MAXTRAX

4x4 Recovery System

Far too many people are injured and potentially killed each year in unnecessary four-wheel-drive recovery incidents. This is due to a combination of lack of expertise and training, as well as the inadequacy of the 4WD industry’s traditional legacy equipment. Non-systemised, poorly made, metal-based recovery equipment is placed under great stress, resulting in various forms of high-speed. The solution is a world-first Recovery “System” product line. This innovative and cohesive system of components works in unison to protect the equipment from misuse, the vehicles from damage, and, most importantly, the operators and bystanders from harm.

CDG Scope of Work

Industrial design, packaging design, project management, new product development, testing & QC system development, prototype manufacturing management, mass production supply chain management.

About MAXTRAX

Brad McCarthy devised the idea for MAXTRAX in 2001 after a particularly stressful incident on a remote north Queensland beach where he almost lost his bogged vehicle to the incoming tide, despite being equipped with all of the traditional recovery equipment. Brad's passion for the Australian bush, exploration and adventure sent him out, often solo throughout Queensland, to research bush tracks and locations to feature in his guide books. Due to Brad's experience, ingenuity and "hands-on" research, the idea of an alternative and innovative vehicle recovery device that was safe, simple, quick and easy to use eventually came to fruition in the form of MAXTRAX.

All In One

Traditionally, 4WD owners would buy a range of products to form their own vehicle recovery kit, and no other manufacturer has taken steps to develop a cohesively designed recovery system. Created by thought leaders and 4WD experts, it takes the guesswork out of organising the necessary equipment for novices. The system provides excellent supporting information and the suite of products work together to ensure safe and effective operation in the bush or on the beach. The MAXTRAX Recovery System was created through continuous and rigorous engagement and collaborative consultation with Australia's leading 4WD Driving Instructions.

Design Language

Every product in the Recovery System is visually resolved and perfectly aligned in terms of brand language and CMF. The system components are visually cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, and presents perceived value to match the high performance value.

Thecomprehensive system includes MAXTRAX:

-Next Gen Shackles (Fuse and Core)
-Hitch 50 Tow Bar Insert 
-Winch Ring 120 
-2/3/5/10m Kinetic Ropes (30% stretch)
-Rope Dampener that tethers to the loops of the ropes
-30m Winch Rope (with Polymer Eye/no metal)
-3/5m and 10m Static Ropes
-Specialist Recovery Kit Carry Bag
-Combination Kits (Beach and Bush Kits pre packed in Carry Bag)

Tried + Tested

Comprehensive destruction testing of vehicle and MAXTRAX Recovery System components was completed in the R&D phase. Because of the critical safety requirements of the products in this system, an exhaustive supply chain search and audit process was conducted resulting in MAXTRAX partnering with world-class manufacturers to ensure the best and most repeatable quality. Given Australia's global leadership in OH&S, rigging, and testing laboratories, MAXTRAX has contracted with local QC laboratories to scan and check all metal alloy components supplied to market from the recovery system.

Market Success

 The MAXTRAX Recovery System has received rave reviews, acceptance, demand, and, ultimately, market success since its debut! The Bush and Beach Kits are popular with new 4WD drivers while more experienced drivers supplement their kits with specific MAXTRAX products as needed. The MAXTRAX Recovery System has also been incorporated into private businesses and government agencies alongside their MAXTRAX Recovery Tracks.  The MAXTRAX Winch Ring and the MAXTRAX Hitch 50 have both garnered coveted SEMA selection awards on a product-by-product basis, as well as a Good Design Australia Award in 2022.