Everything you need to know about ATVs. Article for Residents magazine

An ATV is an unusual type of off-road vehicle that is most similar to a motorcycle on four wheels. The popularity of this type of equipment is quite obvious: mobility and high maneuverability in hard-to-reach places. Over the past few years, this type of transport has become the dream of hunters, fishermen and people who love active recreation in places not intended for travel in ordinary cars. In addition, there are quadrics - a subtype of ATVs that allows you to transport oversized cargo. Below are the types of ATVs and the features of their choice.

Classification of ATVs

Due to the popularity of this type of transport, the term “quadromania” even arose, and a classification of ATVs was created into:

• utilitarian.
• sports;
• tourist;
• children's.

Utilitarian

Utilitarian is a type of ATV that is rightfully considered the most versatile. It has better cross-country ability, is able to climb steep areas and drive where it would seem impossible to do so. This type is suitable for hunters, fishermen and household needs. Utility ATVs are often equipped with one or two racks (front and rear), which allows you to carry cargo. Additionally, it can be equipped with a towbar or winch. The first will allow you to use the ATV as a tractor, and the second will help during construction work.

Important! Another distinctive feature is the ability to change the wheels for tracks, then the owner has at his disposal a powerful snowmobile that will help clear the area of ​​snow.

Utilitarian models are distinguished by greater weight, increased wheel diameter, and have all-wheel drive independent suspension. Engine power can reach from 500 to 1000 horsepower.

Sports

A sports ATV is a device that is very different from other types. The main task of the models is to develop high speed, and the engine power here often starts from 800 horsepower. This type of equipment has rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, independent suspension that increases maneuverability, and powerful shock absorbers. Chain type drive. The choice in its favor was primarily made because of its weight, which is less than that of cardan models.

Sports types have a large suspension travel, which allows you to make jumps at high speed and quickly gain traction. Another characteristic feature of cross-country models is the lightweight body: its weight, as a rule, does not exceed 300 kg, and it is also impossible to install additional equipment on this vehicle . It is simply not provided here.

Important! An emergency check is installed as a precaution. If the driver falls out from behind the wheel, the engine will stall and the device will stop.

A subtype of sports ATVs are road devices. Their main difference is lower ground clearance and wheels designed for traction on smooth surfaces (highways) due to their large width. The usual sporty look allows you to reach high speeds on dirt roads and surfaces not intended for fast driving.

Tourist

Touring models are the most comfortable type of ATV. Due to this, they have a higher cost. Often such equipment is equipped with many options. Touring ATVs can be with a roof, with a hydraulic body, have a car steering wheel and an impressive trunk. In addition, two-seater ATVs are more common here. The drive, as a rule, is full-fledged, the wheels have low pressure, which ensures excellent maneuverability on any ground - in summer on sand, in winter on snow, in spring and autumn on mud or swampy soil. To put it simply, these are the most convenient and all-season devices.

Children's

A children's ATV has less power, size and increased safety. Most often they are equipped with an automatic transmission, a steering wheel brake and weak engines. Dangerous areas of the body are covered with a protective casing so that the child is not injured in the event of an accident. In addition, children's ATVs, unlike adults, may differ in the type of motor.

1. Gasoline engine. In fact, it is a mini-quad bike. The engine power here varies from 50 to 100 l/s. ATVs for children with a gasoline engine are designed for ages from 6 years and a maximum speed of up to 45 km/h. The driver's weight should not exceed 55 kg.
2. Electric motor. Such devices run on a battery, which on average lasts for 5 hours of driving, and it can reach speeds of up to 10 km/h. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, they are much quieter and are often equipped with a control panel that allows you to correct the direction of movement if the child takes a wrong turn. A good choice for children over 3 years old.

Why change tires installed by the manufacturer?

Taking into account the fact that the ATV was initially destined to conquer off-road conditions, manufacturers equip SUVs with tires that ensure confident driving on hard dirt roads. Naturally, a car on such wheels can also speed along the highway, although driving on public roads is prohibited for most models by traffic rules. Even if you are not a professional athlete, you are unlikely to resist the temptation to conquer sticky, marshy fields, or test the ATV through liquid mud to evaluate its ability to overcome impassable areas. This is exactly what you bought the SUV for. Is not it? And if so, it is clear that for forays into terrain replete with deep puddles filled with sticky mud, ordinary quad tires are of little use. It's time to think about equipping your all-terrain vehicle with real mud tires.

Parameters for selecting an ATV

Having familiarized yourself with the types, you should move on to the question of how to make the right choice of ATV. Knowing the characteristics and their impact on the capabilities of the device, you can ensure that the equipment will best suit the tasks assigned to it.

Engine capacity

Perhaps the most important parameter is engine size. Today you can find models in which this indicator starts from 100 and ends with 698 cubic centimeters.

1. The volume of 100 cm is an excellent option for children. The speed of the device will not be too high and quite safe.
2. 150-230 is the choice of those who plan to use equipment on the farm. It is quite possible to drive on mud, grass or a dirt road and transport crops or go out into the countryside to hunt/fish.
3. 150-280 cm will ensure a comfortable ride on a flat asphalt road at a decent speed.
4. 350-700 is an option for thrill-seekers who are going to climb a mountain, ride on sand or cobblestones.
5. For fans of high-speed driving with overcoming small obstacles by jumping on hills, a volume of 150 to 170 cm/cu. is perfect.

Power

Another important indicator that will help you choose an ATV is power. With its help, you can quickly increase the number of revolutions (accelerate), as well as transport heavy loads.

1. For teenagers and children who do not need to quickly gain speed, and also ride lightweight models, the best option is an engine of no more than 7 horsepower.
2. To drive calmly along the highway and not overtake, 13-18 hp is enough.
3. Models with engines from 13 to 45 hp. will allow you to quickly go around an obstacle, get out of a ditch and deliver the load to its place. The greater the weight of the load, the more powerful the device is needed.
4. Jumping requires a brief increase in RPM to make the jump. Engines with a power of 15 hp are enough for this.

Speed

In this case, everything depends solely on the needs of the buyer. If you are buying equipment for children, then you should not consider models faster than 45 km/h. Road cars can reach speeds of over 100 km. The regular sports version comfortably holds 80-90 km/h. Devices designed for hunting and fishing can reach a maximum speed of 75 km/h. This will allow you to quickly get to forests or river banks, and then move along a bad road at a low speed of 50 km/h.

Ignition system

The type of ignition system affects the ease of use of the equipment and the final cost. There are three types.

1. Electronic system. To start the engine, you must turn the key and press the ignition button. This is a simple option for people who are not very tech-savvy, girls and children.
2. Manual. To start the ATV, you need to forcefully pull the special cable. It's not very convenient and also requires some physical training, but it's cheaper than electronics.
3. The combined type implies the presence of both methods. Relevant for models that will be used in extreme conditions or far from service stations. Such devices, in the event of a breakdown of the electronic starting unit, have a backup option - forcefully start the engine with a cable.

Fuel distribution system

Gasoline or diesel engines traditionally have an injector or carburetor that redistributes gasoline from the tank to the engine. The first option is considered very economical, but it is demanding on the quality of fuel and is generally very capricious. The carburetor is more reliable in this regard, but is quite “gluttonous”. If the equipment is used for short trips, then it makes sense to go with a carburetor, but if the goal is long trips and sports races, then maintenance and operating costs will be significantly reduced with an injector.

Transmission

There are three types of gear shift system - manual, automatic and variator. In the first case, the driver has complete control over the process, which implies that he has experience and relevant skills.

Advice! It's worth sticking with the manual system unless you're going to be doing high-speed off-road driving, where you need to hold the steering wheel tightly and watch out for obstacles.

The variator actually has two positions - high and low gears. Convenient for hunting, fishing, and agricultural trips. The automatic machine lowers and increases the speed on its own. This is extremely convenient for extreme and sports driving, where it is necessary to perform various tricks, jumps, and high-speed turns.

Cooling system

When driving, the engine gets hot and needs cooling. There is air cooling, that is, the engine is actually blown while driving, and liquid cooling. The second option is relevant for high loads, the first is suitable for infrequent driving with loads, fishing, hunting, and children.

Drive unit

The system that transmits torque to the wheels can be chain or cardan. The first option makes the design easier, but is considered quite unreliable. So, when driving over mountains, rocks and other difficult terrain, the chain may break. In such devices, a cardan shaft is often installed, which is much stronger, but at the same time makes the overall structure heavier. Sports models for highway driving, as well as equipment for children, are mostly equipped with a chain.

Brake

Modern ATVs use front and rear brakes. As a rule, models for adults have both types: the pedal stops the rear wheels, the lever on the steering wheel stops the front wheels. For children's models with low speeds up to 45 km/h, a rear brake is not necessary, and children are often much more comfortable using the manual option.

On a note! Children's equipment often has a remote brake that allows parents watching their children to stop the ATV.

Seat height

Riding an ATV is a fairly unsafe activity, so one of the important criteria to avoid injury is the correct choice of saddle height . For children's models, the optimal height is 60 cm. They will be able to sit down or stand up from transport independently, and their legs will reach the supports. Sports driving with stunts involves the driver either sitting or standing. Experts recommend stopping at a height of 70 cm. It is convenient to ride across the field and over long distances if the saddle is at a height of 75 cm, but tall people will need a higher seat - optimally 85-90 cm.

Load capacity

It all depends on the purpose of the device. If long trips are required and you need to carry some things, then it is better to choose a model that can carry 150-200 kg. Children's electric ATVs are rated at 50 kg, while a cargo ATV can have a capacity of up to 350-400 kg. In addition, you need to take into account how many people the equipment is designed for; if there are two people riding and with a load, then the load capacity should be higher.

Volume of the tank

The capacity of the gas tank affects how many kilometers the driver can travel without refueling. Taking into account the fact that the fuel consumption of ATVs is quite low, about 2.5 liters per 100 km, it is still worth calculating so as not to be left without fuel in the forest. For children's models, a tank of 2.5-3 liters is enough, for fishing and hunting 5-6 liters are optimal (you can drive about 200 km), highway models involve driving along highways where gas stations are found, so 7 liters is enough, and sports models to lighten the weight they are equipped with 5 liter tanks. If you need an option for long-term off-road driving, then the tank should hold 12 or more liters of fuel.

Suspension and ground clearance

Due to the fact that an ATV is a kind of amphibious vehicle that can travel almost anywhere, they have certain requirements for the suspension. Most often, two levers and shock absorbers are installed at the front, and a pendulum suspension with a hydraulic shock absorber at the rear.

Models designed for harsh use have fully independent suspension, with hydraulics on each wheel. This allows you to easily overcome steep slopes, cobblestones, logs and other obstacles.

Another important nuance is the distance from the bottom to the ground. For driving on asphalt, 100 mm is enough, the same figure for sports models. When driving in rural areas or through the forest, it is optimal to choose options up to 150 mm, but mountains mean that you will have to overcome a variety of obstacles, and here the best choice is from 260 mm.

Tire and wheel sizes

The width of the tire determines the grip on the surface, which affects maneuverability and the degree of immersion in soft ground . It is optimal to overcome hard surfaces without asphalt with 170 mm tires. Forest, mud, wet river bank - 185 mm. Smooth asphalt – from 240 mm.

The steel blade looks nice and is considered a material that is soft yet strong enough to survive collisions with rocks or logs. Such discs are installed in ATVs that are used in off-road conditions. Sports models should be lightweight; the weight and strength of the material are not needed here, which is why alloy wheels are often found. In addition to low weight, they give the equipment a racing appearance, which is very important for sports.

The difference between radial tires and diagonal tires

After purchasing a new ATV, owners ride on standard tires, which are designed for hard soil and medium speeds. And soon this regime becomes insufficient, which means the question of buying new tires arises.

Radial tires R12

This type of tire is used on ATVs participating in high-speed racing on hard surfaces. Sand, mud, and grass are a problem for these tires, especially after rain.

Radial tire R12

Diagonal tires R12

This type of tire is considered universal, as it is used to overcome swamps, sand, mud, snow drifts and other things. Why R12? Because there is a relationship between the size of the disk and the power of the power unit, and in order to get the most out of an ATV, you need to maintain a balance, and R12 is a medium size that is suitable for both small-capacity vehicles and “monster” class vehicles.

Reference. The essence of the balance is that, for example, R10 are wheels that are easier for the engine to spin than R13. At the same time, the R13 overcomes obstacles more easily than the R10, but more power is needed, and fuel consumption increases. Thus, it turns out that R12 is the optimal tire size for ATVs.

Diagonal tire R12

Optimal set of parameters

Summarizing all of the above, we can draw the following conclusions.

1. For children, a model with an electric or gasoline engine is optimal. Engine volume – 100 sq.cm, power no more than 7 hp, speed – maximum 45 km. Ignition is electronic, brake is manual with remote access. Cooling is optimal by air. There is no particular need to save gasoline, so a carburetor will do. The model can be equipped with a cabin so that the child does not fall out in the event of a collision. Seat height – 60 cm.
2. Hunters and fishermen will benefit from an engine with a displacement of 149 cm3, a variator type gear shift, a pendulum suspension, a carburetor for pumping gasoline, a speed of no more than 70 km/h, and 13 horsepower. The tank is 7 liters, the wheels are 17 cm, the ground clearance is 10 cm. A reserve of 150 kg is enough to transport goods. As an option, you can consider combined models of a jet ski + ATV or a snowmobile + ATV; it is obvious that the cost of these modifications is significantly higher than that of conventional utilitarian ATVs.
3. Tourists with extreme hobbies can choose the following parameters: power – from 30 to 50 hp, engine volume from 400 cm3/cc, independent suspension, fuel injection, cardan drive, combined ignition, liquid cooling system, seat – from 80 cm, transported weight - 300 kg, tank capacity of 22 liters or more, wheels - 25 cm. Both a CVT and an automatic transmission can be used to adjust the speed.
4. Sports stunts require a lightweight device with an engine capacity of about 176 cm/cc, power of 17 horsepower, and a maximum speed of no more than 75 km/h. You can select electronic ignition, a carburetor for fuel supply, a small tank (7 liters) to reduce the weight of the structure, rear and front brakes. You need a good hydraulic suspension on all wheels, tires from 180 mm, a saddle - 70 cm, a height from the surface to the bottom of the ATV - 12.5 cm.
5. To drive like a breeze on the asphalt, you will need an engine with a volume of 246 cubic centimeters, a speed of 100 km/h, 16 hp, injection injection, manual switching of engine speeds, a 6-liter tank. For cooling, it is better to go with a liquid system, the wheels are 27 cm, the distance to the bottom is 95 cm.

A little about the design in comparison with car tires

All tires sold have a similar design. This is a court sealed in rubber. Radial slopes are installed on cars, which is not suitable for our case. Driving over uneven terrain and off-road conditions requires tire deflection. Strength is created by the court, which is laid in several layers, intersecting in direction. Hence the name of the category - bias tires.

The radial type involves laying the court across the wheel. This gives completely different characteristics. Tires of this type perform well on asphalt. Therefore, they are used only for racing, but are in no way suitable for driving on rough terrain.

Tire ITP Mud Lite

Reference. Racing ATV tires always have higher pressures to reduce the surface area in contact with the ground in the name of speed. Mud tires are always deflated to allow you to roll over obstacles without dismounting.