A strong side by side can haul equipment, pull materials and tackle difficult trails. Yet one stretch of deep snow or wet ground can slow everything down.
The problem isn’t always horsepower. Tires may not be able to spread weight evenly, or provide sufficient traction for the machine to move forward.
This is the time that UTV tracks become worth considering. The tracks change the way the vehicle interacts on the ground. This allows owners to access areas that might otherwise be inaccessible, especially during the winter and mud season.
Traction and Flotation Do Not Mean the Same Thing
While aggressive tires may increase grip, the mass of the vehicle remains consolidated in four small areas.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a much larger footprint. This decreases ground pressure and enables the machine to go over hard snow and soft soil without sinking.
The distinction is crucial for the practical use. Following a snowfall homeowner might need to reach an adjacent fence. A farmer might need to walk through a wet pasture without making deep ruts. Someone maintaining rural trails might require reliable access to the trail during the spring winter thaw. Tracks can ease the burden and lessen the risk of damage to the terrain.
The right system is dependent on Your Machine
Not all UTV tracks are made for the same vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net includes four systems that come from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is intended for larger side-by-sides of 1000cc and more, whereas the Camso 4S1 has a wide range of full-size models in 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 just an initial point of reference, and they are not a guarantee that the track will be suitable. Before buying side by side tracks, check your car’s model, make, and year. The kit for mounting must precisely match the vehicle. Even vehicles that look similar can need different hardware.
Accessibility is an option to trade off
Tracks make it easier to access the terrain, but they won’t make a UTV quicker or more affordable to run. The planning figures of some manufacturers show that certain systems can decrease the speed of travel by as much as 30 to 35 percent compared with tires. The additional weights and resistance that rotate are also a major contributor to the fuel consumption of vehicles and put extra strain on their drivetrain.
Utilizing low range in extreme or extreme conditions, limiting the speed of sustained use, and following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can assist in managing these needs.
Rubber tracks will wear out more quickly if they are used continuously on gravel or pavements that is abrasive. Although the current systems are designed for multiple seasons, they perform best when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Side-by-side track systems are an important investment. ATVtracks.net offers track systems with prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000, based on the design and purpose of use.
The track unit is not always the entire system. There may be specific vehicle mounting hardware and anti-rotational components. Furthermore, additional hubs or spacers could be required. Before purchasing, purchasers should verify the entire parts list and not assume that the price is inclusive of everything.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually Face
It is logical to utilize an electronic tracker when you are trying to resolve a persistent problem.
If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow, muddy pastures, marshy ground, or difficult seasons, trails may increase the amount of work they can complete. If you only use it for occasional recreation with trails that are well-maintained, the additional expense and maintenance could be more difficult to justify.
ATVtracks.net is a company that has been helping owners for more than a decade to choose, install and maintain track systems. Its team is able to verify compatibility and pinpoint components needed for a specific vehicle.
Take note of the frequency at which your machine becomes stuck or stutters, and the specific terrain creating it, and whether an improved flotation system could make a difference.
The correct tracks may not solve every single obstacle to your terrain. But they can change the side-by-side that was left in a stalemate during harsh conditions into a piece of equipment that which you can continue to use when access is most important.