A sturdy side by side can haul equipment, pull items and handle difficult trails. Yet one stretch of deep snow or a muddy ground could bring everything to a stop.
Sometimes it’s not the engine’s horsepower that is causing issues. Tires may not be able of distributing weight evenly, or provide sufficient traction to enable the machine progress forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change how the vehicle interacts with the ground allowing owners to reach places that might otherwise be unaccessible even during the winter season or mud time.
Traction and Flotation Are Not the Same
While aggressive tires can enhance grip, the overall weight of the vehicle is still confined into four relatively small areas.
UTV track systems distribute the weight over a larger footprint. This decreases ground pressure and enables the machine to traverse hard snow and soft soil without sinking.
Practical work demands a change. After a snowfall, a homeowner might need to reach an adjacent fence. A farmer may have to traverse a wet field and not leave deep ruts. It could be essential for someone who is responsible for maintaining rural paths to have reliable access in the event of a spring freeze. Tracks can ease the burden while also reducing damage to the terrain.
What Machine Do You Have? Determine the right system
Not all UTV tracks are designed for the same car or for the same load. ATVtracks.net has four different systems from Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed to be full-size side-by-sides in 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 just a starting point, and not a guarantee of fit. Before purchasing side by side tracks, check your car’s make, model and year. The mounting kit needs to match the exact vehicle and even vehicles with similar models will require different hardware.
Better Access comes with trade-offs
Tracks improve access, but they don’t make UTV faster or cheaper to operate. According to the manufacturer’s plans, some systems can reduce the speed of travel by around 30-35% in comparison to tires. Additional rotating weights and resistance also increase the fuel consumption of vehicles and put extra stress on the drivetrain.
Low range is a good option in difficult or difficult conditions, and limiting the speed of sustained use, and following the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer can help to manage the demands.
Rubber tracks wear out faster when they are utilized continuously on a surface which is abrasive. They work better on right terrain, even though they’re intended to be used in multiple seasons.
Budget beyond the Track Units
Good quality side by side track systems represent a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems begin with a cost of $6,000, and rise to $13,000 based on their design.
The track units themselves do not constitute the entire system. Additional components like mounting hardware for your car as well as anti-rotation hardware, hubs or spacers may be required. Buyers are advised to verify the full list of parts prior to ordering rather than assuming the advertised price includes all of the components.
Purchase for the Conditions That You Actually Have to Face
If a tracker system is the ideal solution to the problem that has been running into the same spot, it makes sense.
If your side by side is often confronted with deep snow, muddy pastures, marshy ground, or challenging weather conditions, trails could extend the tasks it is able to complete. The cost and maintenance of tracks could not be worth the cost for recreational use on a regular basis.
ATVtracks.net has spent over two decades assisting owners to select, install, and maintain track systems. The team of experts can help you confirm compatibility and pinpoint the necessary components required for a particular vehicle.
Consider the frequency with which your machine becomes stuck in the ground, the conditions that are creating it, and whether the flotation system you have installed is able to be beneficial.
Tracks can’t eliminate all terrain limitations, but they will transform a side-by-side vehicle that’s idle in tough conditions into a machine you are able to use when it is the most.