In the market for an ATV? - Research Reports

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RESEARCH REPORT PREVIEW
FREECALL 1800 677 761
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
In the market
for an ATV?
The all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is one of the farm’s most
valued and versatile pieces of equipment. Reflecting this,
Kondinin Group’s last critique of ATVs during 2005, was
one of the Group’s most sought-after reports. Five years on
Kondinin Group returned to the test track to rate today’s
line-up of farm ATVs. Here is a preview of what the testing
uncovered, including details of new entrants to the market
and the useability of new additional features.
Josh
Giumelli
KONDININ GROUP
At a glance
Kondinin Group reviewed
nine new ATVs from seven
different manufacturers,
including Honda, Can-Am,
Kymco, Yamaha, Kawasaki,
Suzuki and Polaris.
Models examined were
popular mid-range ATVs of
about 450cc, but some larger
units were also tested.
Three models featured
electric power steering (EPS)
— a recent innovation that is
making its way into mid-range
450cc models.
Handling, steering and
braking were carefully
analysed to rate rider safety
and determine suitability for
active riding styles.
With the average ATV costing anywhere from
$7000 to more than $15,000, making the right
buying decision has never been more important.
Nobody can argue the importance of ATVs onfarm. Their versatility, ease of use and pure
convenience lend them to a raft of applications such
as mustering, spraying, personal transport and
fencing.
And even if an ATV is only used to check stock or
to pop down to the machinery shed, money is saved
in less fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear
on the farm ute.
Off-road challenges
To carry out the testing Kondinin Group
researchers Ben White, Josh Giumelli and Chris
Warrick teamed up with ATV safety expert and
farmer, Peter Hickey at Ben Lomond in New South
Wales. The rugged New England highlands provided
the perfect location for a test track featuring rough,
rocky terrain, steep mountainous climbs and
descents, marshy flats and muddy bog holes. All
ATVs were given a thorough pressure test over a
five-day period. They were rated for handling,
steering, braking, comfort, construction, and ease
of maintenance. Despite the challenging circuit,
there were no breakdowns — only a loose set of
handlebars.
ATVs popularity continues
Recently-released Federal Chamber of Automotive
Industry figures revealed more than 12,700 ATVs
have been sold in Australia this year to date. This
represents a slight slowing in sales — but
nevertheless a significant number.
Recent tests of side-by-side vehicles, or all-terrain
utilities (see Farming Ahead June 2009, No. 209)
provide a safer option to ATV use on-farm. However,
as the report revealed, there are some tasks that
4 Farming Ahead December 2010 No. 227 www.farmingahead.com.au
ATVs are simply more suited to. ATVs are also
cheaper.
An emphasis on safety
With accidents involving ATVs accounting for
more deaths on farm than any other source, safety
is always at the forefront of any ATV research carried
out by Kondinin Group.
Included with the Group Talk report is a
comprehensive outline of safety issues surrounding
ATVs on farm, as well as advice on active riding
styles, which can mitigate many of the issues
surrounding roll-overs.
Any piece of machinery on a farm is a potential
killer, and an ATV is no exception. But when used as
intended, with the right safety accessories and by an
experienced rider, safety risks are greatly reduced.
People operating an ATV, or employing those
who do, are strongly recommended to attend an
ATV safety course. It won’t take a great deal of time
and could potentially help avoid a life-changing
incident. See Group Talk for more information.
Electric steering — not just for comfort
In a first for a Kondinin Group ATV test, three
ATVs, from Honda, Yamaha and Can-Am, were
fitted with electric power steering (EPS). The feature
is also available on some Suzuki models, but these
models were not included in the test line-up.
Kondinin Group engineers and panellists were
unfamiliar with EPS systems on ATVs, but were
pleasantly surprised at how well the steering
assistance worked, and the difference it made when
travelling over rough terrain. EPS systems are
speed-sensitive so that steering assistance is greatest
at low travel speeds, and reduces as speed increases,
so as not to mask steering feel or feedback though
the handlebars.
RESEARCH REPORT PREVIEW
Photos: Ben White
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
Parts basket a pricey purchase
Researchers also compared a basket
of parts from several manufacturers,
including filters, starter motors, guards,
lights and constant velocity (CV) joints.
With the basket total varying from $570 to
more than $2700, the list makes interesting
reading, and could potentially influence
farmers’ buying decisions, as spare part
prices are often the hidden cost in any
machinery purchase.
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CONTACT Josh Giumelli is an engineer and
writer for Farming Ahead.
[email protected]
Top gear: This month’s Group Talk report
looks at nine ATVs in detail. Kondinin Group
engineers and researchers critiqued each
ATV, inspecting features and serviceability.
They covered more than 500km along
farm tracks to evaluate the dynamic
performance of each machine. Riding
tracks included a variety of topography and
surfaces, replicating those encountered
on farm when mustering, spraying and
commuting between paddocks.
Independent information you can trust!
Members can find the full ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
Research Report inside this month’s Group Talk.
Do you want this information delivered directly to you? Become
a Kondinin Group member today and see how you can get more!
Contact 1800 677 761 or
[email protected]
Non-members can purchase Group Talk at $50 per copy (inc GST)
Farming Ahead December 2010 No. 227 www.farmingahead.com.au
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