Is Commander the same company as Kimpex?
Commander is Kimpex’s ATV and UTV track-system brand, not a separate company. Kimpex was founded in 1967 in Drummondville, Quebec, created Commander in 2005, and shipped the first Commander tracks in 2006. Commander is owned and distributed exclusively by Kimpex, which is why you will see the systems listed either way — "Kimpex HD4" and "Commander HD4" are the same product.
Which Kimpex Commander system fits my ATV or UTV?
It comes down to the make, model and year of your machine and the adapter Kimpex publishes for it. The broad split is straightforward: the WS4 is ATV only, the WSS4 is UTV only, and the HD4 is for compatible heavy-duty side-by-sides. Beyond that, fitment is specific — run your machine through the fitment tool on this page, or call us and we will confirm the system and the mounting components before you order.
What is the difference between the HD4, WSS4 and WS4?
Frame, footprint and the size of machine each is built for. The HD4 is the heavy-duty system: a single-piece cast aluminium frame, 2,710 sq in of flotation surface and 13.6-inch front / 15-inch rear tracks, with visual tension indicators. The WSS4 is the all-around UTV system on a tubular steel frame with 2,430 sq in and 12.5/14-inch tracks. The WS4 is the ATV system, also tubular steel, at 2,045 sq in and 11.5/13-inch tracks. One number worth reading carefully: Kimpex rates the HD4 for machines up to 4,000 lb. That is the weight of the vehicle the system is fitted to, not a payload or towing figure — for what your machine can carry or pull, go by the vehicle manufacturer’s own limits, which tracks do not raise.
Can Commander tracks be used outside of snow?
Yes — current Commander systems are designed as all-season equipment, and the product data covers snow, mud, marshland, sand, gravel and dirt roads. What shortens a rubber track’s life is sustained running on hard, abrasive surfaces such as pavement, and sustained high speed. Crossing a road is normal; commuting on one is not what the system is for.
Does a Kimpex track system include the mounting hardware?
A complete install is the track system plus a vehicle-specific adapter or attachment kit, front and rear anti-rotation components, and on some machines additional spacers or hardware. What is included with a given order depends on the system and your machine, so check the product page for the system you are considering, or call us and we will confirm the full parts list against your exact vehicle before you order. It is the single most common thing customers are surprised by.
How much speed will I lose after installing Commander tracks?
Kimpex publishes an average speed loss of about 30% for the HD4 and about 35% for the WSS4 and WS4 compared with tires. Those are averages for planning, not specifications — the real figure depends on your machine, its gearing, the load and the ground you are on. Expect to run in low range in deep conditions.
Do Commander tracks increase ground clearance?
Yes, and Kimpex publishes a figure per system: about 6 inches for the HD4, about 5.5 inches for the WSS4 and about 5 inches for the WS4. Because the increase depends on your machine as well as the system, treat these as the published averages and check the specification on the product page for the system you are considering.
Where can I find replacement parts for an older Commander system?
Start with the model and, if the system has one, the serial number — that is what turns into the correct exploded diagram so you can order the individual component. Older Commander systems often still have serviceable parts available even when the system itself is discontinued. If the markings are worn off or the system predates the lookup, call us with photos and we can usually identify it.
