A powerful side by side can be used to transport equipment, pull items and handle difficult trails. However, one spot of icy snow or waterlogged ground can make everything stop.

The problem isn’t always with horsepower. Tires may not be able to spread weight evenly or provide enough traction for the machine to advance.

That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. They change the way a vehicle interacts with the ground, allowing drivers to access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible during the winter months or during mud season.

Traction isn’t the exact same as Flotation.

While aggressive tires can improve grip, they still concentrate the vehicle’s weight in four distinct areas.

UTV track systems spread that weight over a larger footprint. This decreases ground pressure and enables the vehicle to travel over thick snow and soft soil without sinking.

It is crucial to understand the difference for practical purposes. The owner of a property might have to get near a fence that is far away after sleet. A farmer may have to traverse through a muddy pasture, without leaving deep ruts. One who maintains trails in rural areas may require reliable access during the spring thaw. Tracks can help make these jobs easier while also reducing damage to vulnerable terrain.

Your machine will help you determine the best system for you

Some UTV tracks are not designed for the exact car or for the same load. ATVtracks.net provides four different systems from Camso and Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system is suited to many large-sized vehicles within 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 starting places, and not a guarantee of fit. Before purchasing side by side tracks, make sure you know your vehicle’s make, model and year. The kit for mounting must be compatible with the exact vehicle, and even similar vehicles can require different hardware.

There are trade-offs to better access

Tracks can improve accessibility, however they do not make a UTV easier or cheaper to operate. Some manufacturers’ planning figures demonstrate that certain systems cut down on the speed of travel up to 30% or more in comparison to tires. A higher amount of resistance and weight to rotate can also impact fuel consumption and add additional stress on the drivetrain.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to use low range when driving through heavy or difficult conditions, as well as slowing down your speed can help you manage these demands.

Rubber tracks wear out faster in the event that they are constantly used on pavement or gravel that is abrasive. Although current systems are designed for multiple seasons, they perform best when they are placed on suitable terrain.

Budget beyond the Track Units

Side-by-side track systems can be a substantial investment. ATVtracks.net provides systems at prices that start at $6,000 and go up to $13,000 based upon the design and intended use.

However it isn’t necessarily the complete installation. The vehicle-specific mounting parts as well as anti-rotation hardware and possibly additional hubs, spacers, or components may be needed. Buyers must verify the complete parts list prior to making an order instead of assuming that the advertised price includes all of the components.

Buy for the Conditions You Actually Have to

If a tracker is the best option to solve problems that keep recurring, it makes sense.

If you are frequently in deep snow, muddy meadows, marshy grounds, or difficult conditions in the winter, tracks could help your tandem do more work. The extra cost and upkeep of tracks may not be worth the cost for occasional recreational use.

ATVtracks.net is an organization that has been helping owners for more than 20 years to select, install and maintain track systems. The team of experts can help you confirm that the system is compatible and can identify the components required for a specific car.

Before you invest, think about how often your machine gets stuck, the terrain that causes the issue, and if the improved flotation will help in a meaningful way.

The correct tracks may not remove every obstacle in the terrain. But they can change an old side-by-side left in a stalemate during harsh conditions to an item you can use in the times when accessibility is crucial.