A powerful side by side can transport equipment, pull materials and tackle difficult trails. A few inches of waterlogged or deep snow can halt all other equipment.
Many problems are not caused by the horsepower. Sometimes, the tires can’t evenly distribute the weight of the machine or get enough traction to move forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They alter how the vehicle is able to interact with the ground allowing drivers to access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible even during the winter season or mud time.
Traction and Flotation Are Not the Same Thing
Although tires with aggressive treads can increase grip, they do not eliminate the weight of the vehicle in four smaller regions.
UTV track systems spread that weight to a larger area. This lowers the pressure on the ground which allows the machine to travel on deep snow, soft terrain, and muddy terrains without sinking.
The distinction can be crucial to practical tasks. A property owner may need to walk near a fence that is distant after snow. A farmer might need to walk through a wet pasture without causing deep ruts. Someone who manages rural trails might need reliable access during the spring thaw. Tracks are a great way to handle these tasks and protect the ground from damage.
What Machine Do You Have? Identify the best system for you.
Not all tracks for UTVs are made for the same vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net has four different systems that come from Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed for full-size side by-sides within 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 are starting points, but they are not guaranteed to their suitability. Before purchasing side by sides tracks, make sure you know your vehicle’s model, make and year. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the exact machine and even vehicles with similar models might require different equipment.
Better Access Means Trade-offs
Tracks might improve access, but they don’t make UTVs less expensive or quicker to use. Some manufacturers’ planning figures reveal that certain systems decrease the speed of travel by 30% to 35% compared to tires. The additional resistance and weight increases the use of fuel and places more demands on drivetrains.
Utilizing low range in extreme or severe conditions, restricting sustained speed and adhering to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can assist in managing these demands.
Rubber tracks can wear out faster when operated continuously on abrasive gravel or pavement. While current systems are made for all seasons, they are most effective when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budget Beyond the Track Units
A good side-by-side track can be a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net offers track systems with prices starting from $6,000 to $13,000 depending on the design and intended use.
But these track units aren’t necessarily the entire installation. It is possible that you will require specific mounting parts and anti-rotational hardware. Additionally spacers or hubs could be required. Prior to ordering, the buyer should check the complete components list, and not presume that the initial price will include everything.
Pay according to the Conditions You Accept
When a track system is the best solution to problems that keep repeating, it is logical.
If your side-by-side is frequently in contact with deep snow swamps, muddy pastures or marshy terrain, or challenging weather conditions, trails could expand the work it can accomplish. For occasional recreational use with trails that are well-maintained the cost of additional maintenance may be harder to justify.
ATVtracks.net is an established company which has been assisting owners for more than a decade to install, select and maintain track systems. The team of experts can help you confirm the compatibility of the track and determine the parts needed for a specific vehicle.
Before making a purchase, take note of the frequency at which your machine is stuck, the terrain that causes the problem, and whether the improved flotation will have a significant impact.
Tracks won’t be able to completely eliminate the limitations of terrain, but they will transform an old side-by-side that is idle in difficult conditions into a machine you can utilize when it is needed most.