ATV is the acronym for all-terrain vehicle, an optimized machine for off-road driving. ATVs can range in size from four to ten horsepower with a shaft power drive which each traction comes from either an electric or gas motor. Off-road vehicles have four wheels with two drives and one front and two rear axles. Because of their rugged nature, they are used primarily on construction sites and in remote areas for utility work.
5 Essential Things to Know Before Purchasing an ATV
Purchasing an ATV may seem like a good idea because of its low cost, the ability to cross different terrains, and the ability to carry heavy loads. But before buying one, you should know that it may not be the ideal toy for your farm or ranch.
For those who are thinking of purchasing an ATV, these are five essential things to know before making your purchase.
Where will you use it?
ATVs can be an alternative means of transportation, especially if you live off-road in a hilly area or mountain terrain. Since most models run on electricity or gas, you don’t have to worry about gasoline prices.
ATVs are also ideal for getting around on your farm or backyard. You can save on gasoline by using an ATV as your primary mode of transport during the summer. You can bring it to the construction site, beach, or mountain.
However, before purchasing one, you should set its route and determine how far you will use it. This way, your purchase will not be a total waste if you go out of its range.
How safe is it?
The main reason why most manufacturers put safety features on their products is that they want owners to minimize risk when using their products. It would be best if you also did this before purchasing one.
Some companies have safety features on their models that you may want to choose to maximize their advantages. For example, automatic transmission, a three-point belt system, and the ability to lock the wheels and engine to reduce the risk of an accident.
What kind of terrain will you be riding in?
If your main destination is a beach or a construction site with hills or ravines, then an ATV with a manual transmission will be more suitable for you as it is easier to get through these terrains. This is because an ATV with a manual transmission allows for more power and control. ATVs with automatic transmissions are ideal for riding in flat terrain.
What is your level of experience?
If you have ridden ATVs before, you can easily tell if you are ready to handle bigger and tougher machines. As a beginner, starting with a small machine with automatic transmission is best so the rider does not have to worry about shifting gears or getting stuck in difficult terrains where he might need more power than the machine can provide.
How much can you spend?
ATVs cost anywhere from $5000 to over $10,000 depending on the brand, power, engine size, and other features such as speed and traction capacity. You can also buy used models depending on your budget. Some machines are sold as is, while others are in great condition.
If you want to purchase a new model, do a comparison and research to get the best value for your money.
Trends in the ATV industry
As the ATV industry is relatively new compared to the other motor industry segments, many changes have occurred in how ATVs are designed and manufactured.
There has been a change in the design, manufacturing process, and quality control. Also, the way ATVs are utilized changed with time. They are now being used for racing competitions like desert racing instead of utility work, as they were initially made for.
Modern ATVs use both gasoline and diesel engines. These vehicles use electric tools to help operators perform rigorous maintenance tasks. The operator primarily uses an electric grease gun to maintain their machine. This electric grease gun is used to lubricate the engine’s moving parts and keep it clean during use. The manufacturer of these electric grease guns produces them in different models depending on users’ needs.
With such changes, many manufacturers of these off-road vehicles have come up with improved versions of their products that can better serve their customers. The manufacturers have combined their best ideas and proven techniques to improve their current models and make them more suitable for users’ needs.
ATVs are efficient, powerful, and easy to use. Despite the safety and other benefits, they offer, they should be used wisely to ensure that they do not cause damage to the landscape. But one thing is sure – ATV is a great piece of machinery that can be used for utility and leisure activities.
