A powerful side-byside can move equipment, transport supplies and tackle difficult trails. But one swath of snow or a muddy ground could cause everything to stop.

It’s not always the horsepower that can cause problems. Tires might not be able to spread weight evenly or provide enough grip to allow the machine to be able to move forward.

That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change the way a vehicle is able to interact with the ground allowing owners access to areas that may otherwise be unaccessible even during the winter season or mud time.

Traction Isn’t the Same as Flotation

Aggressive tires can increase grip, but they still put the weight of the vehicle into four contact zones that are relatively small.

UTV track systems spread this weight across a wider footprint. This lowers the pressure on the ground and allows the machine to move over hard snow and soft soil without sinking.

Practical work requires a difference. The property owner may need to access a distant fence after snowfall. A farmer may have to cross a muddy field without causing deep ruts. One who maintains trails for the rural environment may require access throughout the spring freeze. Tracks are a great way to take care of these tasks while also protecting soils that are prone to.

The Best System is based on Your Machine

Not all tracks for UTVs are created for the same vehicles or workloads. ATVtracks.net provides four tracks from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system is suited to many full-size vehicles in the 400-1000cc class.

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, but they are not guaranteed to their suitability. Check the make, model and year of your vehicle prior to purchasing side-byside tracks. The mounting kit must match exactly to the machine or similar ones might require different equipment.

There are trade-offs in favor of greater access

Tracks increase accessibility, but they don’t make a UTV easier or cheaper to operate. The manufacturer’s planning data indicate that some systems can reduce the speed of travel by approximately 30-35% compared with tires. The added weight and resistance to rotation can also impact fuel consumption and add additional stress on the drivetrain.

Utilizing low range in extreme or difficult conditions, and limiting the speed of sustained use, and following the recommendations of the manufacturer can help to manage the requirements.

Rubber tracks will wear out more quickly when they are utilized continuously on gravel or pavement which is abrasive. While the present systems were designed for use throughout the year but their efficiency is greatest when used in a terrain that is suitable for them.

Budget beyond the Track Units

Quality side by side track systems can be a major investment. ATVtracks.net offers systems with prices starting from $6,000 to $13,000, based on the layout and intended usage.

The track unit isn’t always the entire installation. Vehicle-specific mounting components such as anti-rotation hardware, possible additional spacers or hub parts might be required. Before purchasing, purchasers should verify the entire parts list and do not believe that the initial price will include everything.

Purchase for the Conditions That You Actually Have to Face

It makes sense to implement the track system for solving the issue over and over again.

If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow or muddy pastures, wet ground, or difficult seasons, trails may enhance the work it can complete. If you use your side-byside for recreation purposes on trails that are firm it is possible that the extra cost and maintenance may not be worth it.

ATVtracks.net has spent more than two decades helping owners select, install, and maintain track systems. The team at ATVtracks.net can assist in confirming the compatibility of the track and determine the parts needed for the particular vehicle.

Before you invest, think about the frequency at which your machine is stuck, what type of terrain is causing the problem, and whether improved flotation would have a significant impact.

Tracks can’t remove all limitations of terrain however, they can transform a side by side that’s idle in tough conditions into a machine that you can rely on when it matters most.