A powerful side-by-side can transport equipment, carry supplies and navigate difficult trails. A section of icy or flooded ground can put everything in the way.
It’s not always the horsepower that can cause problems. Tires might not be able distribute weight evenly, or provide sufficient traction to enable the machine be able to move forward.
That’s when UTV tracks can be considered. They alter the way that a vehicle interacts with the ground, allowing drivers to access areas that would otherwise remain inaccessible during the winter months or during mud season.
Traction is not the same as Flotation
While aggressive tires can increase grip, the vehicle is still confined into four relatively small areas.
UTV track systems distribute that weight across a much larger footprint. This reduces the ground pressure and allows the vehicle to move over deep snow, soft terrain and muddy terrains, without sinking.
The distinction is crucial for the practical use. Following a snowfall property owner might have to get access to a fence. Farmers might need to walk across wet pastures without creating deep ruts. People who manage trails for rural use might require reliable access during spring winter thaw. Tracks can make these jobs easier and lessen the risk of damage to sensitive terrain.
Your machine will help you determine the best system for you
There are a variety of UTV tracks that are designed for the exact vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net offers four systems by Camso and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is intended to accommodate larger side-by-sides with a capacity of 1000cc and above, while the Camso 4S1 covers many 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 starting points, not guarantees of fit. Before purchasing side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s make, model, and year. The mounting kit needs to precisely match the vehicle. Even cars that appear like they do may require a different set of hardware.
Better Access Means Trade-offs
Tracks make it easier to access the terrain, but they do not make a UTV easier or cheaper to operate. According to the manufacturer’s plans, certain systems decrease the speed of travel by 30 to 35% when over tires. The increased resistance and weight increases fuel consumption, and places an additional burden on drivetrains.
Using low range in deep or extreme conditions, limiting the speed of sustained use, and following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can help to manage the requirements.
Rubber tracks also wear out faster when you are using them regularly on abrasive surfaces such as gravel or pavement. Although current systems are designed to work in all seasons, they work best when they are used on the right terrain.
Budget that is beyond the Track Units
Top-quality side-by-side track systems can be a major investment. The systems offered by ATVtracks.net include prices that start between $6,000 and $13,000, based on their design and intended use.
The track units do not constitute the entire system. You may need vehicle-specific mounting parts and anti-rotational hardware. Also spacers or hubs could be required. Buyers should verify the complete parts list prior to making an order instead of believing that the price advertised for starting will cover everything.
Pay according to the Conditions You Face
If a tracker is the ideal solution to an issue that is running into the same spot, it makes sense.
If your side by side is often confronted with deep snow, muddy pastures, marshy terrain, or challenging winter conditions, tracks could increase the amount of work they can achieve. If you only use your side-byside for recreation purposes on trails that are firm the additional expense and maintenance may not be worth it.
ATVtracks.net has spent more than 20 years helping people choose track systems, install and maintain track systems. The team of experts at the site can verify compatibility and determine the components required for a particular vehicle.
Take note of how often you’re stuck with your machine, and the conditions that cause it, and if better flotation can be a big difference.
Tracks won’t be able to erase all obstacles to terrain but they will turn a side by side which is in a stalemate in challenging circumstances into a machine you can use when it matters the most.