A sturdy side-by is able to pull equipment, haul supplies, or tackle difficult trails. However, one spot of icy snow or waterlogged ground can make everything stop.
Most problems aren’t caused by the horsepower. The problem is not always related to horsepower.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They alter how the vehicle moves on the ground. This lets owners access areas that might otherwise be difficult to access, particularly during the winter or mud season.
Traction isn’t the exact same as Flotation
While aggressive tires may increase grip, the overall weight of the vehicle is still concentrated in four small areas.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a greater area. This helps reduce ground pressure and allows the machine to traverse hard snow and soft soil without sinking.
Practical work requires a difference. The property owner may need to get across a fence following snowfall. A farmer may need to walk across wet pastures without creating deep ruts. It is possible for someone who maintains routes for rural use to have reliable access during the spring freeze. Tracks can make these chores more manageable while reducing damage to sensitive ground.
Your machine will decide the best system for you
Some tracks are not designed for the same vehicle or the same loads. ATVtracks.net provides four tracks from Camso as well as Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed to be 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 just an initial point of reference, and they are not a guarantee that the track will be suitable. Before purchasing side by sides tracks, confirm your vehicle’s make, model and year. The kit for mounting must exactly match the machine. Even cars that look similar can need different hardware.
Better Access Means Trade-offs
Tracks can improve accessibility, however they don’t make a UTV faster or cheaper to operate. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that certain systems decrease the speed of travel by around 30-35% in comparison to tires. Additionally, the weights and resistance that are rotated can also raise the consumption of fuel of vehicles and put extra pressure on their drivetrain.
Use low range when in heavy or difficult conditions, and limiting sustained speed and adhering to the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer can help manage these demands.
Rubber tracks also wear more quickly if you use them continuously on an abrasive surface such as asphalt or gravel. Although the current systems are designed for a variety of seasons, they are most effective when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budget Beyond the Track Units
A quality side-by-side track system is a significant investment. ATVtracks.net offers systems with costs starting at $6,000 and going up to $13,000, based on the design and purpose of use.
The track unit isn’t always the entire system. Other parts like mounting hardware for your car and anti-rotation equipment, as well hub or spacer parts could be needed. The entire list of components must be verified prior to the purchase is made.
Buy for the Conditions You Actually Are Experiencing
If a tracker system is the most effective solution to an issue that is running into the same spot, it makes sense.
If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow and muddy pastures, or marshy ground, or difficult seasons, trails may increase the amount of work they can do. If you only use your side-by-side only for leisure purposes on trails that are firm, the extra expense and maintenance may not be worthwhile.
ATVtracks.net has been around for more than two decades helping car owners choose the best, most reliable, and easy-to-install track systems. Their team can verify compatibility and pinpoint elements required for a specific vehicle.
Be aware of the times you get stuck on your machine, the terrain that causes it, and whether improved flotation could significantly improve your experience.
The correct tracks can’t remove every terrain limitation but they can help turn a side-by-side that sits idle during difficult conditions into equipment you can continue using in the times when accessibility is crucial.