A powerful side-byside can move equipment, transport supplies and tackle difficult trails. A single stretch of waterlogged or deep snow could stop everything.
Sometimes it’s not the horsepower that can cause problems. The issue isn’t always related to horsepower.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. Tracks alter the way that the vehicle is interacting on the ground. It allows owners to access areas that might otherwise be inaccessible, especially during the winter and mud season.
Traction and Flotation Are Not the Same Thing
Although tires with aggressive treads can increase grip, they still concentrate the weight of the vehicle in four smaller areas.
UTV track systems distribute the weight over a larger footprint. This reduces the ground pressure, which helps the machine to move over the deep snow, soft terrain, and muddy terrains without sinking.
It is vital to be aware of the difference for practical purposes. Property owners may have to get across a fence after snowfall. A farmer may need to traverse a wet pasture without creating deep ruts. One who maintains trails for the rural environment may require access during the spring thaw. Tracks can make these jobs more manageable and reduce the potential for damage to soils that are sensitive.
The best system depends on Your Machine
There are a variety of UTV tracks that are designed for the exact vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net includes four systems of Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed for larger side-by sides of 1000cc and above, while the Camso 4S1 is a full-size version of machines that fall within 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 points, but they are not guaranteed to good quality. Find out the year, manufacturer and model of your car before buying side by sides tracks. The mounting kit must match the exact vehicle, and even similar vehicles may require different hardware.
Better Access comes with trade-offs
Tracks can improve accessibility, however they do not make a UTV more efficient or less expensive to run. Certain manufacturers’ plans reveal that certain systems reduce the speed of travel by 30-35% in comparison with tires. Additional weight and resistance from rotating increase the amount of fuel consumed and put additional strain on the drivetrain.
These demands can be managed through the use of lower range, restricting to sustained speeds and adhering to vehicle manufacturer recommendations.
Rubber tracks wear out faster when they are continuously used on gravel or pavements which is abrasive. They perform better on the appropriate terrain, despite the fact that they’re designed to be used in multiple seasons.
Budget above the Track Units
Side by side track systems are an important investment. ATVtracks.net provides systems at prices starting at $6,000 up to $13,000 depending on the design and purpose of use.
The track units aren’t the whole installation. There could be a need for specific vehicle mounting hardware and anti-rotational components. Additionally, additional hubs or spacers could be required. The complete list of items must be verified prior to the purchase is made.
Purchase the items that You Actually Face
If a tracker is the best option to solve a problem that keeps running into the same spot, it makes sense.
If you often find yourself in deep snow, muddy meadows marshy grounds, or difficult season conditions, tracks can help your tandem perform more tasks. If you only use your side-by-side to enjoy the outdoors in a few instances the additional expense and maintenance might not be justified.
ATVtracks.net has been around for more than two decades helping owners select to install, maintain, and even repair track systems. The team at ATVtracks.net can assist in confirming the compatibility of the track and determine the parts needed for the particular vehicle.
Think about how often you are stuck with your machine, and the terrain that causes it and if a better flotation system will have a major impact.
Tracks will not be able to completely eliminate the limitations of terrain however they can turn an old side-by-side that’s idle in tough conditions into a machine that you can rely on when it matters the most.