!#71# The Different Types of ATVs and Their Common Uses

!±8± The Different Types of ATVs and Their Common Uses

All terrain vehicles, commonly called ATVs or Quads, are made in many different sizes and are designed to serve many different purposes. Some are made purely for recreational purposes like racing. Others are used by businesses or property owners to traverse rough terrain. Hunters and camping enthusiasts often use them to get further off the beaten path. When it comes to buying an ATV, how you intend to use it will largely determine the size and type of ATV you purchase. In this article, we will examine the most common types of ATVs you may encounter when you visit a dealer.

The first thing you will probably notice is that ATVs come with different size engines, stated typically in cubic centimeters or cc. The cc measurement represents the volume displaced by all of the engine's cylinders and is a rough estimation of power. You may see ATVs designed for kids with 50cc engines and bigger utility ATVs with 800cc engines.

Utility ATVs are the best selling type of all terrain vehicle. The generally have larger engines, four wheel drive and can be used for towing or hauling small loads using attachments made for such work. Utility ATVs are popular with hunters, campers and ranchers or business owners who need to tend their land or move cargo across rough terrain.

Sport ATVs are also quite popular and they are used almost exclusively for recreational purposes. They tend to be lightweight, accelerate quickly and have good suspension. Sport ATV owners often enjoy customizing and modifying their ATVs for performance, racing or for taking on different types of terrain.

Side by Sides, or Utility Task Vehicles, can accommodate more than one person unlike most ATVs. They resemble a cross between a small pickup truck and an ATV or a souped up golf cart. They come with cargo boxes that can hold several hundred pounds. A UTV is very heavy and not built to go as fast as a Sport ATV, but they do come with enough power to get you and your payload over even the most rugged land. There are also usually a lot of accessories available for UTVs such as winches and plow attachments.

Youth ATVs are small and designed for kids or those with no previous experience riding an ATV. The engines typically range from 50cc up to 125cc and can handle riders weighing up to 100 or 150 pounds. Most come with an automatic transmission so there is not much of a learning curve in terms of operating the ATV. If you are shopping for an ATV for your child, you may be tempted to buy something a little bigger for them to grow into, but from a safety standpoint less is more. ATVs in good condition have decent resale value so your child can move up when the time is right.

Choosing the right ATV is a matter of determining your intended use first. Consider where and how it will be used most often. Some sales people will try to sell you more vehicle than you need so try to go in with an idea of what you want. Set a budget and stick to it as it is quite easy to go overboard with your choice of ATV or accessories. Understanding the differences between the various types of ATVs is a good first step toward picking out the right all-terrain vehicle for you.