All-Terrain Versatility

Grip the handlebars of an ATV and you can just
feel the backwoods beckoning. One look at your expansive property and your all-terrain vehicle lets out this infrasonic roar that just makes you want to explore the great outdoors with 500 ccs of go-anywhere power and traction. It’s the call of the wild.

That’s part of the charm of this little all-terrain hellion, traversing the wild country with velocity. Of course ATVs aren’t just about indulging your inner speed demon.
You might be surprised with how many professionals and private users are employing their ATVs in a variety of (gasp!) work applications. Transporting tools, running attachments like snow blades and sprayers, pulling
trailers of cargo and running personnel back and forth from job to job — ATVs can focus their all-terrain technology on a little intensive labor now and then, before hauling ass through the woods for sports and leisure.
It’s true everyone wants an all-terrain vehicle that can navigate the wilderness like Davy Crockett’s warhorse, but making sure that same ATV has enough “utility”
(features like good rack capacity, the power to haul cargo and the ability to take attachments or two riders) can expand that fun into work applications.

Wait… work… fun?

Yeah, we know: It’s not often you find those two words in the same sentence, but you’ll discover that most weekends call for both — a little work and a little fun — so why shouldn’t an ATV be equipped to handle the two tasks equally?

This Ain’t No Cannonball Run

Have you ever seen those sweet motocross courses for ATVs — wicked forest tracks, extreme dune climbing and even racing on ice? There’s a whole all-terrain industry out there dedicated to race enthusiasts and speed freaks who love the excitement of riding “sport” ATVs. These sport ATVs are high-performance race machines with small frames, low centers of gravity, powerful engines, high suspensions and speeds up to 75 mph. These quick racers are built for velocity, performance and burning rubber. Good examples are Honda’s TRX, Yamaha’s Raptor and Arctic Cat’s DVX Series ATVs — sport machines designed for the thrills of going fast and motocross competition.

While those ATVs are loads of fun, they are not built
for the versatility you would find in a “utility” ATV.

Utility ATVs are models engineered with bigger frames, cargo capacity, four-wheel drive and the ability to move small loads and attachments, as well as the ability to speed through the forest for fun.

“Utility ATVs are typically more capable as a working tool with available four-wheel drive, racks for carrying loads and the ability to tow a small trailer,” explains Mike Harker, ATV/PWC media coordinator with American Honda Motor Co. “There are, however, many owners who use their utility machines for recreational purposes like trail riding and hunting and fishing.”

The utility ATV offers the best of both worlds — a hard-nosed work buddy who’s willing to go hunting and trail riding afterward. Popular utility ATV models include Honda’s FourTrax, Yamaha’s Grizzly and Big Bear, Kawasaki’s Brute Force, Polaris’ Sportsman and Arctic Cat’s 250 through 700 Utility Series. These utility ATVs are broken down into four basic sizes, according to engine power — youth machines (50 and 90 cc), entry level (250 cc), mid-size (400 and 500 cc) and big bore (650, 700 and 800 cc). For most ATV adventures, a 400-cc engine will do just fine for almost any application you have in mind.

“A 400-cc ATV will take care of
the majority of jobs. In situations where you are towing heavy loads constantly or pulling a plow, I would opt for a larger size machine for additional torque and horsepower,” suggests Kale Wainer, media relations specialist with Arctic Cat.

“For work oriented applications, torque is always something to look for when pulling trailers or heavy loads, as well as a machine that will stay cool while working.”

The mid-size, 400-cc, 4×4 utility ATV is one of the most popular sizes; plus, they have all the options of a bigger bore machine, with a smaller engine and smaller price tag. But a big bore ATV engine will add increased towing capacity and pushing power, important when working around the large estate or jobsite. A larger power plant always means more horsepower, faster speeds and gobs of low-end torque for pulling. Match your engine to your applications.

Liquid-cooled engines and electronic fuel injection
are also becoming popular features. Capitalizing on technologies like a circulating water pump, cooling fan and thermostat, a liquid-cooled engine can be quieter, more durable and have better emissions than an air-cooled engine. A typical jump from an air-cooled to a liquid-cooled is around $500. Electronic fuel injection (or EFI) has also evolved into the ATV industry over the last few years. An EFI system delivers high-pressure fuel to an electrically-operated valve called an injector. That injector delivers the right amount of fuel, at
precisely the right time, for every engine operating condition across the rev range.

“Most models in our Sportsman line come with EFI,” says Donna Beadle, Polaris spokesperson. “The EFI system compensates automatically for changes in altitude and temperature, ensuring the Sportsman starts readily and delivers maximum performance in all environments, from -25 degrees F to 120 degrees F and at altitudes up to 10,000 ft. And it only costs about $500 more.”

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

If the engine is the heart of your ATV, then features like disc brakes, independent rear suspension and on-demand four-wheel drive must be the organs that allow your ATV
to adapt, survive and conquer. An all-terrain trekker needs a reliable power plant that’s matched with systems that provide great stopping power, traction, clearance, speed range and temperature-regulation.

For starters, most utility quad buyers settle on an automatic transmission. It’s just easier and allows the operator to concentrate on the job or fun at hand, instead of bothering with shifting. Before you jump on the bandwagon, consider the manual transmissions found on utility ATVs these days are all semi-automatic, meaning the clutch work is done
for you, which makes it fairly simple to use. Along with the traditional mechanical transmission, there are also unique transmission choices on the market (like Honda’s beltless, hydro-mechanical Hondamatic).

“The Honda Rincon comes standard with the Hondamatic automotive-style, three-speed transmission that can be
operated in automatic mode or the Honda exclusive ESP [Electronic Shift Program] that allows the rider to select a transmission ratio via a thumb-activated switch,” says Harker. “Honda also utilizes a fluid transmission in the Rubicon and Rancher AT that allows for a seamless flow of power via an engine-driven hydraulic pump. Manual transmissions are also available on some of the utility machines, as well as the sport models.”

A smooth and easy transmission will go a long way toward an enjoyable and efficient ride. Transmissions also go hand in hand with engine braking, so make sure to take a test ride to judge the ATVs speed transition and stopping power. Along with engine breaking comes regular wheel braking systems. Standard braking systems on most utility ATVs include two up front and one in the rear. Disc brakes offer superior stopping power and the ability to shed water and debris more quickly than drum brakes. Most manufacturers offer the majority of their models with disc brakes today.

Quick tip: Be sure to check if the brake controls are separated for front and back brakes. Good drivers may prefer separate systems to allow agility in cornering, downhill descents and various work projects.

Moving from stopping power to a smooth ride and
clearance, the utility ATV market has two main suspension systems — independent and straight axle suspensions.

Most manufacturers bank on rear independent suspensions (RIS), which offer a smoother ride, more ground clearance and the ability to tackle tougher terrain. Straight axle suspensions are also available. Just like it sounds, a straight axle is mounted into two shocks on the rear. This suspension has limited travel capabilities and usually less ride quality. There are also some manufacturers that offer unique suspension options.

“Arctic Cat has the only fully independent suspension [FIS] on the market,” says Wainer. “This allows our machines to tackle the gnarliest obstacles while giving you the fullest suspension travel of any machine. An FIS suspension always keeps your tires on the ground for improved traction and ride comfort over bumps, where a straight axle does not.”

Some suspensions also use what’s called a swing arm, which uses pre-load shocks — in the front, rear or both — that dampen the suspension according to riding conditions.

The system is attached to the chassis, while the other end is attached to the axle and wheels, swinging up and down while riding over terrain. Swing arm suspensions are often found on sport quads and racers (great for jumping and soaking up large bumps), but they are now finding their way onto utility ATVs. Swing arms can also handle heftier tongue weights better like when pulling a plow or trailer, which is important for work applications.

After eyeing engines, transmissions, suspensions and brakes, buyers should consider the benefits of owning a four-wheel drive ATV. For only a cost difference of about $1,000, four-wheel drive can power your go-anywhere vehicle through deep water, mud, snow and up and down slippery slopes. Four-wheel drive is also very important when using attachments like carts, rakes and snow blades — that extra weight demands driven traction up front. When considering four-wheel drive systems, it’s hard to beat push-button engagement. It’s power and traction right at your fingertips.

Outfit for the Moment

Some days call for jeans, sunglasses and a cold, frosty beverage. Other days require a Carhartt, work gloves and a long to-do list. Just like your wardrobe, your utility ATV needs flexibility. Depending on that day’s activities, you may need to outfit your workhorse with a snow plow or a gun scabbard (or maybe both if you’re working in Yeti country). But first things first: You need to make sure your ATV has adequate rack capacity.

“Most of our utility ATVs are rated to carry 100 lbs on the front rack and 200 lbs in the rear,” says Wainer. “Most people say, ‘Well, mine hauls more than that!’ They are correct, but the OEM rating comes from the safety council. They are rated that way for safe braking distances under load at those pound limits.”

Additional storage systems can be securely added, just remember the rack and overall machine weight limits should be observed. Innovators like Polaris and Arctic Cat also offer pretty cool quick-rack attachment systems. Polaris has its PURE Lock & Ride accessories, which can be attached/detached in pre-designed anchor holes in
the rack instantly with no tools. Arctic Cat has its SpeedRacks, which are easy-to-use, quick rack systems for farming, hunting, fishing or working. With SpeedRacks, an operator can quickly attach bumpers, cargo boxes, chainsaw holders, bow cases, gun scabbards and even ice augers for serious winter fishing expeditions.

Along with attaching accessories to your utility ATV,
owners can also fasten some attachments to the front and rear to create an all-terrain tool carrier. While every manufacturer utilizes a unique attachment system for their brand, ATVs that are correctly outfitted can begin to tackle things like snow removal, mowing grass and hauling supplies.

“We sell pull behinds for farming such as seeders
and spreaders, rakes, scrapers, mowers, log splitters and Quadivators that have optional attachments that give you the ability to work in the fields tilling, discing, digging vegetables and more. The Quadivator is also great for leveling work sites, ball parks and beaches,” says Beadle.

And you don’t necessarily have to turn to the ATV manufacturers for your attachment needs. There are many OEM attachment companies such as Swisher (www.swisherinc.com) and Worksaver (www.worksaver.com) that manufacture ATV implements. Attachments can run anywhere from $500 for a plow to $2,500 for a power sweeper with a big motor. Just remember to consider your ATV’s capacities. Adding more weight to the front or rear of your all-terrain
vehicle can compress the ATV’s suspension. This can take away a lot of the lifting power and capacity of the attachment.

Finally, when it comes to the ultimate
in versatility and work ethic for an ATV, a two-seater or six-wheeler can do things never imagined by a small all-terrain vehicle. Models like Polaris’ Sportsman X2, Arctic Cat’s TRV and Bombardier’s Outlander MAX are what’s commonly called a two-seater, allowing two tandem riders to drive safely (something you were never supposed to do before). Most two-seaters also offer the option of folding down the second seat for extra cargo.

“The full-size Sportsman X2 500 EFI has a transforming seat for two-up riding,” says Beadle. “It features a
stow-and-go second seat that folds into the rear cargo box in seconds to add cargo capacity with only one rider aboard. The system enables riders to transport gear, crew and family to and from a worksite, hunting or campsite.”

Of course, most two-seater ATVs will cost a premium (they range from $7,000 to $8,000), but are the best
of the best when it comes to flexible work and leisure practices.

For the ultimate in rugged work attitude, elbow grease and carrying capacity, buyers can always invest in one of those rare six-wheeled ATVs, such as Polaris’ 6×6 Sportsman, which as far as we know, is the only unit on the market. Retailing for $7,899, the Sportsman 6×6
is uniquely equipped to take riders and large loads to
off-road destinations. The unit has on-demand six-wheel drive and a built-in cargo box with a carrying capacity of 800 lbs. Add that to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity and a liquid-cooled 500-cc engine, and you might have the hardest working ATV in the bunch.

Keith Gribbins is managing editor of Compact Equipment.