A sturdy side by side can haul equipment, pull supplies and manage demanding trails. One stretch of deep snow or waterlogged ground can cause everything to stop.
Sometimes it’s not the engine’s horsepower that is causing problems. Tires may not be able distribute weight evenly or provide enough grip to allow the machine to move forward.
This is when UTV tracks are considered. They change how the vehicle is able to interact with the ground allowing owners access to areas that may otherwise remain inaccessible when it’s winter or mud season.
Traction Isn’t the Same as Flotation
Although aggressive tires can improve grip, the weight of the vehicle is still confined in four small areas.
UTV track systems spread this weight over a larger footprint. This helps reduce pressure on the ground and assists the machine to traverse deep snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as easily.
The difference is important for practical purposes. After a snowfall, a property owner might have to reach an adjacent fence. A farmer might have to traverse a wet pasture without creating deep ruts. It could be essential for someone who maintains trails in rural areas to have reliable access during the spring freeze. Tracks make the job more manageable while reducing the potential for damage to soils that are sensitive.
What Machine Do You Have? Identify the best system for you.
Not all tracks for UTVs are built for identical vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net has four different systems from Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed to accommodate larger side-by-sides with a capacity of 1000cc and higher, while the Camso 4S1 is a full-size version of machines in approximately 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 not guarantees that the tracks will fit. Before purchasing side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s make, model, and year. The installation kit should precisely match the vehicle. Even vehicles that look similar can need different hardware.
There are trade-offs that can be made for greater access
Tracks increase accessibility, but they do not make a UTV more efficient or less expensive to operate. Some manufacturers’ planning figures reveal that certain systems reduce the speed of travel by 30% or more in comparison to tires. The added weight and resistance to rotation increase the amount of fuel consumed and put additional strain on the drivetrain.
The demands of these vehicles can be regulated through the use of low range, limiting sustained speeds, and following guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer.
Rubber tracks also wear faster when operated continuously on gravel or abrasive surfaces. While the present tracks were developed to be used throughout the year but their efficiency is greatest when used on the right terrain.
Budgets Beyond the Track Units
High-quality side by side track systems can be a major investment. ATVtracks.net offers systems with prices starting from $6,000 to $13,000 based on the design and intended use.
But, the track units aren’t always the entire system. Additional components like mounting hardware for your car and anti-rotation equipment, as well hub or spacers could be required. Buyers should confirm the complete list of parts prior to ordering instead of believing that the price advertised for starting will cover all of the components.
Purchase to cover the conditions You Actually Have to Face
If a tracker is the most effective solution to an issue that is coming back, it makes sense.
If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow or muddy pastures, wet ground, or difficult weather conditions, trails could enhance the work it can do. The additional cost and maintenance of tracks might not be worth it for occasional recreational use.
ATVtracks.net has been around for more than two decades assisting owners to select track systems, install and maintain track systems. The company’s staff can confirm compatibility and determine elements required for a specific vehicle.
Be aware of the times you get stuck on your machine, and the conditions that cause it, and whether improved flotation could significantly improve your experience.
The proper tracks may not be able to eliminate all terrain limitations but they can help turn a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult conditions into a piece of equipment you can keep using in the times when accessibility is crucial.