A powerful side-by-side can transport equipment, carry supplies and tackle difficult trails. A few feet of snow or waterlogged ground could put everything in a bind.
It’s not always the horsepower that creates problems. Tires might not be able to distribute the weight evenly or provide enough grip to allow the machine to be able to move forward.
That’s the time that UTV tracks become worth considering. UTV tracks change how your car interacts with its surroundings making it possible to travel into areas otherwise inaccessible due to winter conditions or mud.
Traction and Flotation Do Not Mean the Same Thing
Although aggressive tires could improve grip, they do not eliminate vehicle weight in four small areas.
UTV track system distributes the burden over a larger area. This reduces the ground pressure and allows the vehicle to traverse difficult terrain, deep snow and muddy terrains, without sinking.
It is crucial to understand the difference in order to make sense of it. An owner of a property might have to get near a fence distant after snow. A farmer may have to traverse a wet field and not leave deep ruts. Anyone who runs trails for the rural environment may require access in the springtime thaw. Tracks can make these tasks more manageable while reducing the chance of damaging sensitive ground.
What Machine Do You Have? Choose the most appropriate system
Not all tracks for UTVs are designed for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net includes four systems from Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is intended to accommodate larger side-by-sides with a capacity of 1000cc and higher, while the Camso 4S1 has a wide range of full-size machines in approximately 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 starting places, and not a guarantee of the quality of the product. Verify the model, make and year of your vehicle prior to purchasing side-by-side tracks. The mounting kit needs to precisely match the vehicle. Even cars that appear alike may require different equipment.
Accessibility is an option to trade off
Tracks might improve access, but they will not make UTVs cheaper or faster to operate. The manufacturer’s planning data indicate that certain systems decrease the speed of travel by around 30-35% in comparison to tires. Added rotating weight and resistance increase the amount of fuel consumed and add additional stress on the drivetrain.
Low range is a good option in difficult or severe conditions, restricting speeds sustained, and observing the recommendations of the manufacturer can help manage these requirements.
Rubber tracks will wear out more quickly when they are continuously used on gravel or pavement that is abrasive. They work better on appropriate terrain, despite the fact that they’re made to be used during multiple seasons.
Budget Units that go beyond the Track
Side-by-side track systems are an important investment. The systems offered by ATVtracks.net start at around $6,000 to $13,000 based on their design and intended use.
The track unit isn’t always the entire installation. It is possible that you will require specific mounting components as well as anti-rotational hardware. Furthermore additional hubs or spacers could be required. The complete list of items should be confirmed before the order is made.
Buy to the Conditions You Accept
When a track system is the best solution to an issue that is coming back, it makes sense.
Tracks are useful if your side-byside is regularly in deep snow, muddy fields areas of marshy terrain, or any other tough conditions. For recreational use that is only occasionally with trails that are well-maintained, the additional expense and maintenance might be difficult to justify.
ATVtracks.net is an organization which has been assisting owners for more than 20 years to install, select and maintain track systems. The team of experts can help you confirm compatibility and identify the components needed for a specific vehicle.
Take note of how often you’re stuck with your machine, the terrain that causes it, and if a better flotation system will significantly improve your experience.
Tracks will not be able to completely eliminate the limitations of terrain however, they can transform a side-by-side vehicle that is idle in difficult conditions into an equipment you can use when it matters the most.