A powerful side-by can tow equipment, haul supplies or traverse difficult terrain. A few feet of snow or wet ground could put everything in a bind.
Many problems are not caused by the horsepower. Sometimes, the tires are unable to evenly distribute the weight of the machine or find enough traction to move forward.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change how the vehicle interacts with the ground allowing owners to get into areas that would otherwise be unaccessible during the winter months or during mud season.
Traction Isn’t The Same As Flotation
While aggressive tires can enhance grip, the mass of the vehicle is still concentrated into four relatively small areas.
UTV track systems distribute that weight across a wider area. This lowers the pressure on the ground which allows the machine to navigate through difficult terrain, deep snow and muddy terrains with no sinking.
It is crucial to understand the difference for practical purposes. An owner of a property may need to get across a fence after snowfall. A farmer might need to cross a muddy field without making deep ruts. Anyone who runs rural trails may require reliable access throughout the spring freeze. Tracks can facilitate these tasks, while reducing the damage to the terrain.
Your machine will help you determine the most appropriate system for your needs.
There are a variety of UTV tracks that are designed for the same vehicle or load. ATVtracks.net provides four different systems from Camso as well as Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 is designed for 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 merely starting points and are not a guarantee of the quality of the product. Check the make, model and year of your car before purchasing side-by-side tracks. Even similar machines will require different mounting hardware.
The price of better access is an exchange
Tracks increase accessibility, but they won’t make a UTV faster or cheaper to operate. According to the manufacturer’s plans, some systems can reduce the speed of travel by 30 to 35% when over tires. The extra weight and resistance increases fuel consumption, and places further demands on the drivetrain.
This can be controlled through the use of low range, by limiting to sustained speeds and adhering to instructions from the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Rubber tracks wear down faster if they are used continuously on gravel or pavement that is abrasive. While the present designs were created to work in all seasons, their performance is best when they are placed on the right terrain.
Budget over the Track Units
Side by side track systems are an important investment. ATVtracks.net has systems available with prices starting from $6,000 to $13,000, based on the design and purpose of use.
The track units themselves do not constitute the entire system. Vehicle-specific mounting components such as anti-rotation hardware, potentially additional spacers or hub parts might be required. Buyers must verify the complete list of components prior to placing an order instead of thinking that the advertised starting price covers everything.
Purchase for the conditions you Actually Have to
If a tracker system is the most effective solution to problems that keep recurring, it makes sense.
If your side by side is often confronted with deep snow swamps, muddy pastures or marshy terrain, or challenging weather conditions, trails could expand the work it can complete. The extra cost and upkeep of tracks might not be worth it for recreational use on a regular basis.
ATVtracks.net has spent more than two decades helping owners select track systems, install and maintain track systems. Its team is able to verify compatibility and pinpoint parts required to fit a specific vehicle.
Before making a purchase, take note of how often your machine gets stuck, what terrain causes the issue, and if an improved flotation system could help in a meaningful way.
Tracks won’t be able to eliminate all terrain limitations but they will turn the side by side that’s in idle conditions into an equipment you can use when it matters most.