A powerful side-bys-side can transport equipment, carry supplies, and handle demanding trails. However, one spot of icy snow or ground that is soaked with water can cause everything to stop.
Sometimes it’s not the horsepower that causes issues. Sometimes, the tires are unable to disperse the machine’s weight, or have enough traction to advance.
UTV tracks can be an ideal option. The tracks alter the way that the vehicle is interacting with the ground. The tracks allow owners to get to places that otherwise would be difficult to access, particularly in the winter season.
Traction Isn’t the Same as Flotation
Although aggressive tires could improve grip, they do not eliminate vehicle weight in four small regions.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a much larger footprint. This decreases the pressure in the ground, which helps the machine to move over deep snow, soft terrain, and muddy terrains without sinking.
It is important to know the difference for practical purposes. After a snowfall property owner might have to cross a fence. Farmers may need to traverse a muddy pasture without making deep ruts. Anyone who runs trails in rural areas may require reliable access in the springtime thaw. Tracks can make these jobs easier to handle while minimizing the risk of damage to ground.
What Machine Do You Have? Determine the Right System
Not all tracks for UTVs are created for the same cars or different workloads. ATVtracks.net carries four systems that are made by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system is suited to many big-sized vehicles that fall 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 just starting points and are not a guarantee of fit. Before purchasing side by sides tracks, verify your vehicle’s make, model and year. The kit for mounting must match the exact machine. Even vehicles that look alike may require different equipment.
There are trade-offs to greater access
Tracks improve access, but they won’t make a UTV easier or cheaper to operate. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that some systems can reduce the speed of travel by approximately 30-35% compared with tires. The added weight and resistance to rotation can also impact fuel consumption and add additional stress on the drivetrain.
Using low range in deep or heavy conditions, limiting the speed of sustained use, and following the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer can assist in managing these demands.
Rubber tracks wear faster in the event that they are constantly used on pavement or gravel that is rough. They work better on proper terrain, even though they’re made for use in all seasons.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Quality side by side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net provides systems at costs starting at $6,000 and going up to $13,000 depending on the design and intended use.
But these track units aren’t always the entire system. Additional components such as the mounting hardware to your vehicle as well as anti-rotation hardware, hubs or spacer components could be required. Before placing an order, customers should check the complete components list and not assume that the starting price includes everything.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually Face
If a tracker is the best solution to problems that keep repeating, it is logical.
Tracks are a great option when your side-by-side is frequently faced with thick snow, muddy fields, marshy terrain, or other tough conditions. For occasional recreational use on trails with firm surfaces The additional cost and maintenance can be hard to justify.
ATVtracks.net an industry-leading provider of track systems, has been helping owners decide on, install and maintain their track systems for over two decades. Their team of experts are able to confirm compatibility and determine the necessary components needed to be used on a vehicle.
Before you invest, think about how often your machine gets stuck, the reason for the issue, and if improved flotation would be beneficial.
The proper tracks may not be able to eliminate any obstacle to travel but they can convert an idle side-by-side during difficult conditions into equipment that you can use for the time when accessibility is most important.