Ask a farmer, a hunting guide or a property manager what stops their side-by-side, and the answer is rarely mechanical. It is the ground. Deep snow, spring mud and soft fill all exploit the same weakness: a heavy machine standing on four small patches of rubber. UTV tracks change that arithmetic, but they come with trade-offs that deserve a straight explanation before anyone spends money.
Four Systems, Two Makers
The range comes from Camso and Kimpex, two systems apiece. It is tempting to assume these are good, better and best versions of one product. They are not. Each is built around a particular size of machine and a particular kind of work, and picking the wrong one is the mistake we correct most often over the phone.
The ENDUR is for large machines of 1000cc and up. The 4S1 covers full-size side-by-sides from roughly 400 to 1000cc. The HD4 is rated for machines up to 4,000 lb, and that figure is the weight of the vehicle, not what you load into it. The WSS4 follows Kimpex’s published fitment instead of a displacement range. Anyone comparing UTV track systems should begin with the machine in the shed. Size narrows the list quickly, and footprint settles most of what remains, because footprint governs how well a system floats in deep snow and soft ground.
Why Engine Size Is Not Enough
Here is the detail that catches people off guard. Two side-by-sides with the same engine can need different kits, since the mount kit is made for one specific vehicle. Fitment therefore goes by make, model and year. That is why this page leads to a fitment tool rather than a shopping cart. Enter your details and you will see which tracks for UTVs are actually built for your machine. Not every system fits every side-by-side, and the platform pages go further, explaining what changes between trims and answering the questions unique to that model.
What You Gain on Soft Ground
A track spreads weight across thousands of square inches, so the machine stays on top of snow and out of the mud instead of sinking. The long lugs find bite on packed snow, ice-glazed ground, mud and loose fill, where a tire would simply spin. A longer footprint and a lower effective centre of gravity also steady a loaded machine on off-camber ground and side hills.
For most owners, though, the real prize is access. Ground that closes to tires in freeze-up and again in mud season stays open. Rutting across pasture and trail drops as well, which counts when the land you cross is land you must look after.
What You Give Up
Tracks are not simply a tire upgrade; they come with trade-offs that owners should understand before investing. Side by side tracks can significantly improve traction in challenging terrain, but they also reduce speed. Kimpex publishes an average speed loss of about 30% for the HD4 and 35% for the WSS4, while Camso says the 4S1 maintains roughly two-thirds of normal tire speed. Treat these figures as planning estimates rather than fixed specifications. Added rotating weight and drag also increase fuel consumption per mile, reducing range on longer backcountry trips. Ride height increases too, by approximately 5 inches on the 4S1 and 6 inches on the HD4 and 5.5 inches on the WSS4.
Pavement is particularly hard on rubber tracks. Occasional road crossings are generally manageable, but extended travel on pavement and gravel can accelerate wear. When operating in deep conditions, use low range, avoid maintaining excessive speeds, and check your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for track compatibility. Budget carefully as well, since side by side track systems typically represent a four-figure investment before vehicle-specific mounting components are included. For many side-by-side owners, this can be one of their largest accessory purchases.
Who Should Buy
The ideal buyer regularly deals with soft terrain for several months of the year and typically travels shorter distances. In these conditions, tracks help keep a machine productive during seasons when conventional tires might struggle. However, owners who frequently cover long distances on hard-packed roads may find that the additional costs and maintenance outweigh the benefits. Consider your typical riding conditions, evaluate compatibility, and choose a suitable track setup based on how you actually use your machine.