ATVs for 2001 include a wide range of versatile, powerful machines with a variety of operational and maintenance-free features. A few even have outlets for electronics such as GPS units and cellular phones, integrating business management with fieldwork.
THE BACK FORTY F570, from Pug Power, is a versatile 6 x 4 ATV. With a 570-cc Vanguard engine, it has a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, and the 1,250-lb capacity payload has an electric dumping option. The F570 also offers responsive steering, simple forward-reverse operation and top-mounted shifter.
THE BADLANDS 4 x 4, also from Pug Power, is designed for heavy-duty farm work. It offers power steering, a 2,200-lb payload and 20-hp Kohler air-cooled engine. Hydraulic power dumps any of the interchangeable cargo boxes, which carry up to 1,800 lbs.
HONDA calls the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon its most powerful ATV. Its automatic transmission eliminates belts for maintenance-free operation. The 500-cc engine is liquid-cooled. Front and rear cargo racks carry 66 and 133 lbs, respectively, and towing capacity is 850 lbs.
THE MAX II, above, and Buffalo, below, from Recreatives Industries, are amphibious six-wheelers with a unique T-20 Borg-Warner automatic skid-steer transmission. The optional 15" rubber track kit provides passage over mud flats and deep powder snow, while still allowing flotation. Air-cooled, twin-cylinder engines are either Briggs & Stratton or Kohler and range from 480 to 725 cc. Other options include convertible tops, plows, winches and roll bars.
THE JOHN DEERE 6 x 4 Diesel Gator features an 18-hp liquid-cooled Yanmar diesel engine for longer engine life. Payload is 1,400 lbs. Full-time 4WD and differential lock provide extra agility.
KAWASAKI'S PRAIRIE 400 4 x 4 has a fully automatic transmission and a 391-cc liquid-cooled engine. Towing capacity is 1,100 lbs, and front and rear racks carry nearly 250 lbs. of gear. A 12-volt DC accessory terminal can power a laptop, cell phone or GPS unit for field management.
THE KAWASAKI MULE 3010 4 x 4 is built for heavy fieldwork. Improvements include winch mounting tabs and stiffer springs. Its automatic transmission provides more pulling power and quicker acceleration from the 617-cc fan-cooled engine.
THE SPORTSMAN 500 H.O. from Polaris has an automatic transmission, independent rear suspension and on-demand true 4WD. Its 500-cc engine offers a 20% increase in power over its predecessor.
THE KODIAK AUTOMATIC 4 x 4 from Yamaha offers a 401-cc engine with 1,102 lbs of towing muscle, and 88 lbs front and 176 lbs rear rack capacity. For easy maintenance, the Ultramatic transmission drive case is fully sealed and filter access is tool-free. 4WD is push-button in-out.
A HIGH-IMPACT bed box with double-shock rear suspension carries up to 600 lbs on Bombardier's Traxter XL. Each wheelbase has additional storage. Its automatic transmission is powered by a 498-cc Rotax engine.
A NEW 12-VOLT OUTLET on the front rack of Suzuki's Quadmaster 500 powers electronic gear. Its automatic transmission is powered by a 500-cc engine, while limited-slip front differential switches from 2WD to 4WD.
ARCTIC CAT'S 500 4 x 4 has a 493-cc liquid-cooled engine with automatic transmission. Rack capacity is 100 lbs front, 200 lbs rear with a 1,050-lb towing capacity. Low-maintenance features include suspension bushings, front/rear sealed drive shafts, CV joints and sealed tranny case.