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All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are readily available because of their popularity for pleasure, hunting, or work on off-road sites. Revegetation projects can benefit from their use mainly for seeding small areas, individual plant treatment, or site inspections.
Description
All-terrain vehicles are commonly called ATVs or 4-wheelers. However, a few models have six or eight wheels. Four-wheelers come in a variety of makes, models, and sizes. Engine sizes (displacement) vary from 250 to 700 cc, and are normally four-stroke cycle. Some small engines are two-stroke cycle. They are available as either two-wheel (2x4) or four-wheel (4x4) drive versions. Transmissions are with either standard or automatic transmissions. Tires are low-pressure type (less than 10 psi). Utility models come with front and rear carrying racks and hitches. Recommended capacity for front racks is 50 to 100 lbs while rear racks are rated at 100 to 200 lbs. Six-wheel units are rated for 800 lbs on rear racks. Hitch towing capacity is 1000 to 1500 lbs. Several units have cargo beds for increased carrying capacity. Some 6-wheel models have tracks for increased traction and floatation. Toolboxes, winches, and front-mounted dozer blades are available.
Application
Utility models are well suited for rangeland projects. The 4x4 units provide good traction for rugged terrain and automatic transmission simplifies operation. The 2x4 units with 250 to 300 cc, four-stoke engines are easier to maneuver over long periods of idle or slow speed operation during spraying. Small, battery-powered sprayers can be mounted on the rear rack , (see ATV Sprayers in the section on Controlling Plants Chemically). Small disks, cultivators, and seeders can be towed for seeding projects. Four-wheelers are fun to ride, but excessive speed, difficult terrain, and steep slopes should be avoided, especially when loaded with extra equipment. Safety procedures as outlined in the operator’s manual should be followed. Six- or eight-wheel units are safer on steep slopes. An electric air pump and tire-plug kit is available to repair flat tires in the field. Tire sealant is helpful when operating in a thorn-infested landscape.
ATV at work on rangeland.
Photo courtesy of Allen McGinty.
Eight-wheel ATV spraying on hillside.
Photo courtesy of PFM Manufacturing Inc.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses.
American Honda Motor Co.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Website: www.powersports.honda.com/atvs/
America Suzuki MC/ATV
P.O. Box 1100
Brea, CA 92822
Phone: 714-572-1490
Website: www.suzukicycles.com
Arctic Cat Inc.
601 Brooks Avenue South
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Phone: 218-681-8558
Fax: 218-681-3162
Website: www.arcticcat.com
Bush Hog, L.L.C.
P.O. Box 1039
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: 334-876-2700
Website: www.bushhog.com
COOT2, Inc.
17383 E. St. Hwy 116
Fairview, IL 61432
Phone: 800-290-5905
Phone: 309-245-1010
Fax: 309-245-4210
Website:
www.coot2.com
Deere & Company (4 & 6 wheel)
John Deere World Headquarters
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 309-765-8000
Fax: 309-765-4225
Website: www.deere.com
Forestry Suppliers, Inc. (attachments)
P.O. Box 8397
Jackson, MS 39284-8397
Phone: 800-647-5368
Phone: 601-354-3565
Fax: 601-292-0165
Website:
www.forestry-suppliers.com
Kawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A.
P.O. Box 25252
Santa Ana, CA 92799-5252
Phone: 949-460-5688
Website: www.kawasaki.com
Northern Tool & Equipment (Attachments)
P.O. Box 1499
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 800-556-7885
Fax: 952-882-6927
Website: www.northerntool.com
ODG (6 & 8 wheel)
220 Bergey Court
New Hamburg, ON N3A 215
Canada
Phone: 519-662-4000
Fax: 519-662-2421
Website: www.odg.com
PFM Manufacturing Inc. (6 & 8 wheel)
310 6th Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Phone:/Fax: 406-266-5158
Website: www.landtamer.com
Polaris Industries Inc.
2100 Highway 55
Medina, MN 55340
Phone: 763-417-8650
Website: www.polarisindustries.com
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
6555 Katella Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630
Phone: 800-962-7926
Website: www.yamaha-motor.com