A powerful side-by can tow equipment, haul supplies or tackle difficult trails. But one swath of snow or a muddy ground could make everything stop.
Sometimes it’s not the engine’s horsepower that is causing problems. Tires might not be able to distribute the weight evenly or provide enough traction to enable the machine advance.
UTV tracks are an ideal option. They alter the way that a vehicle is able to interact with the ground allowing drivers to access areas that would otherwise be unaccessible during winter or mud season.
Traction and Flotation Aren’t the Same Thing
Although aggressive tires could improve grip, they nevertheless concentrate the weight of a vehicle in four tiny areas.
UTV track systems spread this burden over a greater footprint. This helps reduce pressure on the ground and allows the vehicle to travel on hard snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as easily.
Practical work requires a shift. The property owner may need to access a distant fence following snowfall. A farmer may have to cross a wet pasture, without leaving deep ruts. Anyone who is responsible for maintaining trails on rural land may need dependable access during spring winter thaw. Tracks make the job easier to handle while minimizing damage to sensitive ground.
What Machine Do You Have? Determine the right system
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net offers four different tracks by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system can be used with many full-size vehicles in the 400-1000cc class.
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 does not guarantee the fit. Before buying side by side tracks, verify your vehicle’s model, make and year. The installation kit should match the exact machine. Even vehicles that look identical may require different hardware.
Better Access is a result of trade-offs
Tracks are a great way to increase accessibility, however they don’t make UTVs faster or less costly. Based on the plans of manufacturers certain systems can cut the speed of travel by 30 to 35 percent when compared to tires. Additional rotating weights and resistance are also a major contributor to the fuel consumption of vehicles. They also put more stress on their drivetrain.
These demands can be managed through the use of low range, limiting to sustained speeds and adhering to instructions from the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Rubber tracks also wear out faster when you are using them regularly on abrasive surfaces such as pavement or gravel. Although the current systems are designed for a variety of seasons, they perform best when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budget that is beyond the Track Units
Side by side track systems are an important investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems start at a price of $6,000 and increase to $13,000, based on their design.
The track units themselves are not the entire installation. It is possible that you will require specific mounting parts and anti-rotational hardware. Also other hubs, spacers, or spacers may be required. The entire list of components must be verified prior to the order is placed.
Buy to the Conditions You Face
A track system makes most sense when improved access solves problems that are frequently recurring.
Tracks can be useful If your side-by-side is often faced with thick snow, muddy fields rough terrain, or other conditions that are difficult. The added cost and maintenance of tracks could not be worth it for occasional use.
ATVtracks.net has been around for more than 20 years helping people choose to install, maintain, and even repair track systems. Their team can confirm compatibility and determine the components required for a particular vehicle.
Consider how often you get stuck with your machine, the terrain that causes it and if improved flotation will significantly improve your experience.
Tracks won’t be able to eliminate all terrain limitations, but they will transform the side by side that’s idle in tough conditions into a machine you can use when it matters most.