A powerful side-byside can transport equipment, carry supplies and navigate difficult trails. A few feet of snow or waterlogged ground could put everything on hold.
It’s not always the engine’s horsepower that is causing issues. Sometimes, the tires can’t evenly distribute the weight of the machine or gain enough traction make the machine move forward.
That’s when UTV tracks can be considered. UTV tracks change how your vehicle interacts with the environment and allow you to access areas that would be otherwise inaccessible due to winter conditions or mud.
Traction isn’t the same as Flotation.
While aggressive tires can improve grip, they also place the weight of a vehicle in four tiny zones.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a much larger footprint. This helps reduce pressure on the ground and helps the machine travel over deep snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as quickly.
It is crucial to understand the difference in order to make sense of it. An owner of a property may need to reach a distant fence following snowfall. Farmers may need to cross a pasture that is wet, without leaving deep ruts. Someone who manages rural trails might need reliable access throughout the spring freeze. Tracks can make these jobs easier while also reducing the impact on the terrain.
Your machine will identify the best system for you
Not all tracks for UTVs are built for identical vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net offers four different tracks by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed for larger side-by-sides of 1000cc and above, 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 merely starting points, but they are not guaranteed to good quality. Before purchasing side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s model, make and year. Even similar machines might require different mounting hardware.
Better Access Comes With Trade-Offs
Tracks could improve access, however they don’t make UTVs more affordable or quicker to use. Certain manufacturers’ plans show that certain systems can slow down the speed of travel by up to 30% to 35% compared to tires. Additional weights that rotate and resistance also increase the fuel consumption of vehicles and put additional strain on their drivetrain.
As per the advice of the manufacturer following the manufacturer’s advice, use a low range when driving in high or deep conditions, and limiting your speed can help you manage these demands.
Rubber tracks wear out faster in the event that they are constantly used on gravel or pavement that is abrasive. While the systems currently in use are designed for all seasons, they perform best when placed on a suitable terrain.
Budget Units that go beyond the Track
Side by side track systems can be a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems begin at a price of $6,000 and increase to $13,000 depending upon their design.
The track units aren’t the whole installation. It is possible that you will require specific mounting components and anti-rotational hardware. In addition additional hubs or spacers may be required. Buyers must verify the complete list of parts prior to ordering instead of thinking that the advertised price includes all of the components.
Purchase the items that You Actually Face
It makes sense to implement a track system when you want to solve a persistent problem.
If you frequently find yourself in deep snow, muddy meadows wet ground, or other challenging conditions during the season, trails can assist your side-by-side complete more of the work. For those who only enjoy occasional use with trails that are well-maintained the cost of additional maintenance might be difficult to justify.
ATVtracks.net is an organization that has been helping owners for more than a decade to install, select and maintain track systems. Its team is able to confirm compatibility and determine components needed for a specific vehicle.
Think about how often you are stuck on your machine, the environment that causes it and whether improved flotation could have a major impact.
Tracks will not be able to erase all obstacles to terrain however, they can transform a side by side that’s in idle conditions into a machine you can utilize when it is needed the most.