A strong side by side can be used to transport equipment, pull materials and tackle difficult trails. But one swath of snow or waterlogged ground can bring everything to a stop.
The majority of problems are not due to horsepower. Sometimes, the tires can’t disperse the machine’s weight, or gain enough traction move forward.
UTV tracks are a great option. Tracks alter the way in which the vehicle operates with the ground. This allows owners to access areas that might otherwise be unaccessible, especially during the winter and mud season.
Traction and Flotation are Not the Same
While aggressive tires can increase grip, the overall weight of the vehicle is still concentrated into four relatively small areas.
UTV track system distributes weight across a wide area. This decreases the pressure on the ground. It also allows the vehicle to travel on the deep snow, soft soil and muddy terrain, without sinking as quickly.
It is important to know what the distinction is for practical reasons. Following a snowfall, a property owner may need to reach an adjacent fence. A farmer may have to walk through a wet pasture without making deep ruts. Anyone who is responsible for maintaining trails on rural land may need dependable access during spring winter thaw. Tracks are a great way to manage these jobs while protecting the ground from damage.
The Best System is based on Your Machine
Some UTV tracks are not designed for the same vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net offers four systems by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed for larger side-by sides of 1000cc and higher, while the Camso 4S1 has a wide range of full-size machines in approximately 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 merely the starting point and they are not a guarantee that the track will be suitable. Before purchasing side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s make, model, and year. The kit for mounting must exactly match the machine. Even cars that appear alike may require different equipment.
Better Access comes with trade-offs
Tracks increase accessibility, but they don’t make a UTV quicker or more affordable to run. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that some systems can reduce the speed of travel by about 30 to 35 percent when over tires. The increased weight and resistance increase the use of fuel and places an additional burden on drivetrains.
Following the manufacturer’s advice Use a lower range of speed when driving in high or deep conditions. Also, limiting your speed can aid in coping with these pressures.
Rubber tracks can wear out faster when used continuously on gravel or abrasive surfaces. Although current systems are designed for all seasons, they work best when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budgets Beyond the Track Units
Top-quality side-by-side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net has systems available with prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000 based upon the layout and intended usage.
The track units do not constitute the entire system. Additional components like mounting hardware for your vehicle as well as anti-rotation hardware, hubs or spacers could be needed. Buyers should confirm the complete list of components prior to placing an order instead of assuming that the advertised starting price covers all of the components.
Purchase to cover the conditions You Actually Are Experiencing
A track system makes most sense when it solves an issue that has been recurring.
Tracks can be beneficial If your side-by-side is often faced with deep snow, muddy fields swampy terrain or other challenging conditions. The added cost and maintenance of tracks might not be worth it for occasional recreational use.
ATVtracks.net is an organization that has been helping owners for over 20 years to select, install and maintain track systems. Their team can help verify that the system is compatible and can identify the components required for a particular vehicle.
Be aware of the times you get stuck on your machine, the terrain that causes it and if improved flotation will have a major impact.
The proper tracks may not be able to eliminate any obstacle to travel however, they can transform an idle side-by-side in difficult conditions into equipment that you can use in the times when accessibility is crucial.