A powerful side-bys-side can transport equipment, carry supplies and navigate difficult trails. But one swath of snow or waterlogged ground can cause everything to stop.
Many problems are not caused by the horsepower. The issue isn’t always horsepower.
UTV tracks are worthwhile to consider. UTV tracks change how your car interacts with the environment and allow you to access areas that would be otherwise unaccessible due to winter conditions or mud.
Traction isn’t the exact same as Flotation
Aggressive tires can improve grip, but they put the weight of the vehicle into four small contact areas.
UTV track systems spread that burden over a greater footprint. This helps reduce the pressure on the ground which allows the machine to travel on difficult terrain, deep snow and muddy terrains without sinking.
It is vital to be aware of the difference for practical purposes. Property owners may have to cross a long fence after snowfall. A farmer may need to travel through a pasture that is muddy without causing deep ruts. It could be essential to someone who has a the rural trails to have dependable access to the area when spring begins. Tracks can make these jobs easier while reducing the damage to the terrain.
What Machine Do You Have? Identify the best system for you.
Certain tracks are not made for the same types of vehicles or the same loads. ATVtracks.net offers four systems by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is specifically designed for 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 just the starting point and not a guarantee of fit. Before purchasing side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Even similar machines will need different hardware for mounting.
There are trade-offs to better access
Tracks are an excellent way to make it easier for people to access, but they don’t make UTVs speedier or more affordable. Based on the plans of manufacturers certain systems can cut speeds of travel by between 30 and 35 percent in comparison to tires. The increased weight and resistance increase the amount of fuel consumed, and puts additional demands on drivetrains.
Use low range when in heavy or extreme conditions, limiting sustained speed, and following the recommendations of the manufacturer can help manage these needs.
Rubber tracks wear more quickly when used for long periods on abrasive gravel or pavement. While the present system was designed to operate in all seasons however, they perform best when used on a suitable surface.
Budget over the Track Units
Quality side by side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net offers track systems with costs starting at $6,000 and going up to $13,000 based upon the model and the intended usage.
But, the track units aren’t necessarily the entire installation. Vehicle-specific mounting components such as anti-rotation hardware, perhaps additional spacers and hub components may be needed. Prior to ordering, the buyer should verify the entire parts list and do not believe that the starting price includes everything.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually Are Experiencing
If a tracker system is the best option to solve the problem that has been recurring, it makes sense.
If your side-by-side regularly encounters deep snow swamps, muddy pastures or marshy terrain, or challenging weather conditions, trails could expand the work it can do. If you’re only using your side-by-side only for leisure purposes on trails that are firm the additional expense and maintenance may not be worthwhile.
ATVtracks.net is an organization that has been helping owners for more than 20 years to choose, install and maintain track systems. The team at ATVtracks.net can assist in confirming compatibility and identify the components required for a particular vehicle.
Before making a purchase, take note of the frequency at which your machine is stuck, what terrain causes the issue, and if the improved flotation will make a meaningful difference.
The best tracks will not eliminate any terrain obstacle but they can convert a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult terrain into equipment you can keep using when access matters most.