A powerful side-by-side can haul equipment, pull supplies, and navigate difficult trails. A stretch of snowy or flooded ground can put everything in a bind.
Sometimes it’s not the horsepower that creates problems. The tires may not be able to spread weight evenly or provide enough traction to enable the machine progress forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. UTV tracks change how your car interacts with the environment making it possible to reach areas that are otherwise difficult to access due to winter conditions or mud.
Traction is not the exact same as Flotation
Aggressive tires can increase grip, however they make the car’s weight a focus in four small contact areas.
UTV track systems distribute the weight to a larger area. This decreases the pressure in the ground which allows the machine to move over the deep snow, soft terrain and muddy terrains, without sinking.
Practical work requires a different approach. The property owner may need to get across a fence after snowfall. A farmer might have to traverse a wet pasture without causing deep ruts. It is possible to someone who has a trails in rural areas to have reliable access during the spring freeze. Tracks can make these jobs easier while also reducing the impact on fragile terrain.
What Machine Do You Have? Choose the Right System
Certain tracks aren’t made for the same vehicle or weights. ATVtracks.net offers four different tracks by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed to be full-size side by-sides within 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 only a starting point, and does not guarantee the fit. Make sure you know the model, make and year of your car prior to purchasing side-by-side tracks. The mounting kit must precisely match the vehicle. Even vehicles that look identical may require different hardware.
The price of better access is a trade-off
Tracks could improve access, however they don’t make UTVs cheaper or faster to run. Some of the manufacturers’ figures for planning demonstrate that certain systems cut down on the speed of travel up to 30% or more in comparison to tires. The additional resistance and weight increases fuel consumption, and places an additional burden on drivetrains.
Using low range in deep or extreme conditions, limiting sustained speed, and following the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer can assist in managing these needs.
Rubber tracks also wear quicker when operated continuously on abrasive gravel or pavement. Although current systems are designed for multiple seasons, they are most effective when placed on a suitable terrain.
Budget Units Beyond the Track
A high-quality side-byside track system is a significant investment. The track systems provided by ATVtracks.net include prices that start roughly from $6,000 to $13,000, depending on their design and intended use.
The track unit is not always the complete installation. Certain mounting components for vehicles such as anti-rotation hardware, potentially additional spacers or hub parts could be required. Buyers should confirm the complete parts list prior to making an order instead of assuming that the advertised price will cover all of the components.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually have to
A track system makes most sense when improved access solves an issue that has been recurring.
Tracks can be beneficial for those who live on the same side of the road and are regularly in thick snow, muddy fields, areas of marshy terrain, or any other challenging conditions. The extra cost and upkeep of tracks might not be worth the cost for occasional use.
ATVtracks.net is an established company that has been helping owners for more than 20 years to choose, install and maintain track systems. The team can confirm compatibility, and to identify parts required to fit a specific vehicle.
Examine the frequency your machine gets stuck and the type of terrain producing it, and if the flotation system you have installed is able to have a positive impact.
The best tracks will not eliminate any terrain obstacle but they can help turn a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult conditions into a piece of equipment you can continue using for the time when accessibility is most important.