Tracks have improved significantly in recent years. This product replaces wheels with tracks that lift a machine, allowing it to float on the snow instead of digging in the way wheels do. Their maximized flotation allows the vehicle’s weight to be distributed over a greater surface area. Ground pressure exerted by the vehicle is reduced by an average of 75%. Depending on the vehicle’s weight and the load it’s carrying, it makes for a more environmentally friendly machine.

Tracks have been around for a while, but several factors have made this product more attractive in Utah. UTVs dominate the ATV market in part because they carry more people. I have seen more UTVs carrying three or more people.

Another factor making tracks more attractive is the introduction of power steering. Machines with track systems are easier to maneuver with this feature.

Product improvements include offering it as an all-season track. They have replaced the old slide rail system with more guide wheels in the track, rounded the tread to prevent side-to-side slippage and used more durable material in the track itself.

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One reason for the increase in popularity is their use in accessing mountain cabins. When vehicles without tracks become useless in getting through the snow, those with tracks can easily make for a fun winter retreat.

There are two sides to consider when deciding to install tracks on your UTV. First the upside:

• They go in the snow. They will get you into that remote cabin when other options won’t.
• The total contact patch is over 2,500 square inches. This plants you firmly on the ground and will give you confidence in the snow. This footprint enables the UTV to float over the snow.
• Tracks will extend your driving season. While other machines are pickled and sitting in the garage, you can be out enjoying yours.
• Driving with tracks makes your machine more environmentally friendly. The large contact patch puts less weight on the ground, reducing turf damage.
• Tracks are much less expensive than buying a snowmobile.
• During the change in seasons where snow appears in patches, tracks will work when a snowmobile won’t.
• Tracks allow you to carry more people compared to a snowmobile.
• Fire departments have found them useful around ski resorts and on sensitive turf when fighting fires.

On the down side:

• Tracks increase the length and width of your UTV. While this improves stability, it limits where you can go.
• You can’t go everywhere snowmobiles go.
• A set of tracks will cost about $6,000 including the installation kit.
• The initial setup will take about four hours. After that, the seasonal change out will be about two hours.
• Having tracks means you need a place to store them when not in use.
• Tracks will double the turning radius of your machine.
• While tracks will work on groomed trails, they don’t work in deep powder.
• The terrain under deep snow can be a problem because when you are stuck with tracks, you are really stuck.
• The gear reduction when using tracks is at least 30%. That fact will throw your odometer off so that you will be showing more miles than you have actually traveled.
• Tracks will add about 400 pounds to the weight of your machine.

Two major companies offer tracks on the market — Camso and Kimpex. Camso, formerly known as Camoplast Solideal, is a privately owned Canadian company. The Camso UTV 4S1 Track System carries a two-year warranty.

The Kimpex Commander WSS4 UTV Track System has a one-year warranty. Indications are that Kimpex is a U.S. company. Their prices seem to be a little lower than the Camso brand.

As a side note, if you want to venture out into the winter wonderland in your truck or SUV, Mattracks seems to be the dominant brand. As for pricing, the website I visited wanted me to contact them for a quote. It seems that the larger the vehicle, the bigger the price tag.

As for me, I don’t have access to a cabin that I would want to get to in the winter, so I will wait until I can drive on regular tires. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down, and when you go in the snow, go on tracks.

Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.