A powerful side-by-side can haul equipment, pull supplies, and navigate difficult trails. A few inches of waterlogged or deep snow can halt all other equipment.
The majority of problems are not caused by the horsepower. Sometimes, the tires just don’t spread the load of the machine or get enough traction to make the machine move forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They alter the way that a vehicle is able to interact with the ground allowing owners access to areas that may otherwise be difficult to access during the winter months or during mud season.
Traction is not the same as Flotation
Aggressive tires can increase grip, however they place the vehicle’s weight in the four areas of contact that are very small.
UTV track systems spread that weight over a larger footprint. This decreases the pressure on the ground. It also assists the machine to traverse deep snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as quickly.
It is important to know the difference to be able to use it for practical purposes. An owner of a property might have to get close to a fence not accessible after sleet. A farmer might need to travel through a pasture that is muddy without causing deep ruts. Anyone who is responsible for maintaining trails on rural land might require reliable access to the trail during the spring thaw. Tracks can facilitate these tasks, while reducing the damage to sensitive terrain.
Your machine will help you determine the right system for you
Not all tracks designed for UTVs are built for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net provides four different systems from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is intended to accommodate larger side-by-sides with a capacity of 1000cc and higher, while the Camso 4S1 covers many full-size machines that fall within the 400-1000cc range.
The Kimpex HD4 supports machines within its published capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, while the Kimpex WSS4 follows its own manufacturer-specific compatibility list.
These categories are merely starting points, not guarantees of good quality. Before buying side by side tracks, verify your vehicle’s make, model, and year. The mounting kit needs to match the exact vehicle as even vehicles that are similar will require different hardware.
There are trade-offs that can be made for greater accessibility
Tracks increase accessibility, but they don’t make a UTV faster or cheaper to run. According to the manufacturer’s planning data, some systems can reduce the speed of travel by 30 to 35 percent in comparison to tires. A higher amount of resistance and weight to rotate will also consume more fuel and place additional demands on the drivetrain.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines Use a lower range of speed for driving in heavy or difficult conditions, as well as limiting your speed can assist you in managing these conditions.
Rubber tracks will wear faster If you keep them in use on an abrasive surface such as asphalt or gravel. They perform better on the proper terrain, even though they are designed for use in all seasons.
Budget that is beyond the Track Units
Top-quality side-by-side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems begin with a cost of $6,000 and can go up to $13,000 based on their design.
The track unit isn’t always the entire system. Other parts like the mounting hardware to your vehicle, anti-rotation hardware and hub or spacer parts could be needed. The entire list of components must be verified prior to the purchase is made.
Purchase under the conditions that You Actually Facing
A track system makes the most sense when better access resolves problems that are frequently recurring.
If you frequently find yourself in deep snow, muddy meadows marshy grounds, or difficult weather conditions, tracks can assist your side-by-side to accomplish more. The cost and maintenance of tracks might not be worth it for recreational use on a regular basis.
ATVtracks.net is an established company which has been assisting owners for more than a decade to choose, install and maintain track systems. Its experts verify compatibility and determine the components required to be used on a vehicle.
Before investing, think about the frequency at which your machine is stuck, the reason for the issue, and if improvements in flotation could make a meaningful difference.
The right tracks will not completely eliminate all terrain limitations. But they can change an old side-by-side sitting idle during tough conditions into a piece of equipment that you can use in the times when accessibility is crucial.