Choosing ATV Manufacturers

Written By Steven Bryan

From forklifts to company cars, many businesses need a fleet of vehicles to stay competitive these days. Though long associated with the sports world, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be a useful addition to that fleet. But, as always, it pays to make some decisions before talking with an ATV manufacturer.

Types of ATVs

The "All-terrain" part of ATV means exactly what it says: these vehicles can go just about anywhere. There are, however, different types of ATVs, some designed with a particular environment in mind.

Straddled: Available with either three or four wheels, with this model the operator sits on top, making it a good choice for hauling equipment. Often an ATV manufacturer makes both a straddled sports and utility model.

Amphibious: These 6- or 8-wheeled vehicles are ideally suited for wet, swampy or snowy conditions. You can haul passengers and cargo across a swollen river or down a muddy road.

Ways to use an ATV

• Farming: Performing the duties traditionally associated with tractors, an ATV can help you fertilize crops and carry produce during harvest time.
• Factory Floors: An employee operating an ATV can carry supplies and parts around a warehouse or production area.
• Surveying: When looking at a choice piece of property, utility vehicles let you inspect the whole parcel before buying.
• Pole Work: If your workers have to string cables, power lines or climb utility poles, an ATV can haul all the equipment they will need directly to the job site.
• Law Enforcement: An ATV can get a security officer to a trouble spot quickly and efficiently.

An ATV manufacturer produces vehicles with different engine sizes and capabilities. Before you start shopping, decide how much of a payload your ATV needs to handle on a daily basis.

A sampling of ATV manufacturers

• Honda: Known for its motorcycles and automobiles, Honda also manufactures a line of utility ATVs, some created with farmers in mind.
• Argo of Seattle: This ATV manufacturer specializes in utility vehicles that handle water and snow.
• Kawasaki: This respected motorcycle manufacturer produces the "Brute Force" utility vehicles for heavy-duty work and the "Prairie" ATVs for farmers and ranchers.
• Arctic Cat: Based in Thief River Falls, Minn., Arctic Cat makes both utility vehicles and snowmobiles.

No matter which ATV manufacturer you prefer, your best bet is to turn to an utility vehicle dealer who can help you choose the exact right model for your business needs. When you're ready to get started, we've got a free and easy way to connect to multiple suppliers: BuyerZone's free request for ATV price quotes. We'll match you to the dealers – you choose the one that's the best fit for your business.

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