A powerful side-by-side can carry equipment, haul supplies and manage demanding trails. One stretch of waterlogged or deep snow can halt all other equipment.
Most problems aren’t caused by the horsepower. Sometimes, the tires can’t distribute the machine’s weight or have enough traction to move forward.
UTV tracks are an ideal option. Tracks alter the way that the vehicle is interacting on the ground. This allows owners to get to places that otherwise would be difficult to access, particularly during the winter and mud season.
Traction and Flotation are Not the Same Thing
Aggressive tires can improve grip, but they concentrate the vehicle’s weight into four small contact areas.
UTV track systems spread that weight across a much larger footprint. This decreases the pressure on the ground. It also allows the vehicle to travel on the deep snow, soft soil and muddy terrain without sinking as quickly.
It is essential to know what the distinction is for practical reasons. Following a snowfall homeowner may have to reach an adjacent fence. A farmer may need to traverse a wet pasture without creating deep ruts. Someone maintaining rural trails may need dependable access to the trail during the spring freeze. Tracks can in completing these tasks and lessen the risk of damage to the terrain.
What Machine Do You Have? Choose the Right System
Some tracks are not designed for the same vehicles or load. ATVtracks.net offers four tracks that come from 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 just the starting point and does not guarantee the fit. Confirm the make, model and year of your car before you purchase side-by-side tracks. The mounting kit must be compatible with the specific machine. Even cars that look similar can need different hardware.
Accessibility is a trade-off
Tracks can be a fantastic way to make it easier for people to access, but they aren’t able to make UTVs quicker or cost-effective. According to manufacturer planning figures certain systems may reduce speeds of travel by between 30 and 35 percent when compared to tires. The added weight and resistance to rotation can also impact fuel consumption and add additional stress on the drivetrain.
Low range is a good option in difficult or severe conditions, restricting sustained speed and adhering to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can help manage these needs.
Rubber tracks wear more quickly when used for long periods on abrasive gravel or pavement. Although the current system was designed to operate throughout the year however, they perform best when used on suitable terrain.
Budget Units Beyond the Track
Side by side track systems are an important investment. ATVtracks.net offers track systems with costs starting at $6,000 and going up to $13,000 based on the model and the intended usage.
The track units themselves do not constitute the entire system. There may be specific vehicle mounting components as well as anti-rotational hardware. In addition, additional hubs or spacers could be required. Buyers must verify the complete list of components prior to placing an order rather than assuming the advertised price includes everything.
Purchase under the conditions that You Actually Face
Track systems make the most sense when access is improved to solve problems that are frequently recurring.
Tracks can be beneficial for those who live on the same side of the road and are regularly in deep snow, muddy fields swampy terrain or other tough conditions. The cost and maintenance of tracks may not be worth it to use them for leisure purposes on occasion.
ATVtracks.net is a company that has been helping owners for more than 20 years to choose, install and maintain track systems. Its team is able to confirm compatibility, and identify the components required for a particular vehicle.
Take note of how often you’re stuck with your machine, and the terrain that causes it and if better flotation can significantly improve your experience.
The best tracks will not eliminate all terrain limitations but they can convert an idle side-byside during difficult conditions into equipment you can keep using whenever accessibility is the most important factor.