A powerful side by side can haul equipment, pull items and handle difficult trails. A stretch of snowy or wet ground could put everything in a bind.
Many problems are not caused by power. The problem isn’t always about horsepower.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change how the vehicle is able to interact with the ground allowing owners to get into areas that would otherwise be 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 remains consolidated into four relatively small areas.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a wider footprint. This decreases the pressure in the ground and allows the vehicle to move over hard snow, soft terrain and muddy terrains, without sinking.
The distinction can be crucial to practical tasks. An owner of a property might need to be close to a fence that is far away after sleet. Farmers may have to traverse a wet pasture without causing deep ruts. One who maintains rural trails might need reliable access throughout the spring freeze. Tracks can make these jobs more manageable while reducing the potential for damage to soils that are sensitive.
The right system is dependent on Your Machine
Not all UTV tracks are made for the same car or for the same load. ATVtracks.net provides four different systems from Camso as well as Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed to be full-size side-by sides in the 400 to 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 are merely an idea of where to start, not a guarantee of fit. Before purchasing side by sides tracks, verify your vehicle’s make, model and year. Similar machines may require different mounting hardware.
Better Access Comes With Trade-Offs
Tracks improve access, but they don’t make a UTV quicker or more affordable to run. Certain manufacturers’ plans demonstrate that certain systems slow down the speed of travel by 30 to 35 percent compared with tires. The added weight and resistance to rotation also increase fuel consumption and add additional stress on the drivetrain.
Following the manufacturer’s advice following the manufacturer’s advice, use a low range for driving in heavy or difficult conditions, as well as restricting your speed can aid you in managing these stresses.
Rubber tracks can wear out faster when operated continuously on gravel or abrasive surfaces. They are more effective on appropriate terrain, despite the fact that they’re made for use in all seasons.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Side-by-side track systems are a significant investment. The track systems provided by ATVtracks.net include prices that start between $6,000 and $13,000, contingent on their design and application.
The track unit isn’t always the complete installation. Other parts like the mounting hardware to your vehicle or anti-rotation hardware as well as hub or spacers may be needed. Buyers are advised to verify the full list of parts prior to ordering instead of believing that the advertised starting price covers everything.
Purchase the items that You Actually Have to Face
A track system makes the most sense when access is improved to solve problems that are frequently recurring.
If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow or muddy pastures, wet terrain, or challenging winter conditions, tracks could enhance the work it can complete. The added cost and maintenance of tracks may not be worth the cost for recreational use on a regular basis.
ATVtracks.net is an organization that has assisted owners for more than a decade to design, install and maintain track systems. Their team can confirm compatibility, and to identify parts required to fit a specific vehicle.
Before investing, think about how often your machine gets stuck, what terrain causes the issue, and if improvements in flotation could be beneficial.
The right tracks will not solve every single obstacle to your terrain. However, they can turn the side-by-side that was left in a stalemate during harsh conditions into equipment which you can continue to use when access is most important.