Triton Predator

The Triton Predator is an eight-wheel-drive amphibious all-terrain vehicle built by Triton All-Terrain Inc. of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was designed mainly for industrial users, as well as heavy-duty recreational use, in snow, mud, brush, marshland, rivers and lakes all year round.

Design

Unlike conventional amphibious ATVs, which steer by braking the wheels on one side, the Predator uses a hydrostatic drive: Eaton variable-displacement pumps feed Eaton Char-Lynn hydraulic motors that drive each side independently, even in opposite directions, so it can turn on the spot. Final drive to the wheels is by double roller chain. The hydraulics also act as the brakes, so no separate disc brakes are needed. The makers stressed the use of readily available components to cut maintenance costs.

The engine is mid-mounted for balance and flotation: a 1.5 litre four-cylinder Kubota diesel, either naturally aspirated (37.5 hp) or turbocharged (46.5 hp). The body has a rotomoulded cross-linked polyethylene lower tub and skid pan with a vacuum-formed polyethylene top, carried on a light steel twin frame that surrounds the occupants. It seats six and carries 1,000 lb (454 kg) on land or 600 lb (272 kg) afloat. Top speed on land is 35 km/h. It is 3.0 m long, 1.52 m wide across the body and weighs 952 kg.

Options included 42 cm wide rubber tracks, a winch, a cab, a snow plough, a bilge pump and an outboard motor mount.