A powerful side-byside can pull equipment, haul supplies and navigate difficult trails. One stretch of deep snow or a muddy ground could bring everything to a stop.
It’s not always about horsepower. The issue isn’t always horsepower.
This is the time that UTV tracks are considered. They change how the vehicle is able to interact with the ground, and allow owners to access areas that would otherwise be difficult to access during the winter months or during mud season.
Traction and Flotation Do Not Mean the Same
Agri-friendly tires can enhance grip, however they make the car’s weight a focus in four small contact areas.
UTV track systems distribute that weight across a much larger footprint. This helps reduce pressure on the ground and aids the machine in traversing deep snow, soft soil and muddy terrain, without sinking as quickly.
Practical work requires a shift. An owner of a property may need to reach a distant fence after snowfall. A farmer may have to walk through a wet pasture without making deep ruts. It might be necessary to someone who has a the rural trails to have dependable access during the spring freeze. Tracks can help ease the burden while also reducing the impact on sensitive terrain.
Your machine will decide the appropriate system for you.
Some UTV tracks are not designed for the same type of vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net includes four systems that come from Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is specifically designed for full-size side-by-sides that are in the 400-1000cc size 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 do not provide any guarantee that the tracks will work. Check the year, model and model of your vehicle before buying side by sides tracks. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the exact model as even vehicles that are similar might require different equipment.
Better Access is a result of trade-offs
Tracks are a great way to increase accessibility, however they don’t make UTVs speedier or cost-effective. Certain manufacturers’ plans indicate that certain systems could decrease the speed of travel by up to 30% to 35% compared to tires. The added rotating weight and resistance increases the amount of fuel consumed, and puts more demands on drivetrains.
Following the manufacturer’s advice to use low range when driving through heavy or deep conditions, and restricting your speed can aid you in managing these stresses.
Rubber tracks wear faster if you use them continuously on abrasive surfaces such as pavement or gravel. Although current systems are designed for all seasons, they perform best when used on appropriate terrain.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Quality side by side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000 depending upon their design.
The track unit is not always the entire system. Specific mounting components for your vehicle including anti-rotation equipment, possibly additional hubs, spacers, or components may be needed. Buyers should verify the complete list of parts prior to ordering instead of thinking that the advertised price will cover all of the components.
Buy for the Conditions You Actually Face
Track systems make the most sense when better access resolves the issue that is frequently encountered.
Tracks are useful if your side-byside is regularly confronted with deep snow, muddy fields, areas of marshy terrain, or any other conditions that are difficult. If you use your side-by-side for recreational purposes on trails that are firm the cost of maintenance could not be justified.
ATVtracks.net has spent more than 20 years helping people choose track systems, install and maintain track systems. Its team can help confirm that the system is compatible and can identify the components needed for a specific vehicle.
Take note of how often you’re stuck with your machine, and the terrain that causes it and if a better flotation system will be a big difference.
The right tracks won’t eliminate every terrain limitation, but they can turn an idle side-by-side in difficult terrain into equipment that you can use in the times when accessibility is crucial.