Installing ATV Tracks

An all-terrain vehicle is one of the most versatile on the market today. With its penchant for speed and stability while traversing tough terrains with ease, the modern day ATV is a force to be reckoned with in any season. When it comes to upping the performance and fun of this machine, a set of tracks can go a long way. If you have ever thought about installing ATV tracks to your machine, we have you covered with all the information you need to make this decision.

What are tracks?

Before we get into the pros and cons of installing ATV tracks, you need to know what it is and how it operates. Tracks are installed over an assembly frame in place of the typical tires. They are typically made of thick rubber with large tread capable of gaining traction over just about any surface in any weather condition. While they can be worn year round, they are particularly useful in winter for making your ATV snow ready.

Pros of Tracks

There are some obvious benefits of tracks for ATV riding. For starters, tracks make winter riding easier than ever since the tracks can churn through the snow without a loss of traction. They are great on snow whether it is hard packed or freshly fallen and softer. They can also be used in muddy terrains since they have a considerable level of floatation to them. You can ride through shallow waters and mud without losing control or traction. They can successfully navigate any terrain from snow and rocks to mud and sand. You can even use them on gravel and asphalt for short distances, provided you don’t drive over it for long distances since it can weaken the tread. They also last a long time if you properly care for them.

Cons of Tracks

If there are any cons to installing ATV tracks, they are relatively minimal for what you get in return. The biggest cons are price and installation time. There are several different price points on the market for this type of add-on and you certainly have options to fit in just about any budget. The other con is that installing them, while easy enough to perform, is a bit time-consuming. If you think you can simply switch from tracks to tire and back to tracks in a matter of minutes, you will be shocked at how long it actually takes. It takes anywhere from 1-2 hours to install the tracks because you will need to install a new frame assembly with special bars, brackets, and adapters to keep the track in place. The pros outweigh the cons for most riders which is why more and more people are choosing to outfit their ATV with tracks.

Tips

When installing ATV tracks, there are a few tips to help you make the most of this purchase.

1. Choose the right tracks: There are several options on the market for tracks. You want to check matters such as length, width, and frame dimensions to ensure you get something compatible with your ATV model. There are also differences in the tread available so you want to examine this aspect before purchasing. There are wide set tread options and closer tread options. While both treads are useful, there are slight differences in how they perform so check this to make sure it meets your expectations.

2. Consider the weight and frame: The tracks are placed on the frame so the matter of weight cannot be stressed enough. Most tracks weigh around 80 pounds, but there are some on the market coming in at a whopping 110 pounds. If the weight is too much for the frame, it will lead to damages to your ATV and a whole lot of money wasted. You should carefully consider opting for a lighter choice to avoid overloading the frame.

3. Check your owner’s manual: The owner’s manual is your best friend in terms of your all-terrain vehicle. It will tell you important details such as the weight of your frame, how much weight the frame can handle, and may even cover the installation of tracks so you can get a better idea based specifically on your manufacturer and model. The owner’s manual can also be helpful in this process because you need to remove the tires and make sure you do it the right way for total success with installing the tracks. You should always consult the owner’s manual before making any major changes to your ATV just to be on the safe side.

4. Always consult the kit installation guide: When you buy a set of tracks for your all terrain vehicle, it comes in a kit with a guide. The kit will include the tracks as well as the accompanying bars, adapters, and brackets. The guide will tell you step by step how to install the new frame assembly and tracks. If you are buying a used set of tracks, you should ask the seller if they still have the guide to ensure the best results.