A powerful side-bys-side can move equipment, transport supplies as well as tackle challenging trails. A few feet of snow or waterlogged ground could put everything in a bind.
It’s not always the engine’s horsepower that is causing problems. Sometimes, the tires just don’t distribute the machine’s weight or find enough traction to progress forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change how the vehicle is able to interact with the ground, allowing drivers to access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible during the winter months or during mud season.
Traction and Flotation Do Not Mean the Same Thing
Aggressive tires may improve grip, but they concentrate the vehicle’s weight into the four areas of contact that are very small.
UTV track systems distribute that weight across a greater area. This helps reduce pressure on the ground and assists the machine to traverse deep snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as easily.
It is vital to be aware of the difference in order to make sense of it. The owner of a property may have to come close to a fence quite far after sleet. A farmer may have to cross a pasture that is wet and not leave deep ruts. Someone who manages trails for the rural environment may require access throughout the spring freeze. Tracks can help control these jobs and also protect sensitive ground.
Your machine will determine the appropriate system for you.
Not all tracks designed for UTVs are designed for identical cars or different workloads. ATVtracks.net carries four systems from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed to be used with larger side-by-sides that are 1000cc and more, whereas the Camso 4S1 has a wide range of 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 just starting points, but they are not guaranteed to the quality of the product. Find out the year, manufacturer, and model of your car before purchasing side by side tracks. The mounting kit needs to match the exact vehicle as even vehicles that are similar will require different hardware.
There are trade-offs in favor of more accessibility
Tracks are an excellent way to improve accessibility, but don’t make UTVs speedier or cost-effective. According to the manufacturer’s plans, some systems can reduce the speed of travel by 30 to 35% when compared with tires. The added weight and resistance to rotation increase the amount of fuel consumed and add additional stress on the drivetrain.
Use low range when in heavy or severe conditions, restricting speeds sustained, and observing the instructions of the vehicle manufacturer will help to manage the needs.
Rubber tracks will also wear out faster If you continue to use them on an abrasive surface, such like pavement or gravel. Although current systems are designed to work in all seasons, they’re most effective when used on appropriate terrain.
Budget Units that go beyond the Track
Side-by-side track systems can be a substantial investment. The track systems provided by ATVtracks.net have starting prices ranging roughly from $6,000 to $13,000, depending on their design and use.
However these track units aren’t necessarily the whole installation. It is possible that you will require specific mounting parts and anti-rotational hardware. Furthermore other hubs, spacers, or spacers could be required. Before purchasing, purchasers should check the complete components list and do not believe that the price is inclusive of everything.
Buy to the Conditions You Face
A track system makes most sense when improved access solves a recurring problem.
If your side-by-side is frequently in contact with deep snow swamps, muddy pastures or marshy terrain, or challenging weather conditions, trails could enhance the work it can achieve. For those who only enjoy occasional use on firm trails the cost of additional maintenance may be harder to justify.
ATVtracks.net is an organization that has assisted owners for more than 20 years to select, install and maintain track systems. Its team is able to confirm compatibility, and identify components needed for a specific vehicle.
Examine the frequency your machine gets stuck in the ground, the conditions that are creating it, and whether an improved flotation system would be beneficial.
The correct tracks can’t remove every terrain limitation however, they can transform a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult conditions into equipment you can keep using in the times when accessibility is crucial.