The Difference Between Traction and Flotation on Soft Ground

A strong side by side can carry equipment, haul items and handle difficult trails. A section of icy or flooded ground could place everything in the way.

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

That’s when UTV tracks become worth considering. UTV tracks alter the way your vehicle interacts with its surroundings and allow you to access areas that would be otherwise impossible due to winter or mud.

Traction isn’t the exact same as Flotation.

Agri-friendly tires can enhance grip, but they still place the vehicle’s weight in four small contact areas.

UTV track systems distribute the weight over a larger footprint. This helps reduce the pressure on the ground and allows the vehicle to travel on difficult terrain, deep snow and muddy terrains, without sinking.

The difference is important for practical work. A property owner might need to access a distant fence following snowfall. Farmers may need to cross a pasture that is wet without leaving ruts. Someone who manages trails for the rural environment may require access in the springtime thaw. Tracks can help handle these tasks and protect soils that are prone to.

Your machine will identify the appropriate system for you.

Certain tracks aren’t made for the same vehicles or weights. ATVtracks.net provides four tracks from Camso as well as Kimpex. The Camso 4S1 system is suitable for many large-sized vehicles within the 400 to 1000cc category.

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 points and are not a guarantee of the quality of the product. Before purchasing side by side tracks, verify your vehicle’s make, model, and year. The mounting kit needs to match exactly to the machine or similar ones will require different hardware.

There are trade-offs in favor of better access

Tracks increase accessibility, but they don’t make a UTV faster or cheaper to operate. Plans from the manufacturers indicate that certain systems slow down travel speeds by 30 to 35% when over tires. The extra resistance and weight increase the use of fuel and places further demands on the drivetrain.

Use low range when in heavy or severe conditions, restricting the speed of sustained use, and following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can aid in managing these requirements.

Rubber tracks also wear more quickly when you are using them regularly on abrasive surfaces such as pavement or gravel. Although the current system was designed to operate in all seasons, their performance is best when used on the right terrain.

Budget Units that go beyond the Track

Side-by-side track systems are a major investment. The track systems provided by ATVtracks.net are priced approximately between $6,000 and $13,000, depending on their design and application.

But, the track units aren’t necessarily the entire installation. Vehicle-specific mounting components including anti-rotation equipment, potentially additional spacers or hub parts might be required. Buyers must verify the complete list of parts prior to ordering instead of assuming that the advertised price includes all of the components.

Purchase the items that You Actually Facing

If a tracker is the best option to solve a problem that keeps coming back, it makes sense.

If your side-byside vehicle is regularly exposed to deep snow and muddy pastures, or marshy ground, or challenging seasonal conditions, tracks may extend the tasks it is able to do. If you only use it for occasional recreation with trails that are well-maintained the cost of additional maintenance may be harder to justify.

ATVtracks.net is an established company that has been helping owners for more than 20 years to choose, install and maintain track systems. Their team can confirm compatibility, and identify elements required for a specific vehicle.

Before making a purchase, take note of how often your machine gets stuck, what terrain causes the problem, and whether improved flotation would make a meaningful difference.

The proper tracks may not be able to eliminate any obstacle to travel however, they can transform a side-by-side that sits idle in difficult conditions into a piece of equipment you can continue using for the time when accessibility is most important.