A powerful side-bys-side can pull equipment, haul supplies as well as tackle challenging trails. One stretch of wet or deep snow can shut down everything.
Many problems are not caused by the horsepower. Sometimes, the tires just don’t disperse the machine’s weight, or have enough traction to progress forward.
This is when UTV tracks become worth considering. They alter how the vehicle interacts with the ground and allow owners to reach places that might otherwise be difficult to access during winter or mud season.
Traction Isn’t the Same as Flotation
While aggressive tires can enhance grip, the mass of the vehicle is still confined in four areas that are relatively small.
UTV track systems distribute the weight to a larger area. This helps reduce the pressure on the ground, which helps the machine to traverse difficult terrain, deep snow and muddy terrains without sinking.
It is crucial to understand the difference for practical purposes. The owner of a property might need to be near a fence distant after snow. A farmer might have to cross a wet pasture, without leaving deep ruts. One who maintains trails for the rural environment may require access during the spring thaw. Tracks can in completing these tasks while also reducing the impact on fragile terrain.
The Right System Depends on Your Machine
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net provides four tracks from Camso as well as Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system is suitable for many full-size vehicles in the 400 to 1000cc category.
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 the starting point and not a guarantee of fit. Before purchasing side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Even similar machines can need different hardware for mounting.
The price of better access is a trade-off
Tracks make it easier to access the terrain, but they do not make a UTV more efficient or less expensive to operate. According to the manufacturer’s planning data certain systems can cut travel speeds by 30-35% in comparison to tires. Added rotating weight and resistance can also impact fuel consumption and place additional demands on the drivetrain.
The demand can be met by utilizing the low range, which limits sustained speeds, and observing instructions from the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Rubber tracks also wear more quickly if you use them continuously on abrasive surfaces such as asphalt or gravel. Although current systems are designed for multiple seasons, they’re most effective when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budget beyond the Track Units
A high-quality side-byside track system can be a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net provides systems at prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000 based on the model and the intended usage.
The track units themselves aren’t the whole installation. You may need vehicle-specific mounting parts and anti-rotational hardware. Additionally other hubs, spacers, or spacers could be required. Buyers are advised to verify the full parts list prior to making an order instead of thinking that the advertised price will cover all of the components.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually Face
When a tracker is the most effective solution to a problem that keeps running into the same spot, it makes sense.
If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow swamps, muddy pastures or marshy ground, or difficult winter conditions, tracks could extend the tasks it is able to accomplish. If you are only using your side-by-side to enjoy the outdoors in a few instances the additional expense and maintenance may not be worthwhile.
ATVtracks.net is an organization which has been assisting owners for more than 20 years to install, select and maintain track systems. The company’s staff can verify compatibility and pinpoint parts required to fit a specific vehicle.
Before you invest, think about the frequency at which your machine is stuck, what terrain causes the problem, and whether an improved flotation system could be beneficial.
The best tracks will not eliminate any terrain obstacle however, they can transform the side-by-side which is idle in difficult conditions into equipment that you can use in the times when accessibility is crucial.