Post: Why a Bigger Track Footprint Can Change Winter Accessibility

A powerful side by side can transport equipment, pull supplies and manage demanding trails. Yet one stretch of deep snow or wet ground can cause everything to stop.

Most problems aren’t caused by the horsepower. The issue isn’t always about horsepower.

That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They alter the way the vehicle interacts with the ground. This allows owners to access areas that might otherwise be inaccessible, especially during the winter and mud season.

Traction is not the same as Flotation.

Agri-friendly tires can enhance grip, but they still put the weight of the vehicle into the four areas of contact that are very small.

UTV track system spreads that weight across a wide area. This lowers the pressure on the ground, which helps the machine to travel on hard snow, soft terrain, and muddy terrains without sinking.

It is vital to be aware of what the distinction is for practical reasons. After a snowfall property owner may need to get access to a fence. A farmer might need to traverse a muddy pasture without causing deep ruts. People who manage trails for rural use might require reliable access for the duration of spring freeze. Tracks make it easier to control these jobs and also protect vulnerable ground.

The Best System is based on Your Machine

The UTV tracks may not be designed for the same car or for the same load. ATVtracks.net includes four systems of Camso, and Kimpex. The Camso UTV ENDUR is designed for larger side-by-sides of 1000cc and above, while the Camso 4S1 covers many full-size machines that fall within 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 just an initial point of reference, and is not a guarantee of the quality. Make sure you know the model, make and year of your vehicle before purchasing side-by-side tracks. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the exact vehicle or similar ones will require different hardware.

There are trade-offs in favor of greater access

Tracks can improve accessibility, however they don’t make a UTV more efficient or less expensive to operate. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that certain systems decrease the speed of travel by approximately 30-35% compared with tires. A higher amount of resistance and weight to rotate will also consume more fuel and place additional demands on the drivetrain.

The demand can be met through the use of lower range, restricting sustained speeds, and observing vehicle manufacturer recommendations.

Rubber tracks can also wear more quickly If you continue to use them on an abrasive surface, such like pavement or gravel. Although the current tracks were developed to be used in all seasons however, they perform best when they are operated on a suitable surface.

Budget that is beyond the Track Units

A good side-by-side track is an investment worth it. The track systems provided by ATVtracks.net are priced around $6,000 to $13,000, contingent on their design and intended use.

The track unit isn’t always the entire installation. Specific mounting components for your vehicle such as anti-rotation hardware, perhaps additional spacers and hub parts may be required. Buyers are advised to verify the full parts list prior to making an order instead of believing that the advertised starting price covers everything.

Pay according to the Conditions You Face

If a tracker system is the ideal solution to a problem that keeps repeating, it is logical.

If you frequently find yourself in deep snow, muddy meadows wet ground, or other challenging conditions during the season, trails can assist your side-by-side to accomplish more. For occasional recreational use on firm trails the cost of additional maintenance might be difficult to justify.

ATVtracks.net is a company which has been assisting owners for over 20 years to install, select and maintain track systems. The team can verify compatibility and pinpoint elements required for a specific vehicle.

Before investing, consider how often your machine gets stuck, what type of terrain is causing the problem, and whether the improved flotation will be beneficial.

The right tracks will not eliminate every terrain limitation. But they can change the side-by-side that was lying idle in tough conditions to an item you are able to continue using whenever accessibility is essential.