A powerful side-by-side can haul equipment, pull supplies, and navigate difficult trails. Yet one stretch of deep snow or waterlogged ground can bring everything to a stop.
Most problems aren’t caused by power. The tires may not be able to distribute weight evenly, or provide sufficient grip to allow the machine to be able to move forward.
That’s the time that UTV tracks are considered. UTV tracks alter the way your vehicle interacts with the environment, making it possible to get into areas otherwise difficult to access because of winter or mud.
Traction and Flotation Are Not the Same
While aggressive tires may increase grip, the mass of the vehicle is still concentrated into four relatively small areas.
UTV track systems distribute the weight across a wider area. This reduces ground-pressure and allows the vehicle to travel over thick snow and soft soil without sinking.
It is essential to know the difference to be able to use it for practical purposes. A property owner may need to walk near a fence that is far away after sleet. A farmer may need to cross a muddy field without making deep ruts. A person who maintains trails in rural areas may need dependable access to the trail during the spring freeze. Tracks can make these jobs easier to handle while minimizing damage to sensitive ground.
What Machine Do You Have? Choose the right system
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical machines or work. ATVtracks.net includes four systems that come from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system is suitable for many full-size vehicles in the 400 to 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 starting points, but they are not guaranteed to good quality. Before purchasing side by sides tracks, make sure you know your vehicle’s model, make, and year. Even similar machines might require different mounting hardware.
The price of better access is the result of a trade-off
Tracks are a great way to improve accessibility, but aren’t able to make UTVs quicker or more affordable. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that certain systems slow down travel speeds by 30 to 35% when compared with tires. A higher amount of resistance and weight to rotate increase the amount of fuel consumed and increase the demands on the drivetrain.
Low range is a good option in difficult or difficult conditions, and limiting sustained speed and adhering to the instructions of the vehicle manufacturer will help manage these needs.
Rubber tracks also wear out faster when you are using them regularly on an abrasive surface, such as pavement or gravel. They work better on appropriate terrain, despite the fact that they are designed to be used during multiple seasons.
Budget Units that go beyond the Track
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 on the model and the intended usage.
The track units aren’t the whole installation. There may be specific vehicle mounting parts and anti-rotational hardware. Furthermore, additional hubs or spacers could be needed. The entire list of components should be confirmed before the purchase is made.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually Are Experiencing
It makes sense to employ a track system in the event of attempting to resolve a problem that has been recurring.
If your side-by-side regularly encounters deep snow or muddy pastures, wet ground, or difficult winter conditions, tracks could increase the amount of work they can do. For occasional recreational use on trails that are firm the cost of additional maintenance may be harder to justify.
ATVtracks.net an industry-leading provider of track systems, has helped owners choose, install, and maintain their track systems for more than two decades. Its team of experts can confirm compatibility and determine the components required to be used on a vehicle.
Be aware of the times you get stuck on your machine, the environment that causes it and if better flotation can be a big difference.
Tracks aren’t able to eliminate all terrain limitations however they can turn a side-by-side vehicle that is idle in difficult conditions into a machine you can utilize when it is needed the most.