The 5 most common questions about ATV and UTV track systems
Camso experts answer the top 5 most commonly asked questions about ATV/UTV track kits: flotation level, getting stuck, loss of speed and more. Learn the ins and outs of track systems.
1. What level of flotation should I expect from a track system?
When you equip your machine with a track system, you’ll reduce ground pressure of your machine’s total weight by 50%. Basically, is works on the same concept as snowshoes: the greater the footprint, the more flotation you get. Also, keep in mind that the track’s geometry will also affect performance in snow.
Curious to learn more about the level of flotation you can get from a track system? Ask your local dealer if there’s a demo ride day coming up. Trying a tracked vehicle is the best way to experience first-hand the benefits of track systems.. Find a local dealer in your area.
2. Can a side-by-side or 4-wheel vehicle equipped with a track system get stuck?
It sure can – just like any other vehicle! Track systems may be incredibly reliable, but like everything else, they can only be pushed so far.
Here’s the deal: tracks let you take your all-terrain or utility vehicle or off trails, in deep snow or just about anywhere else you want to go. But they can still get stuck. And what happens is that you’ll have gotten a lot further on that particular terrain before you do get stuck than if you were on tires. Which means you’ll probably be that much deeper in the woods.
That’s why we recommend always bringing a few tools along. Wrenches in case track tension changes, a small jack for a quick repair and a block of wood if you need to go over an obstacle – that sort of thing. Your owner’s manual will include a list of what to bring. (Lost your Camso ATV/UTV Owner’s Manual? You can find it here.)
If you always head out prepared, you’ll always have what you need on hand if your machine does get stuck. We also recommend to bring along a cell or GPS phone, just to be on the safe side. Plus that cell phone might come in handy if you want to take photos of the beautiful scenery out there!
3. Will I lose speed when I install a track system on my ATV or UTV?
The answer is yes, but there’s a very good reason for it. Vehicles lose about one-third of their speed when equipped with track systems. That means you’ll only be able to reach two-thirds of the vehicle’s max speed.
Why? To ensure you get maximum power in tough conditions like snow, mud or when hauling a trailer or plowing the road up to the cottage, the vehicle needs to be adapted with smaller sprockets in to retain horsepower for more torque. Add to that, track systems are heavier than tires and require more engine power to turn.
For a vehicle that would only be driving on hard surfaces, it could make sense to use bigger sprockets without losing much torque. But at the end of the day, if you’re considering purchasing a track system for your ATV or UTV, it’s not to use it on asphalt, is it? You already have tires for that. It’s to take it off the beaten path, without compromising on HP and limiting possible mechanical failures.
Wondering what system is best for you? Compare traction, flotation and stability of Camso track systems for ATVs and UTVs.
In the end, a track system gives you a happy compromise. You lose one-third of the speed you’d have on tires, but you keep the torque and gain flotation. Not a bad bargain, is it?
Or look at it this way: if you’re running in deep snow versus running on a clean racetrack, you won’t require the same amount of power to move forward, will you?
Need to find which system is right for your vehicle year, make, model and cc? Check out our Track System Fitment Guide.
4. Can a tracked vehicle pull an ice shelter or plow snow?
Yup. As you just read above, Camso track systems are engineered to retain maximum vehicle horsepower. The smaller sprockets are adapted to your vehicle’s cc to give you plenty of power to pull an ice shelter or plow a driveway.
See Camso UTV and ATV track systems in action with our awesome YouTube channel.
5. How long does a track system usually last?
Well this one’s a tougher question to answer. There are so many factors to consider, it all depends on how the track system is used. Is it being used commercially, like at a ski resort or for emergency services? During the winter only? Year-round? Are you sticking to a routine maintenance schedule?
As a general rule, any system that’s maintained as recommended by the owner’s guide and equipped with new bearings when needed will typically last longer.
But to give you a ballpark number: if you only use the system in the winter, diligently maintain it and properly store it when not in use, etc., a track system can last about 10 years.
You can also expect roughly this lifespan if you’re using the track system for commercial usage or in tough conditions – but with a caveat. You’ll need to replace more moving parts, more often (bearings, tracks, etc.).
It basically always boils down to this: proper maintenance will lead to a longer-lasting track kit. Simple guidelines for a happy, long-lasting system!
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