UTV’s or ATV’s? Which one to choose and why?
Winter is coming. And for mostly all of us, its time to start drinking warm tea near the fireplace. Buy some warm clothes and find snow boots and comfy socks. But here in Arizona - it's a fun time. Now we can walk, run and do other crazy things outside. And not to worry about sunburns and dehydration. As well as forget for, at list 6 months, about insane electricity bills. And spend that money on helmets, bikes and new hiking shoes.
Today we will talk not about the weather in Arizona. But about ATV’s and UTV’s machines. Which one is better. Why choose UTV’s? Which vehicle is safer and why?
Let's begin. Who is Who?
- An all-terrain vehicle or ATV, also known as a quad, three-wheeler, four-track, four-wheeler, or quadricycle, as defined by the American National Standards Institute or ANSI is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. Although it is a street-legal vehicle in some countries, it is not street-legal within most states and provinces of Australia, the United States, or Canada.
- The Side-by-side or SxS, also known as Utility Task Vehicle - UTV, is a small four-wheel off-road vehicle. It has a side-by-side seating arrangement, and UTVs often have seat belts, roll-over protection, and a storage box at the rear of the vehicle. A utility vehicle is a vehicle, generally motorized, that is designed to carry out a specific task with more efficacy than a passenger vehicle. It sometimes refers to a truck with low sides. In 2017, the UTV category was added to the Rally Dakar. Thanks, Wiki!
What the Purpose of UTV’s and ATV’s?
UTV’s and ATV’s serve many purposes. You can use them to get work done. Help out a friend. Enjoy time surrounded by nature. But before you hit the trails to have some fun, you also want to make sure you’re safe. While their size, speed, and weight are what make them so helpful, it is also what can cause them to be so dangerous. It doesn’t take much to turn a good time into a deadly one when it comes to UTV’s and ATV’s. But because they are both different, they also have differences when it comes to their safety. This may cause you to question which is safer, a UTV or an ATV? As you weight the safety of these two machines for you and your family, here are a few things to consider. First, remember that the safety of either machine depends largely on how safe the driver is. As a driver, be sure you are prepared with the proper training and knowledge before you hit the trails and play it safe and smart while having a good time.
Number of Wheels
No matter what kind of machine you’re driving, you’re going to have more traction and stability with each additional wheel you have. Most ATV’s have four wheels, as do most UTV’s. In this regard, they are both equally safe. Two-wheeled or three-wheeled options will leave you with less stability and traction.
Center of Gravity
When it comes to the center of gravity, your UTV will be a safer choice. Because a UTV has it’s payload below the top of the tires, it helps lower the center of gravity. This helps to make your UTV more stable and means there is less of a chance of rolling over. This, of course, will lead to a safer experience overall.
Cab
One of the major differences between a UTV and ATV is the cab. Many UTV’s have enclosed cabs. And if it doesn’t have one, many come with the option of upgrading the cab to an enclosed one. This not only keeps you more comfortable during a variety of weather situations, but it also keeps you safer from debris that may be kicked up from the road or trail and can make accidents safer by keeping you within the frame and roll cage. An ATV leaves you open to the world, which may be nice if you enjoy a breeze through your hair, but can ultimately be quite dangerous.
Roll Cage
Like the safety that comes with a cab, the framework of your roll cage will help keep you protected in your UTV during an accident. Safety that you just don’t get with an ATV.
Let’s have fun. Keep Ourselves alive and Enjoy the Weather!
To learn more about UTV's - visit our site - www.teamtractor.com