A strong side by side can haul equipment, pull supplies, and navigate difficult trails. But one swath of snow or waterlogged ground can make everything stop.
The problem isn’t always horsepower. Sometimes the tires simply cannot spread the load of the machine or gain enough traction progress forward.
UTV tracks can be a great option. The tracks change how the vehicle moves on the ground. This lets owners get to places that otherwise would be difficult to access, particularly in the winter season.
Traction isn’t the Same as Flotation
While aggressive tires can increase grip, the vehicle remains consolidated in four small areas.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a wider footprint. This reduces ground pressure and helps the machine travel over deep snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as easily.
It is crucial to understand the difference for practical purposes. Property owners may have to cross a long fence following snowfall. A farmer might have to cross a wet pasture and not leave deep ruts. Anyone who is responsible for maintaining trails on rural land may need dependable access in the spring time winter thaw. Tracks are a great way to manage these jobs while protecting vulnerable ground.
Your machine will determine the right system for you
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net includes four systems that come from Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed to be full-size side-by-sides that are in 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 do not provide any guarantee that the tracks will be able to fit. Make sure you know the model, make and year of your car prior to purchasing side-byside tracks. Even similar machines might need different hardware for mounting.
Better Access comes with trade-offs
Tracks can be a fantastic way to increase accessibility, however they aren’t able to make UTVs quicker or less costly. The planning figures of some manufacturers indicate that certain systems could decrease the speed of travel up to 30-35% in comparison with tires. Additional weights that rotate and resistance are also a major contributor to the fuel consumption of vehicles and put extra strain on their drivetrain.
Use low range when in heavy or heavy conditions, limiting speeds sustained, and observing the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can help manage these needs.
Rubber tracks can be more worn when you are using them regularly on abrasive surfaces such like pavement or gravel. They are more effective on proper terrain, even though they’re made for use in all seasons.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Side-by-side track systems are a major investment. ATVtracks.net offers track systems with prices starting from $6,000 to $13,000, based on the design and purpose of use.
The track units are not the entire installation. Other components, such as mounting hardware for your car and anti-rotation equipment, as well hub or spacer parts could be required. The entire list of components should be confirmed before the purchase is made.
Purchase for the Conditions That You Actually Facing
It makes sense to use the track system for solving an issue that is persistent.
If you are frequently stuck in deep snow, meadows that are muddy, grassy areas, or in difficult weather conditions, tracks can aid your side-by-side to perform more tasks. If you are only using your side-by-side to enjoy the outdoors with firm trails only occasionally the cost of maintenance may not be worth it.
ATVtracks.net is an organization that has been helping owners for over 20 years to install, select and maintain track systems. Their team of experts are able to confirm compatibility and determine the necessary components needed to be used on a vehicle.
Before investing, think about how often your machine gets stuck, what type of terrain is causing the problem, and whether improved flotation would be beneficial.
The right tracks won’t eliminate every terrain limitation however, they can transform a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult conditions into a piece of equipment you can keep using when access matters most.