, perhaps we could organise a group buy directly through them.... if anyone can actually contact them...

As for the SCA sale price, a mate of mine just picked up 2 sets for 216 each i think it was, 25% off at some outdoors place thats owned by the same people as SCA.

[ade]

I reckon the GRP waffle boards are a better product, cheaper and they can be used for bridging as well, I got a pair here in WA for 120$ direct from a wholesaler, they seem alot stonger than maxtrax too.

[Eevo]

the maxtraxs pretty much stayed in place


if you have lots of soft stuff and dont want to stop, attach some rope to the maxtrax and tie to the towbar. the maxtrax will follow you along so you dont need to stop.

[weeds]

I wouldnt mind a set still though, perhaps we could organise a group buy directly through them.... if anyone can actually contact them...


i have just asked the question..........watch this space

[weeds]

I reckon the GRP waffle boards are a better product, cheaper and they can be used for bridging as well, I got a pair here in WA for 120$ direct from a wholesaler, they seem alot stonger than maxtrax too.

i was given a set of these, never used them in anger, sorry used them as a ramp at the land rover 60th. i find them a little heavy and combersome. i just picked tham up from a mates place the other day and am now wondering what i should do with them

[weeds]

no group buys as he needs to look after his stockist's which is fair enough

cal......you can order directly off their website, pretty straight forward....

[Judo]

In Tassie a few weeks ago travelling without any other vehicles, we ran into some soft sand on the beach near the water and got stuck. Drove out within a few minutes using TRED's. They were fantastic I thought. We would have been there a LOT longer if we were just digging with a shovel. I felt much more comfortable driving on the beach after that knowing how easy it was to recover ourselves.

TRED 4x4 (http://www.tred4x4.com/)

I should also say a big thank you to my girlfriend as they were my xmas present!! :D Not losing the Disco on the beach was an excellent xmas present. hehe ;) My g/f was the one shoving them under the wheels while I drove out. I think it worked well for both of us....

[FenianEel]

Maxtrax are awesome, and you can get them in all sorts of colours now (even a Camel Trophy colour)!
Weeds - if you want to organise a group buy, let me know and I'll probably be able to sort you out ;)

[uninformed]

Just saw these being used on tv. On sand, they used some little plastic pegs through the matrax to stop them moving.

While the rope idea sounds ok, I doubt it very practical in real world.

[disco2_dan]

Just saw these being used on tv. On sand, they used some little plastic pegs through the matrax to stop them moving.

While the rope idea sounds ok, I doubt it very practical in real world.

I don't think you under stand what he means, the rope isn't there to hold them In place but so once you get unstuck you don't have to stop again to pick up the maxtrax and risk getting stuck again, I've seen this technique used quite a few times and it works well.

[newlandyowner]

Rope is a damn good idea. Like the other guys said, once you get moving you dont have to stop to pick them up and risk getting stuck again.

[uninformed]

I don't think you under stand what he means, the rope isn't there to hold them In place but so once you get unstuck you don't have to stop again to pick up the maxtrax and risk getting stuck again, I've seen this technique used quite a few times and it works well.

No, I know EXACTLY what he means.......thats why there was a gap between sentences, to distinguish one topic from another.

While the rope idea may work if you get stuck, and just bung the Maxtrax in there and try an proceed, you would still be placing the Maxtraxs in front and the rope at rear, not ideal IMO. But more often than not you may drive your track, get stuck, reverse and then fix the track somewhat, and lay the Maxtrax out....then backing up a little to get some momentum, drive the track.

I would not want ANY length of rope, run out, tied to my rig, to get caught on a stump or log etc. Not to many tracks that are nice and clean on the sides with no chance of a flailing Maxtrax on rope not getting caught on something.

Since when did 4x4 become such a timed event that we cant make the track and go for a walk and get them.

[Ranga]

No, I know EXACTLY what he means.......thats why there was a gap between sentences, to distinguish one topic from another.

While the rope idea may work if you get stuck, and just bung the Maxtrax in there and try an proceed, you would still be placing the Maxtraxs in front and the rope at rear, not ideal IMO. But more often than not you may drive your track, get stuck, reverse and then fix the track somewhat, and lay the Maxtrax out....then backing up a little to get some momentum, drive the track.

I would not want ANY length of rope, run out, tied to my rig, to get caught on a stump or log etc. Not to many tracks that are nice and clean on the sides with no chance of a flailing Maxtrax on rope not getting caught on something.

Since when did 4x4 become such a timed event that we cant make the track and go for a walk and get them.
I think he was talking about a sandy beach when using the rope.

[disco2_dan]

I think the points been wasted, something's work for some and other things for others, it just saves taking a chance of getting stuck again, it's practical and works, you don't have to leave them on all day just long enough to get to a harder surface or some where your not going to get stuck, and I don't see much chance of the rope getting stuck on much, but I've only seen maxtrax used on beaches and sand dunes....

[uninformed]

I think the points been wasted, something's work for some and other things for others, it just saves taking a chance of getting stuck again, it's practical and works, you don't have to leave them on all day just long enough to get to a harder surface or some where your not going to get stuck, and I don't see much chance of the rope getting stuck on much, but I've only seen maxtrax used on beaches and sand dunes....

No, its just a different opinion. That is why I have said "I" would not do it...here is an example. many of the cuttings up the north end of Fraser Isl can be a bit hard to get around with deep soft sand, ruts, errosion etc. A good spot for Maxtrax etc. Due to the fact vehciles use these tracks they are generally lower than the original ground level and only just wider than a single 4x4. It is common for tree and grass roots to be exposed on the edges due to the vertical erroaded nature.

IMO it would be a good chance to catch a draging Maxtrax etc tied off with rope.

Im not knocking the product and Im sure there would be the occasion where tying rope to them may work. But I HATE having the chance of anything like that getting caught up or tangled under the rig. A simple headache to avoid

Plus I dont mind getting out, stretching my legs and having a look at stuff that may be viewed as boring :D

[disco2_dan]

Im not knocking the product and Im sure there would be the occasion where tying rope to them may work. But I HATE having the chance of anything like that getting caught up or tangled under the rig. A simple headache to avoid


Same reason I would use this technique, what a headache getting stuck, then stopping and getting stuck again....

[Eevo]

i have a pair but i have not used them yet.

other people ive spoken to who have them, swear by them! say they are the best mod they ever got.

[weeds]

re: using rope or straps to drag the maxtrax along behind, i was trying to work this out over the weekend, i'm not sure i would give it a go.

would be interested if anybody has has tried recovering the tracks at the same time?

if i did give it a go i would use thin rope that would break easy if the MAXTRAX did get caught up

[uninformed]

so if the Maxtrax are placed under the front wheels, where are you attaching rope to the vehicle?

[weeds]

so if the Maxtrax are placed under the front wheels, where are you attaching rope to the vehicle?

i figured this would only apply to the maxtrax under the rear tyres

[newlandyowner]

Use a longer bit of rope and tie it to the front of your traxx then to your tow bar or rear snatch point.

Make it long enough that you can drive off it and then when your vehicle is well clear it will tow it behind.

Obviously you dont drive for km's down the beach dragging it.

Ive seen it used many times and its an extra hand, some people use it, others dont.

[disco2_dan]

You can do it while they are under the front too but you have to have a fair bit if slack in the rope
You can either run it in a V from the front of the trax under the vehicle and attach to the tow ball/ tow point

Option 2 is a U shape from the front of the trax down either side of the vehicle to the tow ball/point

But either way leave a bit if slack in case you need a run up or have to reverse a little.

[mike_ie]

I see this as being a lot of effort to save on simply getting out of the car afterwards and going back for them. Tied to a rope, I see the potential for them getting wrapped round something, or digging into the sand and folding up under the car itself. Put them on a long rope and theres the potential for them to bounce up like a ball on a string and do some nice panel damage.

[weeds]

I see this as being a lot of effort to save on simply getting out of the car afterwards and going back for them. Tied to a rope, I see the potential for them getting wrapped round something, or digging into the sand and folding up under the car itself. Put them on a long rope and theres the potential for them to bounce up like a ball on a string and do some nice panel damage.

agree as i said above......

[uninformed]

I think you would only have to get the rope caught around the prop-shaft or wheel just once to reconsider the "walking" idea.

KISS :D

[clubagreenie]

So I just found out I can get GRP grating, 38x38x38 (thicker than the 30mm sold as "4x4 matting"). A 1220x3660 sheet which should yield 5 or 6 pairs. Making them about $160/set based on a sheet and 5 sets.

[Cobber]

I got a set for Christmas, and they are a good product.
I haven't had to use them yet (no bad thing!) but I think they will be quite effective no matter the surface.

[Epic_Dragon]

the rope thing, those worried about it getting caught, could always try bailing twine instead of actual rope, its very strong but if anything did happen to get snagged, the twine will break, so no damage done to anything.

[Loubrey]

The rope thing is actually tought on desert driving technique and deep sand condition courses. I've not seen it done with Maxtrax, but the old aluminium "sand ladders" as used on the Camel Trophy would have a good length of paracord tied to their fronts and looped outwards away from the wheels and then tied to the tow bar. I've seen it done down the middle under the car, but the propshaft would scare me as well.

The theory is that when you manage to get rolling and maintain momentum you want to avoid stopping and the sand ladders will ultimately end up following you at a safe distance as they are dragged along untill you've cleared the soft section (or untill you bog again as is usually the case in the Namib!).

The paracord does snap now and then if the ladder digs in and I would defintely not try it in rocks or where there are roots and snaggy bit to catch the lot up.

So ultimately everybody has valid points, but I can see this working if you are on a very soft section of beach on your own (spot the problem in that statement...!):D

Cheers,

Lou

[Ashes]

Rope is very useful on maxtrax in sand and mud. I don't tie it to the vehicle though. Just put it to the side to assist with locating the maxtrax if they get buried.
Much easier to leave the wife and kids behind to recover the maxtrax while you drive off to find solid or dry ground.

I've used mine more on other vehicles and mostly in sand. A very safe and quick way to get a vehicle moving again. Great for self recovery where winching is difficult.

[Eevo]

if your worried about the rope getting caught on something, your doing it wrong.

red is the maxtrax
blue is the rope

sometimes the soft stuff doesnt end for 1000m.
thats 10min walk each way plus trying to remember where they got left.
personally i dont like leaving a $250 item 1000m behind me half in the sand where they can be stolen or damage another car.
if they do damage another car, who they going to blame... you would be liable.

[juddy]

So I just found out I can get GRP grating, 38x38x38 (thicker than the 30mm sold as "4x4 matting"). A 1220x3660 sheet which should yield 5 or 6 pairs. Making them about $160/set based on a sheet and 5 sets.

Just take care of your vehicle weight, and what these gratings can take, they can also become very brittle and subject to cracking.

[clubagreenie]

That's why I'm looking at the heavier stuff (38mm) over the 30mm they sell for 4WD applications.

[rrturboD]

I have had some made for local clients.
The 30mm thick I would not have considered as 'bridging' ladders but work great in sand and mud, and most that smaller lighter 4wds need. I carry a set on my camper, partly as rests for the tyres when on soft ground for levelling etc, and have used them in sand (actually on Big Red, recovering a Series 2).
I have used my set of 38mm ladders to get across a gully, and they easily handled the weight of my loaded RR, bent a lot as the weight of the vehicle was in the centre, while only the ends were on solid ground.
Horses for courses I am sure, but these are much more rugged than the plastic MaxTrax and like products.

[clubagreenie]

They "say" they will be fine plus they have offered a guarantee and the price is right for the first set so there's not a lot to loose.

[Loubrey]

Over here in the west we've got these guys supplying a FRP grate (fibreglass reinforced polyester) that they claim will carry ANY 4x4 and support up to 3 tonne when used in a pair when bridging. They do however sell pretty much any dimension you might like!

Grating FRP Australia - (http://www.gratingfrpaustralia.com.au/recreational-aids.html)

I've not used it myself, but if their claims are true these would be a closer replacement for the old aluminium sand ladders than the plastic "traction aids", and the price is about half of the retail price of a set of Maxtrax...

Having said all this I do actually own a set of Maxtrax, but I've not had an opiortunity to use them yet!

Cheers,

Lou

[DiscoWeb]

I see this as being a lot of effort to save on simply getting out of the car afterwards and going back for them. Tied to a rope, I see the potential for them getting wrapped round something, or digging into the sand and folding up under the car itself. Put them on a long rope and theres the potential for them to bounce up like a ball on a string and do some nice panel damage.

GEE,

I think some of us are getting a little bit bogged down in the detail (pardon the pun) here !!!

I think putting them on a rope or strap is good idea if the circumstances are right, i.e having to stop to retrieve them means you risk bogging your self again or there are plenty of situations I can think of, mainly mud where walking back 20 - 30 m to retrieve these would be a major pain as well.

Now at other times, such as when you would use them to simply "pop" out of the hole you have dug yourself in, or there are obstacles on the track that could casue the dragging method to snag the maxtrax then do not attach them.

I can not recall disc2_dan saying always attach them or indeed leave them attached permanently. He just mentioned it as a handy hint he has seen used effectively.

If I ever one a set and find myself in a position to use this technique I am sure I will thank you for suggesting the idea. Otherwise it is just another useless bit of trivia I have collected along the great road of life.

Sometimes you can over think things, it is a blessing to be simple sometimes. A blessing I have a large does of.

Regards,

George

[weeds]

i have both MAXTRAX and the fibreglass grating..........

although by design they have different applications

fibreglass grating, mine have been retired for good as they are heavy, not easy on the hands and just a pain to use..plus i doubt i will ever need to bridge across something.

MAXTRAX, wins hands down for what i do.....light and easy to store, if i didn't tow a camper trailer on th ebeaches i probably wouldn't need the MAXTRAX, while i have them i will carry them a bit more just incase......

[clubagreenie]

Grating FRP is who I'm getting some off. But the 38mm.

[BDB]

I have a pair to retrieve my jet ski off a Bass Strait beach where the trailer wheels were eroded too deep to easily extract even with my 6wd ARGO ATV . I have used them twice in beach driving with " no bottom shell grit,! " they suck in and stay put till a little ejection at the end!
They are essential in solo drives / replace desert ramps and high lift jacks and snatch straps mostly. But I still have afar and hand winch , snatch straps for longer trips whether solo or group! BDB

[goingbush]

Total waste of money if you ask me, spend $20 at your local grain store and buy a dozen hessian bags.

cost next to nothing, weigh nothing, takes up no space at all, smells good, and bloody handy for all sorts of other stuff, heck you can even store your spuds or onions in them, and use em as a pillow.

get stuck , hop out , half fill a few bags with sand & chuck them under your wheels, out in a jiffy. & can never become a missile.

Work in mud too.

[Xtreme]

Total waste of money if you ask me, spend $20 at your local grain store and buy a dozen hessian bags.

cost next to nothing, weigh nothing, takes up no space at all, smells good, and bloody handy for all sorts of other stuff, heck you can even store your spuds or onions in them, and use em as a pillow.

get stuck , hop out , half fill a few bags with sand & chuck them under your wheels, out in a jiffy. & can never become a missile.

Work in mud too.

Pretty uncomfortable pillow with spuds or onions in them. :wasntme:

[Ranga]

Total waste of money if you ask me, spend $20 at your local grain store and buy a dozen hessian bags.

cost next to nothing, weigh nothing, takes up no space at all, smells good, and bloody handy for all sorts of other stuff, heck you can even store your spuds or onions in them, and use em as a pillow.

get stuck , hop out , half fill a few bags with sand & chuck them under your wheels, out in a jiffy. & can never become a missile.

Work in mud too.

What about repetitive recoveries? Would be a PITA having to fill, use, empty, return to vehicle, fill, use, empty return, etc, etc. on roads where repetitive use is required. Surely hessian bags would wear out pretty quickly?

Maxtrax also work in mud, and I've never seen them become a missile.

[clubagreenie]

I'd rather have a comfortable pillow, and be a few $$$ out of pocket and just carry them rather than the above scenario.

[Jeff]

I like the hessian bag idea, and you could roll them up to keep the mud in instead of getting it inside the vehicle. Might not be best in all situations, but better than nothing.

Jeff

:rocket:

[Eevo]

my and my partner went 4wd'ing today,

we didnt use out maxtracx but hession bags would of been useless. no where to fill them up.

for quick and simple, maxtrax.

[Eevo]

another use for maxtrax, if you have a lowered car and cant get the jack under, drive onto the maxtrax then you can fit the jack under.

[goingbush]

another use for maxtrax, if you have a lowered car and cant get the jack under, drive onto the maxtrax then you can fit the jack under.

sweet, I'll bolt some to the roof of my Nissan Silvia

[uninformed]

I have found the good thing about attaching the maxtrax with some rope to my vehicle is when Im driving around town, it keeps the car behind at a 2 car length gap........

[Vern]

Would love a set of these right now. Wife's amarok is ever so slightly kissing a fence post in our back yard on a side slope, its a wee bit slippery.:( thanks god I have a mate with an excavater coming around later to pull me out before it does any damage:(:(.

[uninformed]

Would love a set of these right now. Wife's amarok is ever so slightly kissing a fence post in our back yard on a side slope, its a wee bit slippery.:( thanks god I have a mate with an excavater coming around later to pull me out before it does any damage:(:(.

thats never fun, hope you get it out ok. Jokes aside I do think the Maxtrax a good idea

[knodes85]

I can't comment on their effectiveness yet (haven't used them) but Daniel @ Mulgo designed a novel way of mounting them on the side of my 110 HT...

There's a shot here (http://twitter.com/expeditioncntr/status/342774254925910016/photo/1/large?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=expeditioncntr&utm_content=342774254925910016) on his Twitter account.

We did some measurements and something similar would work on a standard 110. Daniel designed them so when piloting the CBD they can be removed without leaving much evidence of the mounting brackets. A great solution for those who have low garage roofs so can't keep them up top and don't want to sacrifice rear vision by mounting the Trax on the rear tyre. I can post up some more pics of the mounts if anyone's interested.

[weeds]

I can't comment on their effectiveness yet (haven't used them) but Daniel @ Mulgo designed a novel way of mounting them on the side of my 110 HT...

There's a shot here (http://twitter.com/expeditioncntr/status/342774254925910016/photo/1/large?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=expeditioncntr&utm_content=342774254925910016) on his Twitter account.

We did some measurements and something similar would work on a standard 110. Daniel designed them so when piloting the CBD they can be removed without leaving much evidence of the mounting brackets. A great solution for those who have low garage roofs so can't keep them up top and don't want to sacrifice rear vision by mounting the Trax on the rear tyre. I can post up some more pics of the mounts if anyone's interested.

Would be keen to see a pic.....

[goingbush]

For those that don't think sandbags would work,( for whatever reason)
check this out. Tho not sure he would have got bogged if his tyres were down to start with.

sorry I could not find a clip with actual hessian bags, might have to make one myself


(tho my Vehicle of choice might not get bogged so easy)

Back on track's Ease Out vechile recovery bags - YouTube

[knodes85]

Would be keen to see a pic.....

The wing-nuts go through the standard MaxTrax mounting points to an aluminum block. They've got a decent length thread designed both as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves (takes a minute to unscrew) and to ensure the thread isn't damaged.

The bottom bracket catches the side grab handle of the MaxTrax and then has a small stainless steel bracket which is threaded through and padlocked.

When mounted 2 MaxTrax sit in line with the protrusion of the standard Defender flares.

[p38arover]

I saw these in my local Aldi

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/saturday-24-august-2013/saturday-detail-wk34/ps/p/4wd-recovery-tracks/

[Ranga]

I saw these in my local Aldi

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/saturday-24-august-2013/saturday-detail-wk34/ps/p/4wd-recovery-tracks/

I might be biased, but they look dodgy

[Disco Muppet]

I might be biased, but they look dodgy

They also look to be nowhere near as effective as Maxtrax, tiny lugs don't look like they'd do much.

[ozscott]

4wd Accessories at Tough Toys | Buy 4x4 Accessories, Off Road Accessories, Touring & Camping Gear online! - Products (http://www.toughtoys.com.au/products/84/)

Whose for pink...

[clubagreenie]

I believe I can comment on that. As a past life commercial diver imaging rocking up onto an oil rig and having all pink diving gear. Now when it's time to pack up after 30-45days on the only person who can find their stuff or not have it stolen is...

The pink stuff because no one wants to be seen with it.

[ozscott]

I like it. My brother sells these. I am perverse enough to get Pink and strap them loud and proud on the roof racks of my Bonnati Grey and Black D2...

Cheers

[PTC]

I've never used the Maxtrax in the sand though quite a bit in muddy situations in the High Country and they work a treat. Though a rope is a must we learnt after a few recovers. We tied the rope to a tree on either side of the bog hole. As our first test recovery ended up with one of us in the mud fishing around for the track which had been forced down and jammed in under there. Very messy

Once the ropes were attached. The car would drive out and we could pull on the rope to recover without getting dirty.

[Didge]

I thought the go was to tie the tracks to the car so you pulled them with you. I tell you what, everything like this that I've bought from Aldi has turned out to be a pearler. I reckon Aldi quality is great. I bought a 60odd piece tyre repair kit for $15, whereas the likes of your ARB want $40+ (show special), I bought an electric (4WD) scissor jack today for $80. I got an air nail gun ($25) and have given it an absolute hiding whereas the $400 one I bought from a big tool store had problems. Don't write them off just cos it's supermarket stuff. Brand name isn't always better.

[Hoges]

small hijack... the Aldi 12V scissor jacks are excellent... bought 2 and borrowed 2 for a DIY 4-point electric lift! Got to required height then manouvered the jackstands into position with a yard broom... totally safe. Hydraulic floor jacks have their place (I have 2...) but these 12V scissor jacks eliminate the "arc-displacement" / creep problem of the floor jack... ;) and you can adjust them height-wise with very good precision.

[Tombie]

I've never used the Maxtrax in the sand though quite a bit in muddy situations in the High Country and they work a treat. Though a rope is a must we learnt after a few recovers. We tied the rope to a tree on either side of the bog hole. As our first test recovery ended up with one of us in the mud fishing around for the track which had been forced down and jammed in under there. Very messy

Once the ropes were attached. The car would drive out and we could pull on the rope to recover without getting dirty.

Tie the rope to the towbar and then the tracks are just behind you once your out.

[HEYVJ]

I looked at the ALDI "TRAX"

I left them there after unzipping them from the pack and having a look.

I believe they would be useless.

In one pack, there are 2 TRAX, packed back to back.

When I checked them out, one side of the TRAX was virtually slick, the other side had the "nipples"

Wouldn't this defeat the purpose of trying to gain traction????

HEYVJ

[101RRS]

I bought an electric (4WD) scissor jack today for $80.


the Aldi 12V scissor jacks are excellent... bought 2 and borrowed 2 for a DIY 4-point electric lift! Got to required height then manouvered the jackstands into position with a yard broom... totally safe. Hydraulic floor jacks have their place (I have 2...) but these 12V scissor jacks eliminate the "arc-displacement" / creep problem of the floor jack... ;) and you can adjust them height-wise with very good precision.

I would have to disagree in a big way - they are highly dangerous. Where the arms mesh at the top and at the bottom, with any minor movement they can strip and allowing the car being lifted to roll off the jack, despite precautions being taken.

My RRS fell off one of these jacks, and two weeks ago I was working under a car being jacked up with one of these - thankfully I also placed jackstands under the car as a safety measure and the Aldi jack failed while I was under the car - see pic - thankfully I had the jack stands under that supported the car and stopped it falling on me.

I am going to take the 12v motor out of mine and binning the rest.

These jacks are crap and dangerous. If four of these were used as a mini four post lift and you survived then you were very lucky.

Garry

[Didge]

Geez Garry, I was feeling good after Hoges' post and now ya got me worried. They're supposed to be rated to 2 tonnes but i was thinking of it just for changing wheels one at a time and I always use axle stands. I think I'll test mine this weekend. Shouldn't you just take it back- 12 month warranty? :)
Gerald

[101RRS]

Geez Garry, I was feeling good after Hoges' post and now ya got me worried. They're supposed to be rated to 2 tonnes but i was thinking of it just for changing wheels one at a time and I always use axle stands. I think I'll test mine this weekend. Shouldn't you just take it back- 12 month warranty? :)
Gerald

It is a bit like the genuine D3 jack - will lift the weight but cannot handle any weight component that is not through the vertical - the reality is that even when the wheels are chocked as the item being lifted gets higher a sideways weight component starts to creep in.

This is not the first time Aldi have had these and I got mine long ago and now outside warranty. My last incident was not with a heavy vehicle like the RRS - was on my Haflinger (650kg all up) so was only lifting about 150kg but being lifted high when the shown damage occured.

By the way there is a thread on the UK LR4x4 forum about these jacks where the same issue I had has occurred.

Garry

[Didge]

MMhh, thanks - perhaps I'll take mine back - it's still in the box. Maybe I'll just stick with the hi lift, eh?
cheers Gerald

[BDB]

Got me able to escape off the nude end of cable Beach Broome at high tide after bogging in the soft stuff !!! What more can I say !!!! BDB

[Didge]

Escaped by the skin of your ........., eh?

[Ranga]

Got me able to escape off the nude end of cable Beach Broome at high tide after bogging in the soft stuff !!! What more can I say !!!! BDB

Which brand device?

[Kevin B]

Aldi were selling maxtrax ripoffs a few weeks back, think they were 120 a pair at my local, should have got some, aldi gear is ok for the most part

[Vern]

I saw these in my local Aldi

https://www.aldi.com.au/fileadmin/fm-dam/Products/special_buys/Week_34/PD/WK34_PD_055.jpg

https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/saturday-24-august-2013/saturday-detail-wk34/ps/p/4wd-recovery-tracks/

Same as these:angel::D

[Kevin B]

Same as these:angel::D

Thats them, they seemed pretty well made too..

[crash]

One thing about the Aldi recovery tracks is Yes you get two, but I think they are 1/2 the length of Maxtrax or treds, so in reality you really need to buy 2 packs.

I have found these online and look to be of good value. Diss and Dat | RECOVERY TRACKS FOR 4WD OFFROAD - PAIR (http://www.dissanddat.com.au/recovery-tracks-for-4wd-offroad-pair.html)

[Vern]

Thats them, they seemed pretty well made too..

Yes, there was nearly 2 pages about them in this thread:p

[Didge]

One thing about the Aldi recovery tracks is Yes you get two, but I think they are 1/2 the length of Maxtrax or treds, so in reality you really need to buy 2 packs.

I have found these online and look to be of good value. Diss and Dat | RECOVERY TRACKS FOR 4WD OFFROAD - PAIR (http://www.dissanddat.com.au/recovery-tracks-for-4wd-offroad-pair.html)

They're 1110 long, maxtrax 1200 long. Despite some suggesting they're rubbish, they're still better than nothing and almost 1/2 regular price of maxtrax. I've always found aldi stuff to be ok quality although I'm concerned about the electric scissor jack I bought the other day. May take it back yet. :)
Not a back website that Diss and Dat one. Amazing how well copyright/ patent laws work, eh? Come up with a good idea and every mongrel copies it and there's goes your next million bucks :(

[TheTree]

Hi

I notice that Repco have these on sale again and IMO they are a bargain

4WD Recovery Tracks | Repco | Lasoo Online Catalogues (http://www.lasoo.com.au/offer/tools-equipment/4wd-recovery-tracks/4vz5x3j8z.html'source=category&pageopt=tools-equipment)

I bought some a while ago and they work well, on the Evoque stuck on Stockton beach anyway :p

I like the way they roll up to save space

I too bought a 12V scissor jack from Aldi and so far it seems fine!:eek:

Steve

[HarryO]

I bought some of the roll up recovery tracks and they were useless when you are really stuck deep in the sand - tyres just pulled them through and spat them out the back:mad:. Bought the real deal maxtraxx and they are worth every cent:)

[Ranga]

This is what happens to Tredz when you put too much load on them. :eek: Possibly misused, but even if covered by warranty, a lot of good that will do you when in the middle of the desert/cape/snow!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/210.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/211.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/212.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/213.jpg

Photos from the destructive testing of Maxtrax performed by the University of Queensland Materials Sciences Lab. Many don't understand that these were designed by Australian engineers and thoroughly tested, with enhancements made of a number of years - not just someone with a paper sketch who went to a plastic moulder and said knock me up some of these!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/214.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/215.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/216.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/217.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/218.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/219.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/220.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/206.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/221.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/222.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/223.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/224.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/225.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/226.jpg

[weeds]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/206.jpg


would you have a pic of the maxtrax after the load was released?

[clubagreenie]

I ended up with a pair of the GRP gratings, 38mm, 1800 long.

After testing the std thickness, the deflection over 1000mm was OK, but I can see potential for fatigue failure. The deflection of the 38mm over 1800mm was less than half of the 30mm @ 1000mm.

My logic is that I'll be doing some stuff solo and so with a pair of winches and these it should really limit potential for being stuck. After common sense of course.

[Xtreme]

I ended up with a pair of the GRP gratings, 38mm, 1800 long.......................

GRP grating is something I've geen considering for a while.

Where did you purchase it from?

[weeds]

GRP grating is something I've geen considering for a while.

Where did you purchase it from?

i was given some years ago......gave two lengths to incisor and kept two for myself.....i had them mounted to the side of my roof rack, i found the to be heavy and rather harsh on the hands.....i used them at the 60th at cooma as a ramp to give me more elbow room to pull off the slave cylinder...they are about to become the base for my hotwater system and air-con

[weeds]

here we go.......

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/52848-build-bridge-get-over.html

[Cammo]

Sitting here on Moreton island on what is a rather average day weatherwise, so thought I'd browse the forum.

I bought two sets of maxtrax - in olive drab; one because it matches keswick green better than dayglo orange and two it doesn't scream "steal me" quite so loud.

I used them on the 130 once. Entirely my fault - tyres weren't low enough for a particular section of really soft sand and I found myself in the wrong gear as well. Maxtrax to the rescue. Popped straight out.

Also used them to shift a toe-rag (tourag?) that got itself stuck on middle road blocking access to the eastern side of the island for myself and about 8 other vehicles.

Also recovered a prado. The only time they haven't succeeded is with a triton that was sitting on it's belly. I am confident they would've worked, but it was snatched out by a disco as an alternative to digging and repositioning of tracks.

I guess you could say I am a fan.

[Loubrey]

GRP grating is something I've geen considering for a while.

Where did you purchase it from?

Xtreme,

Best bespoke ones on the market. These guys will make custom ones as well plus sell you a big sheet for a group/ club buy (major PITA to cut though!).

Grating FRP Australia - (http://www.gratingfrpaustralia.com.au/recreational-aids.html)

Horses for courses though and I've got a set of these to replace my old heavy "sand ladders" as per the Camel Trophy, but I have a set of Maxtrax as well for really muddy play days.

Cheers,

Lou

[clubagreenie]

If the WA rep is anything like the NSW one order now and by the time he gets around to dropping it off you'll have saved for it.

[Ranga]

If the WA rep is anything like the NSW one order now and by the time he gets around to dropping it off you'll have saved for it.

Maxtrax or GRP?

[clubagreenie]

GRP. Great product but...

[Loubrey]

If the WA rep is anything like the NSW one order now and by the time he gets around to dropping it off you'll have saved for it.

These guys' factory is WA based (Mandurah) and they've always been very friendly and helpful over here.

I must admit that I actually drove out to them and didn't have to rely on sales staff to place an order. Might be worth giving Ken Johnston a call and telling him about the lack of action over east.

They might even post you a set...

Cheers,

Lou

[Stuart02]

Has anyone tried XTM recovery tracks out, on sale now from BCF?

XTM Recovery Tracks - BCF (http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/XTM-Recovery-Tracks.aspx?pid=363029&menuFrom=571860#Recommendations)

[TheTree]

Has anyone tried XTM recovery tracks out, on sale now from BCF?

XTM Recovery Tracks - BCF (http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/XTM-Recovery-Tracks.aspx?pid=363029&menuFrom=571860#Recommendations)


They compare well to TRED if you believe this review !

MAXTRAX vs TRED (http://blog.mud-maps.com/blog/2013/category/max-trax-vs-tred)

[XDrive]

MaxTrax work really well as a bridging ladder. I have used two sets placed on top of each other to support a fully loaded Unimog U500 and also used them with ISUZU NP300 and Mitsubishi campers.

Yes they are a good product and yes there are instances where people insist on having their 'foot flat to the floor' and wheelspin, the same reason they got stuck in the first place. Yes this does melt the lugs and leaves a nice rubber layer behind as well. However a few choice words and they soon stop the wheelspinning and then drive out.

Like most things, if people are trained how to use them properly, they work.Positioning them correctly as well as doing some work with a spade or the reverse side of the MaxTrax beforehand, works wonders,

I have also used the rope tied to the MaxTrax to recovery them from soft sand and mud and also towed behind so I did not need to stop and recovery them. Again, an idea that works well in some situations and saves a lot of unnecessary stress.

The nice thing about a set pf MaxTrax is that they are a 'self-recovery' device and anything that is self recovery is a far safer method of recovery in my books.

Regards

XDrive

[ozscott]

Treds and Mt are similar although the Treds Pro range look the bomb. Treads will get you up the ledge as a bridge but should be supported_rock or wood but MT need support or will bend. Cheers

[Stuart02]

Thanks all, but the XTM are a third brand. It seems a nifty idea that they can be connected end to end. But I've never seen them in the flesh or know what they're made of or know anyone who's used them?

[Rextheute]

Stuart , can't help with your comparison ...but as it's coming up to eofy there will be deals .
If Ray's / super cheap / bcf do a 25 or 30 % off they will be cheaper than the compare product at approx $200 .
I will be waiting and pouncing on a set !

[Stuart02]

Stuart , can't help with your comparison ...but as it's coming up to eofy there will be deals .
If Ray's / super cheap / bcf do a 25 or 30 % off they will be cheaper than the compare product at approx $200 .
I will be waiting and pouncing on a set !

if only there were a way to get your tax return before the EOFY!!

[Landy Smurf]

I am about to do a solo trip on Fraser Island. I am thinking I will buy a set(pair) of MAXTRAX and as a back up cut up 2 milk crates.
I am just trying to decide what colour. I was thinking the olive colour to match the Perentie but I think it might be harder to find. So I think I will go for a bright colour; pink, green or blue

[Eevo]

I am about to do a solo trip on Fraser Island. I am thinking I will buy a set(pair) of MAXTRAX and as a back up cut up 2 milk crates.
I am just trying to decide what colour. I was thinking the olive colour to match the Perentie but I think it might be harder to find. So I think I will go for a bright colour; pink, green or blue


if you worried about losing them i the sand, just attach a rope to the maxtrax and the other end to your towbar, so you can drive off and "find them".

[Landy Smurf]

if you worried about losing them i the sand, just attach a rope to the maxtrax and the other end to your towbar, so you can drive off and "find them".

Thanks for the tip. I always carry rope so will add it when/if I use them.

[Eevo]

Thanks for the tip. I always carry rope so will add it when/if I use them.

ironically, ive never used my maxtrax. completely useless owning a landrover and maxtrax together.

[trout1105]

ironically, ive never used my maxtrax. completely useless owning a landrover and maxtrax together.

That is a very Valid point[thumbsupbig]

[weeds]

I am about to do a solo trip on Fraser Island. I am thinking I will buy a set(pair) of MAXTRAX and as a back up cut up 2 milk crates.
I am just trying to decide what colour. I was thinking the olive colour to match the Perentie but I think it might be harder to find. So I think I will go for a bright colour; pink, green or blue

If you’re buying a set just for fraser, swing by my place on the way...I have two set that I’ve never used.

I’ve carried them to fraser, Moreton, Teewah and North Straddie but haven’t got stuck. They gave me peace of mind when towing the camper.

Probably the hardest bit on fraser is the nagala rocks by-pass depending on how dry it it and how many are stuck in hiking the track up.....I’ve only went to the cape once and there was enough sand to drive straight up the beach so didn’t need the by-pass...funny thing was there were punters bogged on the by-pass while everybody else cruised passed.

Run 18psi and you should be right everywhere.....if you do bog down just stop before spinning tyres and reverse back down....I’ve never not been able to reverse back down a soft incline track.

Fraser is a cool place to visit....I think I read SSmith is about to hit fraser on his way to the 70th.

[Landy Smurf]

If you’re buying a set just for fraser, swing by my place on the way...I have two set that I’ve never used.

I’ve carried them to fraser, Moreton, Teewah and North Straddie but haven’t got stuck. They gave me peace of mind when towing the camper.

Probably the hardest bit on fraser is the nagala rocks by-pass depending on how dry it it and how many are stuck in hiking the track up.....I’ve only went to the cape once and there was enough sand to drive straight up the beach so didn’t need the by-pass...funny thing was there were punters bogged on the by-pass while everybody else cruised passed.

Run 18psi and you should be right everywhere.....if you do bog down just stop before spinning tyres and reverse back down....I’ve never not been able to reverse back down a soft incline track.

Fraser is a cool place to visit....I think I read SSmith is about to hit fraser on his way to the 70th.

Thanks Weeds.
I have been there 3 times before but always in convoy. I think for me it is more peace of mind too.
I was going to go 18psi at Inskip and I can always go down and up as I will have an air compressor.
I am only going for a few days so I don't know if I will get to the cape area.
My priorities are; Eli creek, Central station, Lake Mckenzie. I know these are the big tourist areas and that there are just as good if not better spots to go to. However, my girlfriend is coming and it will be her first time to Fraser Island.

I will be heading there on the Monday after the LR 70th. Who knows maybe some one else will be there too.
I have not booked any thing yet. I was planning on just doing the sand dunes camping. Do you still need to book for these? Any recommendations?

[weeds]

Thanks Weeds.
I have been there 3 times before but always in convoy. I think for me it is more peace of mind too.
I was going to go 18psi at Inskip and I can always go down and up as I will have an air compressor.
I am only going for a few days so I don't know if I will get to the cape area.
My priorities are; Eli creek, Central station, Lake Mckenzie. I know these are the big tourist areas and that there are just as good if not better spots to go to. However, my girlfriend is coming and it will be her first time to Fraser Island.

I will be heading there on the Monday after the LR 70th. Who knows maybe some one else will be there too.
I have not booked any thing yet. I was planning on just doing the sand dunes camping. Do you still need to book for these? Any recommendations?

Offer is still there to borrow them, and yes peace of mind and may come in handy to help others who are stuck blocking the track.

Beach camping is our preference, you now need to select a zone, the beach is broken up into zones. On our 10 day trip last year we moved around a fair bit staying in 5 or 6 different zones although rarely in the correct zone as booked but we set up late in the day and were packed up earlish the Rangers didn’t bother us.

If you’re setting up a base than a zone around the maheno is about right.

It’ll be school holidays when you are on the island......we are restricted to school holiday nearly all the time, it’s not as bad as most make it out to be.

[Landy Smurf]

I am limited to 3 nights so I think I will choose a few spots. Travelling and camping light, not sure yet whether to just tent it or buy a swag or sleep in the back.- I might have to take out the esky, storage box and fridge if we are both going to sleep in the back (I dont know if I am that keen on this option).

[trout1105]

The dome type double swags are easy and quick to set up and are very comfy as well, A much better option than tents or sleeping rough in the nack of the truck[thumbsupbig]
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