A strong side-by can tow equipment, haul supplies or traverse difficult terrain. A stretch of icy or waterlogged ground could put everything in the way.
It’s not always the horsepower that can cause problems. The tires may not be able to spread the weight evenly or provide enough traction to allow the machine advance.
UTV tracks are an excellent option. The tracks change the way that the vehicle is interacting with the ground. The tracks allow owners to gain access to areas that would normally be unaccessible, especially during the winter and mud season.
Traction isn’t the Same as Flotation
Although tires with aggressive treads can increase grip, they nevertheless concentrate the weight of the vehicle in four smaller regions.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a wider footprint. This lowers pressure on the ground and assists the machine to traverse the deep snow, soft soil, and muddy terrain without sinking as quickly.
Practical work requires a different approach. An owner of a property might have to get close to a fence quite far after sleet. A farmer might need to travel through a pasture that is muddy without causing deep ruts. Someone maintaining rural trails could require access to a reliable source to the trail during the spring the thaw. Tracks can help facilitate these tasks, while also reducing the impact on sensitive terrain.
Your machine will identify the most appropriate system for your needs.
Some tracks are not designed for the same vehicle or weights. ATVtracks.net offers four tracks of Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed to be used with larger side-by-sides that are 1000cc and more, whereas the Camso 4S1 includes a variety 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 do not provide any guarantee that the tracks will meet your needs. Confirm the make, model and year of your vehicle prior to purchasing side-by-side tracks. The mounting kit needs to match the exact machine or similar ones will require different hardware.
Accessibility is an option to trade off
Tracks increase accessibility, but they do not make a UTV quicker or more affordable to run. The manufacturer’s planning data indicate that some systems can reduce the speed of travel by around 30-35% in comparison to tires. The increased weight and resistance increase fuel consumption, and places further demands on the drivetrain.
As per the advice of the manufacturer Use a lower range of speed when driving in high or deep conditions, and slowing down your speed can help you manage these demands.
Rubber tracks also wear faster when used continuously on gravel or abrasive surfaces. They perform better on the right terrain, even though they’re designed to be used throughout the seasons.
Budget Beyond the Track Units
Quality side by side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net offers track systems with prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000 based upon the layout and intended usage.
The track units themselves aren’t the whole installation. Other parts like the mounting hardware to your vehicle as well as anti-rotation hardware, hubs or spacer components could be needed. Buyers are advised to verify the full parts list prior to making an order instead of believing that the advertised price will cover all of the components.
Purchase to cover the conditions You Actually Have to Face
If a tracker system is the best option to solve an issue that is running into the same spot, it makes sense.
If you regularly find yourself stuck in deep snow, meadows that are muddy, grassy areas, or in difficult weather conditions, tracks can help your tandem perform more tasks. For those who only enjoy occasional use on trails with firm surfaces, the additional expense and maintenance may be harder to justify.
ATVtracks.net is an established company that has been helping owners for more than a decade to install, select and maintain track systems. Their team can help verify the compatibility of the track and determine the parts needed for a specific vehicle.
Take note of how often you’re stuck on your machine, and the environment that causes it and if better flotation can have a major impact.
The best tracks will not eliminate all terrain limitations however, they can transform an idle side-byside in difficult conditions into equipment you can continue using whenever accessibility is the most important factor.