What is an ATV?

An ATV, or an ‘All Terrain Vehicle’ is a term used to describe motorized buggies that are small and open, with three or four wheels, which are designed to be used off-road, or in rough terrain. In New Zealand and Australia, ATV’s are usually called quads or quad-bikes. These vehicles are extensively used for agricultural purposes, particularly in terrain that is hilly and rugged. A single operator drives it, although two-seater models are being considered.

The rider sits astride it as on a motorbike and operates it likewise, with handlebars for controlling the steering. The only difference is that the vehicle is more stable in lower speeds due to the extra wheels, compared to regular motorbikes. Although the ATV usually comes with 3 or 4 wheels, there are 6-wheel models that are used for special applications. The sizes of ATV engines currently available are in the range of 49cc to 950cc.

ATVs are popular for both recreational purposes as well as for utility purposes like in forestry and agricultural sectors. The reason being that they are designed in such a way as to be able to cope with a wide range of terrains.

The Origins of ATVs

Although the ATVs these days are associated with Japanese companies, however, similar 3 to 4 wheel vehicles were manufactured in the US a decade before the Japanese introduced their models. Similar, small sized vehicles meant for off-road use were made by several manufacturers in the 1930s. These were designed for traversing over dry land as well as streams, ponds, and swamps. Usually made of fiberglass or plastic tub, they were usually equipped with 6 wheels which had low pressure tires. These amphibious vehicles were the first ATVs, or all terrain vehicles. Unlike the ATVs of today, these were meant for multiple riders, and had control sticks or steering wheels, instead of handlebars.

With the introduction of the 3- and 4-wheeled, straddle type of ATVs, this term is usually used for these vehicles now, with the amphibious variety mostly known these days as Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles, or AATVs.

Safety Issues of 3-Wheel ATVs

Due to legal battles about the safety issues concerning 3-wheel ATVs during the latter part of the 1980s, and consent decrees, all manufacturers ended the production of these vehicles in 1987, switching to 4-wheel ATVs.

Because the 3-wheel ATV was much lighter, they were very popular amongst some expert ATV riders. Cornering is far more challenging with the 3-wheel ATV compared to the 4-wheeled vehicle, since it is even more important to lean into the turn. However, if not performed with due care, it often results in a roll over.

Since the 3-wheeled ATV has a single wheel in the front, which makes it lighter, a potential danger is the chance of flipping backwards, particularly when climbing up an incline. Rolling over also occurs during going down a steep incline. However, with the consent decrees expiring in 1997, manufacturers began making the 3-wheeled ATV models once again, although there are few of them marketed these days.

Sport and Utility ATVs

ATVs are still divided into utility and sport markets. Sport ATVs are usually light and small 2-wheel drive vehicles, which have the ability of accelerating quickly, can be driven at speeds of up to 145 km per hour, or 90 miles per hour, and have manual transmission. They are built more for performance, instead of utility.

Utility models, on the other hand, are usually larger in size and are 4-wheel drive machines, which can achieve speeds of about 100 km per hour, or about 70 miles per hour. They are also capable of hauling small loads on racks that are attached to them or small dumpers. They can also be used for towing small trailers. Because of the difference in the weight of the two, each type of ATV has its own advantages on different terrains.

Manufacturers have often been surprised by how ingenuously people adapt their quads to their farming requirements. The 6-wheel models are usually fitted with a small dumper, with a set of extra wheels at the rear end for increasing the payload capacity. These vehicles can either be 6-wheel drives or 4-wheel drives.