A powerful side-by-side can be used to transport equipment, pull supplies and manage demanding trails. A few feet of snow or flooded ground could place everything on hold.
Sometimes it’s not the horsepower that can cause issues. Tires may not be able of distributing the weight evenly or provide enough traction for the machine to advance.
UTV tracks are also worthwhile to consider. UTV tracks change how your vehicle interacts with its surroundings, making it possible to get into areas otherwise difficult to access due to winter or mud.
Traction Isn’t the Same as Flotation
Although aggressive tires can improve grip, the overall weight of the vehicle is still confined into four rather small spaces.
UTV track system spreads that burden over a larger area. This decreases the pressure in the ground, which helps the machine to travel on hard snow, soft terrain and muddy terrains, without sinking.
Practical work requires a shift. The owner of a property may need to walk near a fence that is distant after snow. Farmers may have to walk across wet pastures without creating deep ruts. Someone who manages rural trails might need reliable access in the springtime thaw. Tracks can help in completing these tasks while also reducing the impact on the terrain.
Your machine will determine the best system for you
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net provides four different systems from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed for larger side-by sides of 1000cc or more, while the Camso 4S1 covers many full-size 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 starting places, and not a guarantee of the quality of the product. Make sure you know the model, make and year of your car prior to purchasing side-by-side tracks. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the specific machine. Even vehicles that look identical may require different hardware.
Better Access Means Trade-offs
Tracks make it easier to access the terrain, but they won’t make a UTV faster or cheaper to operate. Some manufacturers’ planning figures indicate that certain systems could decrease the speed of travel by up to 30% to 35% compared to tires. Additional weight and resistance from rotating also increase fuel consumption and place additional demands on the drivetrain.
Utilizing low range in extreme or heavy conditions, limiting sustained speed, and following the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer can aid in managing these requirements.
Rubber tracks wear more quickly when they are continuously used on abrasive gravel or pavement. They are more effective on right terrain, even though they’re made to be used during multiple seasons.
Budget Units Above the Track
A quality side-by-side track system is a significant investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems begin with a cost of $6,000 and increase to $13,000 depending on their design.
The track units themselves are not the entire installation. Specific mounting components for your vehicle, anti-rotation hardware, and possibly additional hubs, spacers, or parts could be required. Buyers are advised to verify the full list of components prior to placing an order instead of assuming that the advertised starting price covers all of the components.
Purchase according to the Terms You Are Subject to
When a tracker is the best option to solve an issue that is recurring, it makes sense.
Tracks can be beneficial if your side-byside is regularly in deep snow, muddy fields, marshy terrain, or other difficult conditions. For occasional recreational use on trails with firm surfaces, the additional expense and maintenance could be more difficult to justify.
ATVtracks.net has spent more than two decades helping car owners choose track systems, install and maintain track systems. Their team can confirm compatibility and determine elements required for a specific vehicle.
Before investing, consider the frequency at which your machine is stuck, what terrain causes the problem, and whether improvements in flotation could be beneficial.
Tracks can’t eliminate all terrain limitations, but they will transform a side by side that is idle in difficult conditions into a machine that you can use when it matters most.