Thursday, January 21, 2010

Testing the Terrain with ATVs

Throughout the years all terrain vehicles, ATVs, have become increasingly popular among a diverse audience of supporters. The growing popularity can most likely be attributed to the discovery of the wide range of tasks ATVs can perform. ATVs were made for the purpose of riding through rough terrain and their compact design, compared to trucks and sport utility vehicles, allows drivers to take them nearly anywhere off road. Even you may find how helpful an ATV can be for your uses.

Initially people thought ATVs were only for recreational off roading; however, ATVs have become widely used as utility vehicles as well. If you are a farmer or a rancher, you have a lot of ground to cover each day to keep your property running smoothly.

Modern farmers and ranchers have discovered the efficiency of using ATVs as utility vehicles for driving around their property. Instead of using a truck, farmers can now go off road and more thoroughly check their land with ATVs. The sporting and recreational use of ATVs has not diminished; in fact, it has grown along with the new uses of these off road vehicles.

Off road trails solely for riding ATVs have been established all over the world. If you are interested in investing in an ATV, you have a great opportunity to test them out first by visiting one or many of these off roading trails. Since ATV use has risen through the years, many locations have established rules for who can operate one and how to safely drive an ATV. You will need to check local sources for rules or laws about ATV around your area.

Riding ATVs for recreational, sporting and utility uses is fun because the machines are made to challenge by pushing them through tough situations. Because you will be riding ATVs on primitive roads and through the wildlife, you must remember to prepare yourself by wearing safety equipment. Protective equipment can help save your life or just save you from getting cuts and bruises.

Riding fast on uneven trails through rocks, sticks and mud can be the formula for injury. Helmets are a necessary piece of protective equipment no matter where you are driving and ATV. Eye protection is highly recommended along with helmets. Gloves would be wise to wear because you will be gripping the handles and throttle tight. The gloves will help reduce any soreness from the tight grip. ATV riders using their vehicle as a utility device will usually already be wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, but sport drivers need to do the same. The proper clothing attire is just as important as wearing protective gear.

ATVs are supposed to be driven through the rough, but some are not as rough as others. Know what type of riding you will be doing in order to get the right type of ATV. For racing through rough trails you will want good suspension. There are tons of trails for ATVing, so test it out on different terrains instead of buying your own, but you may become addicted.

About All Terrain Vehicles

The all terrain vehicles are small motorized vehicles devised especially for off-road usage. These hardy vehicles are designed to take on difficult terrains are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. It may be mentioned that motorcycles, jeeps - land rovers and similar other vehicles capable of off road usage are available too but the all terrain vehicles are specialized to especially take over all kinds of rough terrain. The all terrain vehicles or ATVs as they are called are used for pleasure purpose, for hunting and for work or travel on off road sites. The ATVs are also called 4 wheelers or quads. However, some models of ATVs also have 6 or 8 wheels. The all terrain vehicles come in a variety of makes, models and sizes. Types of ATVs and their usage All terrain vehicles may be very basic with skid steering, balloon tires and no suspension. Again there are sophisticated models too featuring track conversion systems for use on a variety of terrain conditions for all seasons. Using these you can get around just any terrain and at any time of the year braving all odds. Besides, it also enables carrying out a number of activities effectively in punishing conditions which were hitherto unthinkable.

The utility models of ATVs are appropriate for rangeland projects. The four by four units of ATVs provides good grip over rugged terrain while automatic transmission simplifies operation. Again, the two by four ATV units with 250-300 cc four stroke engines are easier to maneuver over long periods of operations at slow speeds like while spraying.

Things to remember while on ATVs The ATVs promise you fun-filled joyous rides. Yet it is advisable to avoid excess speed, difficult terrain and steep slopes to whatever extent possible. This is to be especially noted in case extra equipment is loaded on the ATV unit. The six or eight wheel ATVs are considered to be safer on steep slopes. While on an all terrain vehicle remember to use the safety equipment and wear a helmet. Also never forget to carry an electric air pump and tire-plug kit with tire sealant (for helping seal tires while operating in thorn infested landscape). These will come of use in repairing flat tires in difficult uninhabited terrain. Upon duly adopting the safety measures suggested by the all terrain vehicle manufacturers you can expect to get the best maneuverability on difficult terrain by riding an all terrain vehicle of choice.