Iredell Humane

When Your Side-by-Side Needs More Traction Than Tires Can Deliver

A sturdy side-by is able to pull equipment, carry supplies, or navigate difficult trails. A few inches of waterlogged or deep snow can stop everything.

The problem isn’t always horsepower. The issue isn’t always related to horsepower.

That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. The tracks alter the way in which the vehicle operates on the ground. It allows owners to access areas that might otherwise be difficult to access, particularly in the winter season.

Traction and Flotation Are Not the Same Thing

While aggressive tires can improve grip, they do not eliminate the vehicle’s weight in four distinct zones.

UTV track systems spread that weight across a much larger footprint. This helps reduce ground pressure and allows the machine to traverse thick snow and soft soil without sinking.

The difference matters for practical purposes. Following a snowfall, a property owner may need to access a fence. A farmer may need to walk through a wet pasture without causing deep ruts. Someone maintaining rural trails could require access to a reliable source to the trail during the spring the thaw. Tracks can make these chores more manageable and reduce the potential for damage to soils that are sensitive.

What Machine Do You Have? Choose the Right System

Not all tracks designed for UTVs are designed for identical vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net carries four systems that are made by 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 only the starting point and is not a guarantee of the quality. Verify the model, make and year of your car before you purchase side-by-side tracks. The installation kit should match the exact machine. Even vehicles that look similar can need different hardware.

There are trade-offs to better access

Tracks could improve access, however they do not make UTVs less expensive or quicker to run. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that some systems can reduce the speed of travel by 30 to 35% when over tires. The extra weight and resistance increases the use of fuel and places further demands on the drivetrain.

Using low range in deep or extreme conditions, limiting sustained speed and adhering to the instructions of the vehicle manufacturer will help to manage the needs.

Rubber tracks will also wear more quickly If you keep them in use on an abrasive surface, such as pavement or gravel. They work best on appropriate terrain, despite the fact that they’re made to be used during multiple seasons.

Budget Beyond the Track Units

Side by side track systems are an important investment. ATVtracks.net offers systems with prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000, based on the design and purpose of use.

The track unit is not always the entire system. Other parts like the mounting hardware to your vehicle and anti-rotation equipment, as well hub or spacer components could be required. The entire list of components must be reviewed prior to purchase is made.

Purchase under the conditions that You Actually Facing

A track system is the most sense when improved access solves a recurring problem.

Tracks are a great option when your side-by-side is frequently confronted with thick snow, muddy fields rough terrain, or other tough conditions. If you use your side-by-side only for leisure purposes on firm trails occasionally, the extra expense and maintenance might not be justified.

ATVtracks.net an industry-leading provider of track systems has helped owners choose, install, and maintain track systems for more than two decades. Its experts verify compatibility and identify the essential components for a car.

Consider how often you get stuck with your machine, the environment that causes it and if improved flotation will be a big difference.

The proper tracks may not be able to eliminate all terrain limitations but they can convert an idle side-byside during difficult conditions into equipment you can continue using when access matters most.