A sturdy side by side can be used to transport equipment, pull supplies, and navigate difficult trails. A stretch of icy or flooded ground can put everything in a bind.
Sometimes it’s not the engine’s horsepower that is causing problems. Sometimes, the tires can’t spread the load of the machine or find enough traction to make the machine move forward.
This is the time that UTV tracks become worth considering. They alter the way the vehicle interacts with the ground. This lets owners access places that would otherwise be difficult to access, particularly during the winter season.
Traction Isn’t The Same As Flotation
Aggressive tires may improve grip, but they still put the weight of the vehicle into the four areas of contact that are very small.
UTV track system distributes the weight across a wide area. This lowers the pressure on the ground and allows the machine to go over hard snow and soft soil without sinking.
The difference is important for practical work. After a snowfall homeowner may have to access a fence. A farmer may have to traverse a muddy pasture without making deep ruts. Someone maintaining rural trails might require reliable access during spring winter thaw. Tracks can in completing these tasks while reducing the damage to the terrain.
Your machine will help you determine the appropriate system for you.
Not all tracks for UTVs are made for the same vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net provides four systems from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed for larger side-by sides of 1000cc and higher, while the Camso 4S1 covers many full-size models in 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 just the starting point and does not guarantee the fit. Verify the model, make and year of your vehicle before you purchase side-by-side tracks. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the exact model, and even similar vehicles will require different hardware.
Better Access Means Trade-offs
Tracks are a great method to improve accessibility, but do not make UTVs more efficient or cost-effective. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that certain systems decrease the speed of travel by 30 to 35% when over tires. Additionally, the weights and resistance that are rotated also increase the fuel consumption of vehicles, and place additional strain on their drivetrain.
The demand can be met through the use of low range, which limits to sustained speeds and adhering to the recommendations of the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Rubber tracks will wear faster If you keep them in use on an abrasive surface such as gravel or pavement. Although the current systems were designed for use in all seasons but they are most effective when they are operated on suitable terrain.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Quality side by side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems begin with a cost of $6,000 and can go up to $13,000 depending on their design.
The track units do not constitute the entire system. Additional components such as mounting hardware for your vehicle and anti-rotation equipment, as well hub or spacer parts could be required. Buyers should verify the complete parts list prior to making an order instead of assuming that the advertised price will cover all of the components.
Purchase according to the Terms You Face
If a tracker system is the best solution to the problem that has been coming back, it makes sense.
Tracks can be useful for those who live on the same side of the road and are regularly facing deep snow, muddy fields rough terrain, or other tough conditions. For recreational use that is only occasionally on firm trails The additional cost and maintenance can be hard to justify.
ATVtracks.net has spent more than two decades assisting owners to select, install, and maintain track systems. Their team can confirm compatibility, and to identify components needed for a specific vehicle.
Before investing, think about how often your machine gets stuck, what type of terrain is causing the problem, and whether improvements in flotation could be beneficial.
The right tracks won’t eliminate any terrain obstacle however, they can transform the side-by-side which is idle during difficult conditions into equipment you can keep using when access matters most.