A strong side-by-side is able to transport equipment, carry supplies as well as tackle challenging trails. But one swath of snow or wet ground can make everything stop.
The problem isn’t always with horsepower. Tires might not be able to spread weight evenly or provide enough traction to enable the machine move forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. UTV tracks change how your vehicle interacts with the environment and allow you to reach areas that are otherwise difficult to access because of winter or mud.
Traction is not the exact same as Flotation.
Agri-friendly tires can enhance grip, but they place the vehicle’s weight in the four areas of contact that are very small.
UTV track systems distribute the weight across a wider area. This reduces ground-pressure and allows the machine to traverse hard snow and soft soil without sinking.
It is important to know the difference in order to make sense of it. After a snowfall homeowner might need to cross a fence. A farmer may have to travel through a pasture that is muddy without making deep ruts. Anyone who runs trails for the rural environment may require access in the springtime thaw. Tracks are a great way to manage these jobs while protecting vulnerable ground.
The right system is dependent on Your Machine
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical cars or different workloads. ATVtracks.net offers four systems by Camso as well as Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is specifically designed for 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 are only starting points and are not a guarantee of the quality of the product. Before purchasing side-by-side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s model, make and year. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the exact vehicle, and even similar vehicles can require different hardware.
Better Access Comes With Trade-Offs
Tracks are a great method to improve accessibility, but aren’t able to make UTVs quicker or less expensive. According to manufacturer planning figures certain systems can cut speeds of travel by between 30 and 35 percent when compared to tires. The additional weights and resistance that rotate will also boost the fuel consumption of vehicles and put additional pressure on their drivetrain.
Utilizing low range in extreme or extreme conditions, limiting sustained speed, and following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can aid in managing these demands.
Rubber tracks wear faster when they are continuously used on gravel or pavements that is abrasive. While the present system was designed to operate in all seasons but their efficiency is greatest when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budgets Beyond the Track Units
A quality side-by-side track system is an investment of a major amount. ATVtracks.net has systems available with prices starting from $6,000 to $13,000, based on the design and intended use.
The track units themselves are not the entire installation. There could be a need for specific vehicle mounting hardware and anti-rotational components. In addition, additional hubs or spacers might be required. Buyers must verify the complete list of components prior to placing an order rather than assuming the price advertised for starting will cover all of the components.
Make a purchase subject to the conditions you Have to
A track system makes the most sense when improved access solves the issue that is frequently encountered.
If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow swamps, muddy pastures or marshy terrain, or challenging seasonal conditions, tracks may extend the tasks it is able to complete. The cost and maintenance of tracks may not be worth the cost for occasional use.
ATVtracks.net has spent over two decades helping car owners choose to install, maintain, and even repair track systems. Its team is able to confirm compatibility, and to identify parts required to fit a specific vehicle.
Consider how often you get stuck with your machine, and the conditions that cause it, and if a better flotation system will be a big difference.
The best tracks won’t remove every obstacle in the terrain. But they can transform an old side-by-side in storage during difficult conditions to an item you are able to continue using when access is most important.