A COMPLETE WALK AROUND AND REVIEW OF THE TRACKER EPS LE ATV

600 class ATVs are arguably the workhorse units of the industry, and they're found almost anywhere you look. From playing to working to pulling loads, these vehicles do almost anything.

This article will provide a thorough review of Tracker's edition of the 600 class of ATVs commonly found in the marketplace today. Here we'll break down the price, specifications, features, and performance of this unit. If you're considering the Tracker 600EPS LE, this article will share everything you need to know about it. Is this unit right for you? We'll explore the features, explain what they're for, and by the end of our journey, hopefully you'll acquire a great sense as to whether or not the Tracker 600EPS LE is a good fit for you and your needs.

Any quality ATV needs to be able to endure the tough, off-road conditions you’re probably used to trekking through. Previously, we provided some details about the Tracker 600’s frame, but there are several other features of the Tracker 600EPS LE that will impact your riding experience. In the following sections, we’ll discuss the Tracker 600EPS LE’s suspension, ground clearance, tires, traction, reversing, brakes, engine, engine braking system, and drivetrain.

The Tracker 600EPS LE features a Double-A-arm suspension with a full 9 inches of suspension travel, both front and back. Suspension travel is defined as the area where the shock and spring move to absorb the jolts from hitting holes and bumps, which equates to a much smoother ride. The Trackers 600EPS LE’s 9 inches of travel place it a cut above most other ATVs in the industry, including models from Polaris, Honda, and CanAm. So, why is a quality suspension system so important? Because it not only makes for a much smoother ride, but allows the ATV to be more stable and much easier to control. And the more you ride, the better it gets. Experienced riders know that a quality suspension system (including the shocks) has a break-in period, just like an engine. The ride of a new ATV will actually get a bit more comfortable after a few hours of operating time.

On the Tracker 600EPS LE, both the left and right suspension are fully independent, not only from the front to back but side to side. This equates to an amazingly smooth ride. There are even five-way adjustable shock absorbers on both the front and back, which allow you to customize your riding experience to fit your needs and preference. Tracker even provides a complementary tool for this. For instance, say you want to haul a heavier load. Then you would dial up the stiffness on the shocks using the provided tool. Simply jack up the front end and adjust to your desired setting: The higher setting increases pre-load and ride height to maintain ride quality when hauling more weight. The lower setting decreases pre-load, ensuring a smooth ride for normal operating conditions.

Most folks know that ATV stands for "all-terrain vehicle," so without question, during your ride it's important to clear obstacles such as rocks, logs, and ruts or ditches. That's why ground clearance is an essential feature to consider when choosing an ATV model. The higher the ground clearance, the more easily you go nearly anywhere without getting stuck, or "high centered.". The Tracker 600EPS LE is at the high end in available ground clearance relative to other brands, featuring 11.5 inches of clearance. In addition to offering one of the highest ground clearances available, Tracker adds full-length polymer skid plates to the underside of their ATVs to protect critical areas like the shaft and engine. When you're out in the roughest terrain, you need something to protect the bottom of your ATV. The Tracker 600EPS LE's polymer plates prevent corrosion and damage in elements that can range from water to mud to manure. In addition, if you do get high centered (and we've all been there), these plates help you slide off either forward or backward without damaging your unit. They also deflect rocks or sticks that might fly off the tires under the unit.

The Tracker 600EPS LE has general-purpose ATV tires that were designed to offer a great balance of stability and smooth ride, but also a relatively aggressive bite into soft or slippery dirt, mud, and snow. The tires’ tread pattern also helps shed excess mud or snow quickly, which helps you gain traction in slippery conditions. The front tires are 26 inches tall by 9 inches wide, and they’re mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels. The tires in the back are 2 inches wider because this adds traction and better balances the vehicle’s weight. All tires are mounted on a tough, powder-coated steel wheel that’s especially designed to absorb the bumps and jolts of ATV life.

The Tracker 600EPS LE is not only four-wheel drive (4WD) but can be switched from two-wheel drive (2WD) mode to four-wheel drive mode while you're still moving. Tracker calls this the RTS, or the "Rapid Traction System." On many ATVs out there, you may have to come to a complete stop before you can switch from 2WD to 4WD, but then you lose all your forward momentum. And if you're in deep snow or mud, you don't want to stop first. With the Tracker 600EPS LE, just briefly let off the throttle, flick the 2WD to 4WD lever (conveniently located right next to the throttle), and get back on the gas. The 4WD mode is nearly instantaneous, and you won't find that feature on every brand. Tracker's RTS gives you better control and preserves your momentum, which means there is less chance of getting stuck.

In addition to the RTS, the Tracker 600EPS LE features a Reverse Override switch—a yellow button located on the left-hand side. If you are in reverse, the Tracker 600EPS LE typically limits the RPMs, but the Reverse Override button removes the engine limiter circuit and allows for full RPM. This is important if you need to back out of a spot and need more power.

Because the brakes are hydraulic, you only need to use very little pressure with your fingers to make them work effectively. This eliminates the need to pull hard, as was the case with older ATVs with cable-pull systems. There is also a foot brake on the right side if you prefer to use that. In addition, the Tracker 600EPS LE exerts equal brake pressure on all four wheels, which increases the vehicle's overall stability. This makes it more predictable and safer for the operator.

Now let's review the engine. The Tracker 600EPS LE has a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, single-overhead-cam, gasoline engine with EFI, or electronic fuel injection. The Tracker 600EPS LE has closed loop EFI, meaning it has an exhaust sensor that constantly regulates the temperature and fuel mixture. This means it provides consistent throttle response, no matter where you drive it. EFI improves fuel economy, improves cold engine start, and even regulates fuel flow better at higher elevations.

The engine is a 600cc (measured in cubic centimeters), which can easily handle a wide variety of loads. It's simple to start, too. You simply ensure that you're in park, turn the key, put your foot on the brake, and press the start button. You don't have to be in park to start the vehicle, but it's highly recommended. Like most automobile engines these days, the Tracker 600EPS LE engine is liquid cooled. This means there is a radiator with fluid that is designed to keep the engine running safely in extreme temperatures and heavy working conditions. The single cam design of this engine means the cam shaft is situated over the engine's cylinder. The design uses fewer moving parts, gets better fuel economy, and has better torque in the low-end range, which is good for where most people use their ATVs. It may sound a bit complicated, but the bottom line is this: a simpler engine means increased longevity, with less parts to wear and less maintenance expense.

The Tracker 600EPS LE also has an engine braking system. Let's say you're heading down a steep incline. In this scenario, you don't need to do anything with the throttle; simply let off and the compression of the engine will slow the unit down and basically act like a brake. This means you can literally just let off the throttle and the ATV will slow down. Of course, you can apply the brakes, too, but often it's unnecessary. The Tracker 600EPS LE automatically keeps your speed under control in steep conditions. And when you're ready to pick up the pace, just gently squeeze the throttle and you're on your way.

The Tracker 600EPS LE engine is, of course, connected to what is called the "drivetrain," which delegates how the power of the motor is transferred to either two or all four wheels. The Tracker 600EPS LE uses the CVT type of drivetrain for this job. CVT stands for "constantly variable transmission," and these types of transmissions are commonly found in automobiles like the Toyota Prius or snow machines. The CVT is also known as a "shiftless" transmission. Basically, this means it automatically takes care of the shifting for you, and it's very smooth, providing power at every speed without the surge or pause you may be accustomed to from older units. The Tracker 600EPS LE transmission also continuously adjusts. If you add more throttle to speed up, the CVT adjusts to add more power to the wheels. The transmission can be set into high speed (H), low speed (L), neutral (N), reverse (R), and park (P). And when the Tracker 600EPS LE is set to park, this also acts as a parking brake for the unit, so it won't roll away on unlevel ground.

This is a question you may be asking yourself, and we hear it a lot. How fast will it go? When determining this, we need to consider that there are a lot of conditions that can affect your top speed. How much do you weigh? How much of a load are you carrying? What is the terrain? All of this and more can affect your top speed. (Also note that you should never ride a four-wheeler on pavement, so flat pavement is always a no go.) In our test, we found that on a flat dirt road in controlled conditions, we could get up to about 50 mph with the Tracker 600EPS LE.

There are faster ATVs out there, of course, so if pure speed is what you're looking for, this unit might not be right for you. On the other hand, when you consider the whole package, the Tracker 600EPS LE has a ton of features and still goes considerably fast. To learn more about "How fast will it go?" click here for an article all about speed.

This is another frequently asked question: How much weight can an ATV haul? Here's how the Tracker 600EPS LE checks out. The overall capacity is 515 pounds of load. Compare this to other brands and it's 30 pounds more than the Polaris 570. The front rack rates at 100 pounds, and the rear rack rates at 200 pounds. That leaves another 215 pounds for the rider and fuel. And take note, these are hardened steel racks that are mounted to the frame of this ATV. Because they are mounted to the actual frame, you can consider them rock solid. This level of durability and quality means zero compromises when you're hauling heavy loads.

Now, you never want to overload these racks, and the 600EPS LE might not be right for you if you want to haul really heavy loads, so carefully consider what your needs are. While 300 pounds of cargo would be a lot of stuff, add up your weight, the weight of fuel, and any accessories, and you can decide if this is enough. For most folks, it will be plenty.

The Tracker 600EPS LE is equipped with a 2-inch receiver mount. If you compare this with other brands, you'll find that some only offer a 1¼-inch mount. If you already have a trailer, you probably already have a 2-inch receiver hitch, which is great, because it slides in with ease and then you're ready to tow. The Tracker 600EPS LE can tow an impressive 1,050 pounds, and that makes it handy for various accessories like plow and trailer attachments.

The seat on the Tracker 600EPS LE is designed for comfort and won't sag over a period of time, due to the fact that it's made from durable foam. Some consider it a bit stiff at first, but it breaks in after a little bit of use. And it's comfortable for long rides, which is fitting, considering the Tracker 600EPS LE's generous travel suspension range. If you lift up the seat, you'll notice that it's connected by a sturdy stainless-steel fastener; other brands tend to use unreliable rubber grommets that can fail over time. Under the seat you'll find easy access to things like a small tool kit and the starting battery. While many other brands mount the battery under the body, where it can be difficult to get to, the Tracker 600EPS LE offers quick and easy battery access.

Operating temperatures are monitored by an air coolant intake temperature sensor, a coolant temperature sensor (which checks the radiator temperature), and a warning if things get too hot. Rounding out the digital gauge, you'll find a clock, high-beam headlight indicator, and battery voltage gauge.

The lighting system on the Tracker 600EPS LE includes dual LED taillights that are both running lights and brake lights. Up front there are dual halogen headlamps that feature a high and low-beam setting. These are very bright, which is especially helpful in really dark conditions far from city lights when afield at night.

Something that Tracker does is test every vehicle on their Test Track. They built this track to test off-road vehicles in crazy-tough conditions, so they know they're ready for the real world. From steep, to slippery, wet, and rocky, and other obstacles, it's like punishment for ATVs. So, how did the Tracker 600EPS LE check out?

First, Tracker tested out the 570 on steep conditions. The grade on the hill in their course is about 30 percent, which is considerably steep. The Tracker 600EPS LE
handled it with no problem. And on small "roly-poly" hills, the impressive ground clearance is very evident. Next, they hit an area that they like to call "Sloggy Bottom"—it's wet, muddy, and rocky, all in one. The Tracker 600EPS LE has no issues regardless of the terrain, wet or dry.

After this, the Tracker 600EPS LE hit a "waffle" course, to test the suspension and ride comfort. This specifically demonstrates the left- and right-side independent suspension and suspension travel of the Tracker 600EPS LE. It proves that as one tire is lifted up, the other three stay on the ground. Even on this obstacle, the stability and comfort offered by the Tracker 600EPS LE was a nice surprise and felt great and under control.

Last but not least, coming over the downhill side of that steep grade, the engine braking worked great and kept the vehicle slow and under control. The overall handling felt crisp and responsive, and the shocks of bumps didn't transmit into riders' arms, no matter how rough things got. Away from the test course, Tracker took the 600EPS LE through woodlands and around a large farm. At higher speeds, the rider still felt totally confident in its handling characteristics. On every kind of surface Tracker could find, this ATV proved itself worthy.

Overall, Tracker gave this 600EPS LE high marks across the board, no matter the terrain. It performed just as well and, in many cases, even better than competitive units that literally cost $2,000 more.

This review would not be complete with a nod toward a feature you might have thought of—the warranty. While this unit appears to be well constructed, out of solid materials and tight tolerances, there is still a full 12-month factory warranty on the Tracker 600EPS LE. Compare that to just 6 months from some manufacturers. And now Tracker Off Road offers an extended warranty with coverage of up to five additional years on the Tracker 600EPS LE. Plus, you can get this warranty service at Authorized Tracker Off Road dealers, backed by the quality and trust of names like Textron, Tracker, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela's. Be sure you consider that as you check out the various ATVs in this class.

Yes, let's review two accessory packages for the Tracker 600EPS LE. Tracker offers a Winter Package that comes with a Plow Push frame and frame mount, a 66-inch steel plow blade, and a deluxe thumb and finger warmer kit for those cold winter days spent plowing. Tracker also offers a Connected Kit including Tread GPS and install kit.

The Tracker 600EPS LE is a great-looking rig with a ton of features that make it one to consider for work or play. The Tracker 600EPS LE might be right for you if you're looking for an all-around ATV for playing off-road, working around the farm, hunting, and many other uses.

However, the Tracker 600EPS LE might not be right for you if you're looking to bring a passenger along with you, or if you want to haul heavier or bigger loads or tow even heavier accessories. For those needs, you should seriously consider a side-by-side unit like the Tracker 800SX or 800SX Crew. To learn more about these, click here  https://www.trackeroffroad.com/side-by-side/tracker-800sx.html

For walkaround reviews of all Tracker Off Road vehicles see the Tracker Off Road YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEoztUR1Uek_JlG5F7glNQ

No question, the Tracker 600EPS LE is a loaded unit, and if you're looking for an ATV that can get the job done at a price that beats almost any other brand, this may be the perfect fit for your needs. But as always, if you're not sure, stop by a Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, or authorized Tracker Off Road dealer and check it out for yourself. After all, seeing is believing. The Tracker Off Road dealer network continues to grow, so the best way to find your nearest dealer is to visit https://www.trackeroffroad.com/find-a-dealer.html. On that page, organized by state, you'll find nearly 200 dealer locations, including more than 125 Bass Pro/Cabela's Boating and ATV Centers.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this walkaround and review of the Tracker 600EPS LE.  Be safe on, and off-road.