A strong side-by can tow equipment, haul supplies, or navigate difficult trails. A few inches of waterlogged or deep snow can halt everything.
Most problems aren’t caused by the horsepower. The problem is not always horsepower.
That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change the way a vehicle interacts with the ground which allows owners to access areas that would otherwise be unaccessible when it’s winter or mud season.
Traction isn’t the same as Flotation
Although aggressive tires can improve grip, the weight of the vehicle remains consolidated in four areas that are relatively small.
UTV track systems distribute that weight across a much larger footprint. This reduces ground-pressure and allows the machine to go over deep snow and soft soil without sinking.
Practical work requires a different approach. A property owner may need to walk near a fence that is not accessible after sleet. Farmers might need to traverse a wet pasture without causing deep ruts. A person who maintains trails in rural areas may need dependable access during spring freeze. Tracks make it easier to manage these jobs while protecting soils that are prone to.
Your machine will decide the most appropriate system for your needs.
Not all tracks for UTVs are created for the same machines or work. ATVtracks.net has four different systems that are made by Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is intended to be used with larger side-by-sides that are 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 only starting points, not guarantees of good quality. Before buying side by side tracks, confirm your vehicle’s model, make, and year. The installation kit should match the exact model or similar ones may require different hardware.
Accessibility is a trade-off
Tracks improve access, but they don’t make UTV easier or cheaper to run. According to manufacturer planning figures certain systems can cut the speed of travel by 30 to 35 percent in comparison to tires. Additional weight and resistance from rotating will also consume more fuel and increase the demands on the drivetrain.
Use low range when in heavy or severe conditions, restricting the speed of sustained use, and following the instructions of the vehicle manufacturer will help to manage the needs.
Rubber tracks wear faster if they are used continuously on a surface which is abrasive. Although current systems are designed for multiple seasons, they are most effective when they are placed on suitable terrain.
Budgets Beyond the Track Units
Top-quality side-by-side track systems make for a considerable investment. ATVtracks.net’s systems begin at $6,000, and rise to $13,000, based on their designs.
The track unit is not always the complete installation. Specific mounting components for your vehicle, anti-rotation hardware, and possibly additional hubs, spacers, or parts may be required. Buyers are advised to verify the full list of components prior to placing an order instead of assuming that the advertised starting price covers all of the components.
Purchase according to the Terms You Accept
Track systems make the most sense when better access resolves the issue that is frequently encountered.
If you often find yourself in deep snow, muddy meadows, marshy grounds, or difficult weather conditions, tracks can aid your side-by-side perform more tasks. If you only use your side-by-side only for leisure purposes with firm trails only occasionally the cost of maintenance could not be justified.
ATVtracks.net is a top provider of track systems, has assisted owners choose, install, and maintain their track systems for over two decades. Its team is able to confirm compatibility, and to identify components needed for a specific vehicle.
Before investing, consider how often your machine gets stuck, what type of terrain is causing the problem, and whether an improved flotation system could make a meaningful difference.
The best tracks won’t eliminate every terrain limitation. But they can transform an old side-by-side sitting idle during tough conditions to an item you can continue to use in the times when accessibility is crucial.
