A powerful side by side can haul equipment, pull supplies and manage demanding trails. One stretch of waterlogged or deep snow can halt all other equipment.
The issue isn’t always about horsepower. The problem is not always a matter of horsepower.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. UTV tracks change how your car interacts with its surroundings, making it possible to travel into areas otherwise unaccessible because of winter or mud.
Traction isn’t the exact same as Flotation
Aggressive tires can improve grip, but they still place the vehicle’s weight in four small contact areas.
UTV track systems distribute the weight to a larger area. This helps reduce pressure on the ground and helps the machine travel over dense snow, soft dirt and muddy terrains without sinking as quickly.
Practical work requires a difference. The owner of a property might have to get near a fence far away after sleet. Farmers may have to cross wet pasture without creating deep ruts. One who maintains trails in rural areas may require reliable access in the springtime thaw. Tracks can make these tasks more manageable and reduce the risk of damage to ground.
The best system depends on Your Machine
Certain tracks aren’t designed for the same types of vehicles or the same loads. ATVtracks.net provides four different systems from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is intended to be used with larger side-by-sides that are 1000cc and more, whereas 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 a starting point, and not a guarantee of fit. Confirm the make, model and year of your car before purchasing side-by-side tracks. The installation kit should match the exact vehicle as even vehicles that are similar can require different hardware.
The price of better access is an exchange
Tracks are a great method to increase accessibility, however they do not make UTVs more efficient or cost-effective. According to manufacturer planning figures, some systems can reduce speeds of travel by between 30 and 35 percent when compared to tires. A higher amount of resistance and weight to rotate can also impact fuel consumption and place additional demands on the drivetrain.
Low range is a good option in difficult or heavy conditions, limiting sustained speed, and following the recommendations of the manufacturer can help to manage the needs.
Rubber tracks wear faster if you use them continuously on abrasive surfaces, such as gravel or pavement. While current systems are made for all seasons, they are most effective when they are used on the right terrain.
Budget beyond the Track Units
A good side-by-side track is an investment of a major amount. ATVtracks.net offers systems with prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000 depending on the layout and intended usage.
The track units do not constitute the entire system. Additional components like mounting hardware for your vehicle and anti-rotation equipment, as well hub or spacer components could be needed. Buyers should confirm the complete list of components prior to placing an order instead of believing that the advertised starting price covers all of the components.
Buy for the Conditions You Actually have to
It makes sense to employ an electronic tracker in the event of attempting to resolve an issue that is persistent.
Tracks are useful for those who live on the same side of the road and are regularly facing deep snow, muddy fields, marshy terrain, or other tough conditions. For recreational use that is only occasionally on trails with firm surfaces, the additional expense and maintenance might be difficult to justify.
ATVtracks.net has been around for more than two decades helping owners select track systems, install and maintain track systems. Their team of experts are able to confirm compatibility as well as determine the necessary components needed for a vehicle.
Think about the frequency your machine can get stuck or stutters, and the specific terrain the cause, and if an improved flotation system could make a difference.
The right tracks won’t eliminate any obstacle to travel however, they can transform a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult terrain into equipment you can keep using when access matters most.
