Patents & Technology

Patented Features

Our pontoons really are like no others due to patented features that give you a specific advantage in both performance and safety.

Recessed Track Technology

Wetland Equipment incorporates a unique recessed track system into their amphibious undercarriages. This design prevents debris and obstructions from penetrating the pontoons. Wetland’s uniquely designed channels allow the track chains and wear pads to glide through easily, without interference from outside debris.

Over the years, our designs have evolved to adapt to different terrains based on our customers’ unique needs. The recessed track system keeps the amphibious equipment as light as possible by shedding accumulated mud and debris. This helps Wetland Equipment’s products achieve the highest level of floatation on the market.

Push Ram Adjustment

Wetland Equipment designed a proven system for track chain adjustment. The push ram system is the easiest and safest way to adjust track chain. Simply loosen 1 jam nut then adjust with back nut. This process can be done from the top or bottom of the machine. This allows low downtime and easy maintenance checks for operators.

We have a total of 36 inches of adjustment space. We use bearings, which allow the axels to rotate smoothly, which prevents friction and wear on track chain.

Knuckle Bottom

Wetland Equipment designed a patented feature called the knuckle bottom, which allows 360 turning. Wetland designed this to allow each machine to operate just like a land track machine. No need to use boom and arm to turn or maneuver, with Wetland Equipment’s oversized drive system, turning is effortless and easy.

Pontoon Size

One of the biggest advantages Wetland Equipment has over the competition is the size of the pontoons. Wetland engineers have taken the minimum amount of floatation need and added an additional 20% more floatation.

Wetland Equipment has the only equipment that can float and travel at the same time. Wetland has designed each amphibious excavator to operate just like on land tracks and has taken out any limitations to the equipment. Check the Excavators and Carriers specifications sheet and see the sizes of our equipment.

Designed To Fit

In the construction phase, everything is cut out prior to any welding. Each piece fits perfectly, and due to the drafting and engineering, any part can be reproduced, or the whole amphibious undercarriage, so that it replaces the old one exactly. The channels are not heated and bent to conform to the pontoon bottoms either; instead, they are computer rolled to fit exactly when welded into place, thereby retaining temper and abrasive resistance. This should be a very important considerations for prospective clients knowing that what they are purchasing is not being built in someone’s back yard.

Chain and Cleat Design

Wetland's cleat and Recess Track design eliminates mud buildup, increases chain life, and avoids track jumping and downtime. Three inches of mud and debris accumulations on top of the pontoon can add 10,000 lbs. to the system, reducing flotation and chain life.

Pontoon Size

We build the largest pontoons available. Our pontoons will float with lots of freeboard. This is best when going from mud/swamp to water. With the extra flotation, all you have to do is track into the water and they will clean themselves. With other competitive pontoons that have less buoyancy, you may have to carry a water pump on the equipment to clean the pontoons each time before entering the water.

Pontoon Rake

Competitive pontoons have a very little slope (rake) in front or rear. They require excavator or winch assistance when climbing a steep bank/levee causing environmental damage as well as wasted operator time. Wetland's long slope design allows the entering and exiting of canals and rivers without assistance or damage to either bank.