UTV cab enclosure for tracked vehicles?

I’m recognizing my need to upgrade my ATV to a tracked UTV. Most of our trips involve multiple family members or friends, and sitting on the back rack of the ATV isn’t cutting it any longer. Question for those who own a tracked UTV – should a person enclose the cab? I’ve seen plenty without the enclosure, but have also heard from some its extremely helpful with the amount of snow the tracks can kick up. I’ve been checking out the Polaris line, and to upgrade to their Northland HVAC edition is an extra $9,000.. basically more than I paid for my current 700 Griz just for the upgrade!

Any input on the topic is appreciated.

I would say you would want a cab. Are they necessary, no but it adds significantly to the comfort and by “multiple family members” I’m guessing you’re referring to kids. Then you’ll want to enclose it for sure. The HVAC edition is a little overkill IMO as it includes A/C, which you may want, but then you have to pay for it. I’ve been in some where they are just the canvas cabs and they seem to work fine. Could start there and after a few years you could upgrade to a hardside cab if you’d prefer. That would take away some of the sticker shock when you first upgrade to a UTV.

I have been in a tracked Gator quite a bit. Yes, it throws some snow at you but it isn’t terrible. The price of a full cab for a UTV is enough to steer many folks away, unless money is not an option. I have not personally owned a UTV with tracks, but even without tracks mine could kick snow up pretty good. If you like your Griz, the Vikings are really nice machines and worth a look.

Is there a way to get out of these cabs if they fall through the ice? These UTV’s weigh quite a bit and they do fall through the ice. I was just curious. I drive my truck with my windows down or the door open so I can get out if something happened.

I see people drive around in these enclosed UTV’s like they float. We had one a couple years ago go down in my area. The report said they couldn’t get out. Both died…

So back to my question, is there an easy way out designed in?

The ones I have been in have doors with handles. @pieeyed, I believe in the incident you are referring too the older one got out but passed trying to save the younger one.
DT

Thanks for the info Deertracker. I guess I’d be nervous to have the door some how blocked and then have no window to get out.

We have a Yamaha viking with an enclosed cab with heat and ac. It doesn’t have tracks because if the snow gets that deep we’ll take a sled out. I love the cab, I wish they came off in the summer easier for trail riding so you can feel the wind! They are really nice for on the ice though. We’ll worth it!

Would all depend on your set up as far as getting out of it. You can get power windows for some cab set ups, tip up front windshields, sliding rear window. Many options, some just cost more.

Appreciate the input. Quick access from the cab in the event it goes down was in my mind as well when I was viewing the doors. I’ve heard there’s some after market cab options available, so I’ll need to explore that as a potentially more cost-effective option over Polaris add-on’s.