How to choose an ATV: what it is, what sizes it comes in and what it is for - Setafi

There are several proven ways to choose an ATV. You should always start with the purpose of the all-terrain vehicle, because technical characteristics strongly depend on this. For example, sports models are the most powerful, while road devices are not as strong, but they are cheaper and perform well on relatively flat roads. A description of the different types of all-terrain vehicles and the rules for their selection can be found in the material presented.

The device and dimensions of the ATV

A quad bike is an all-terrain vehicle with 4 wheels. This explains the presence of the prefix "quadro", which means "four". If ordinary motorcycles, as a rule, are two-wheeled, then an ATV necessarily has 4 wheels. And not ordinary ones, but reinforced ones - large diameter, surface area and embossed tires that provide good cross-country ability even on impassable roads.

It is clear that an ATV is a vehicle that is equipped with an engine that runs on gasoline or electricity (depending on the type of model). The mechanism is welded to the frame, to which the axles with wheels are mounted. If the power comes from electricity, the all-terrain vehicle is also equipped with a battery. More often they install a gasoline engine - in this case, a gas tank with a lid is attached to the rear.

Management is carried out using pedals and levers mounted on the steering wheel. The column is equipped with power steering, mounting bracket and other items shown in the diagram.

The dimensions of the ATV depend on the specific model. If you average, you can get the following parameters:

• length 2300 mm;
• ATV width 1200 mm;
• height 1230 mm.

Another important point is related to how much the ATV weighs. As a rule, the mass of an all-terrain vehicle without a passenger is 400 kg. Although there are also heavier models, for example, 500-600 kg. They are designed to transport goods, often have 2 or even 4 seats, they resemble a small car.

If we consider which ATV to choose for ordinary walks, high-speed races, it is better to stop at models weighing 330-350 kg. They are equipped with only one seat, very maneuverable and develop a high speed of up to 100-110 km/h. At the same time, the maximum speed of an ATV for sports purposes reaches 120-130 km / h.

Types and purpose of ATVs

We can say about the ATV that this is a specialized vehicle for fast movement in almost any road conditions. At the same time, the cross-country ability of different vehicles is not the same. Engine power characteristics, ATV weight, wheel diameter, drive and other important parameters depend on the specific type of model:

1. Sports - the most powerful, can accelerate to top speeds of 130 km / h. They are more expensive than all other types, so they are only in limited demand.
2. Utility - wider and elongated all-terrain vehicles, often have a towbar or semi-trailer. Great for getting around in the middle of nowhere, such as commuting or fishing. They differ not only in cross-country ability, but also in high carrying capacity. Since the dimensions of this type of ATV are larger than other models, they remain stable even in difficult terrain.
3. Tourist - are used for purely entertainment purposes, for example, for a trip to nature, for a picnic. Unlike utilitarian ones, their dimensions are smaller. At the same time, the power reserve is not so large, such all-terrain vehicles are more affordable.
4. Highway - the choice of an ATV of this type is made in the case of driving on ordinary asphalt, unpaved forest roads. They also have a fairly high clearance, maneuverable, capable of developing high speed. However, off-road travel is limited due to small wheels. Therefore, such devices are called road devices.
5. It is also possible to conditionally select group of universal models, which are distinguished by high power and increased cross-country ability. They can really be used for various purposes - tourist, recreational trips, hunting trips and others.

Gasoline and electric quad bike

Considering different characteristics, for example, the speed of an ATV, power, first of all, one more important classification should be studied, related to the type of energy on which the model operates. There are 2 types of devices:

1. Petrol.
2. Electrical.

The advantages of the former are associated with good cross-country ability, high speed, minimal fuel consumption and affordable price. We can say about this type of ATV that it is such a versatile device that is suitable for a variety of purposes. You can ride a gasoline all-terrain vehicle on roads, rough terrain, forests, and even cross small bodies of water.

On the other hand, they also have disadvantages:

• pollute air;
• can wear out fairly quickly.
• for long trips, you need to take a supply of gasoline with you.

The device of an electric-type ATV is fundamentally different in the presence of a battery, from which the engine is powered. There are many advantages to such models:

• ecological purity, no air pollution;
• significant energy savings (charging the battery is cheaper than constantly refueling with gasoline several times);
• simple maintenance - batteries are unpretentious and do not get dirty;
• reliability and long service life.

But electric models are less powerful, don't reach as high speeds, and usually have a limited range. It is quite clear that it will not work to recharge the battery in a remote place, while the supply of gasoline allows you to travel even over long distances. In addition, electric devices are more expensive compared to analogues on gasoline.

10 selection criteria

Considering specific models, you should decide what an ATV is for. As already mentioned, the most powerful all-terrain vehicles are used for sports purposes, while for a walk you can purchase a quality model of the budget segment. When exploring different options, it is recommended to pay attention to several technical characteristics:

1. Engine power - the more, the more expensive the model. Usually 10-20 hp enough for leisurely walks with light loads. If you intend to drive off-road, it is better to consider devices with a power of 20-45 hp. But if you need a professional all-terrain vehicle for any type of terrain, and for the transport of not only passengers, but also cargo, power requirements - at least 50 hp
2. The overall dimensions of the ATV, as well as the weight of the device, also matter. So, heavy all-terrain vehicles from 400-450 kg are more stable on the road, although they consume more fuel. If ordinary walks in the forests are planned, 350 kg is quite enough.
3. Engine displacement is directly related to power. So, ATVs with a minimum volume of up to 200-230 cm3 can drive on not very relief off-road and carry light loads. Devices with 200-300 cm3 are designed for fast driving, and with 350-700 cm3 they are professional models. They develop excellent speeds and can even climb steep slopes.
4. The volume of the fuel tank is an important characteristic of gasoline models. If the main goal is a fishing or hunting trip, 5-7 liters is enough. For trips over long distances, 10-20 liters is suitable.
5. The maximum allowable weight is determined by the characteristics of the driver, passengers (if any) and the average weight of the cargo. It is better to take with a small margin of 10-20 kg.
6. Fuel consumption is related to engine size. On average, it corresponds to the characteristics of a typical passenger car - 10 liters per 100 km. On bad roads it can reach 12-13 liters.
7. For electric models, consider the battery capacity. At a minimum, it is 12-20 A * h, but it is better to consider all-terrain vehicles with an indicator of 30-40 A * h.
8. Drive - a common chain option, suitable for most roads. But if you often have to climb a steep slope or drive through very difficult terrain, it is better to consider devices with a gimbal type.
9. Brake System - Disc brakes work best.
10.  Suspension type - ball shock absorbers are well suited for off-road, and pendulum shock absorbers for relatively flat roads.

Now it is clear what you should pay attention to when choosing. You need to proceed from the purpose and type of device. For example, you first need to understand what a utility ATV means, what it is for, and only after that consider the corresponding model range.