Turning your all terrain vehicle (ATV or UTV) into a versatile winter snow removal tool can be easier than you think. ATV snow plows and UTV snow plow blades are available in a few different styles from a couple select brands. Choosing the best model for your money is simply a matter of type, mounting and functionality preference.
Types
Front mounting snow plows for ATVs and UTVs basically come in two types:
* Adjustable Tapered or Straight Blade Plows - These ATV / UTV front end mount snow plows feature the choice between the standard straight blade and the tapered cyclone plow blade. An example of this plow is the Warn ProVantage ATV Snow Plow.
* Simple Straight Blade Plows - The smaller versions of this type of plow are normally more light weight and allow you to raise the blade when not in use. The UTV version of this plow can have blades larger than 62". An example is Swisher's 62" UTV Plow.
Features
Front mounting ATV and UTV snow plows offer many of the same features.
* Blade Control - most blades allow you to pivot or rotate your blade by moving pins, wires or pushing a button. This allows you to change the angle and direction in which you push the snow.
* Durability - because of the elements they are forced to endure, ATV snow blades are made form anodized steel or thick aluminum like the SnowSport ATV Snow Plow. Some even add extra finishes to help keep debris like snow and dirt from sticking to the blade.
* Front Mount Connection - the snow plow is added and removed by attaching to a front receiver mount.
* Different Widths - different brands like SnowSport, Warn, Curtis, Swisher and BearForce all offer a wide variety of lengths and widths to choose from.
Mounting
Mounting takes place under the front of the vehicle. A simple attachment is made to a front receiver mount. This mount is sometimes purchased separate from the ATV or UTV snow plow itself. When your plow is not in use, you can remove it and use your vehicle for other purposes.
ATVs and UTVs either come with a factory receiver or you have to purchase a front receiver separately. Some ATV/UTV plows are designed to work with a universal factory receiver and others have their own unique front mount specifically for that particular plow.
Showing posts with label ATV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ATV. Show all posts
7.2.11
27.1.11
The Proven Health Benefits of Riding an ATV or Off-Road Motorcycle
Good news! The "first ever comprehensive probe of the fitness and health benefits of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-road motorcycle (ORM) recreational riding" proves riding is as good as it feels.
The study
Conducted over several years by the York University Faculty of Health, co-supported by the Government of Nova Scotia and 3 riding associations, the study began with a meticulous countrywide survey to determine the 'typical' rider.
That was the entire first phase of this huge experiment.
Then researchers observed 128 riders, divided into 6 groups: 3 age classifications, male and female. After modifying these riders' equipment, they could measure physical effects: heart rate; oxygen consumption; muscle fatigue and exertion, etc.
The findings
Riding an off-road vehicle requires genuine and serious physical effort. According to Canadian government fitness standards, it should positively affect your health.
While riding, riders' use of oxygen increased by 3.5 to 6 times their level at rest. That's 600% more! And according to standards set by the American College of Sports Medicine, that constitutes moderately intense physical activity.
That same moderate intensity taxes the heart and fatigues the muscles. How much? About the same amount as those other individual sports you take at your own pace, like skiing, golf or climbing.
A typical ATV ride was 2-3 hours; ORM was 1-2 hours. The amount of work required in the upper body and arms, if practiced regularly, was enough to increase muscle and skeletal fitness. And how regularly did they need to ride to begin realizing that increase? Just once or twice a week!
The biggie
Researchers also noticed the emotional high that fit people always talk about: "enhanced quality of life and stress reduction". This surprised no riders.
The study
Conducted over several years by the York University Faculty of Health, co-supported by the Government of Nova Scotia and 3 riding associations, the study began with a meticulous countrywide survey to determine the 'typical' rider.
That was the entire first phase of this huge experiment.
Then researchers observed 128 riders, divided into 6 groups: 3 age classifications, male and female. After modifying these riders' equipment, they could measure physical effects: heart rate; oxygen consumption; muscle fatigue and exertion, etc.
The findings
Riding an off-road vehicle requires genuine and serious physical effort. According to Canadian government fitness standards, it should positively affect your health.
While riding, riders' use of oxygen increased by 3.5 to 6 times their level at rest. That's 600% more! And according to standards set by the American College of Sports Medicine, that constitutes moderately intense physical activity.
That same moderate intensity taxes the heart and fatigues the muscles. How much? About the same amount as those other individual sports you take at your own pace, like skiing, golf or climbing.
A typical ATV ride was 2-3 hours; ORM was 1-2 hours. The amount of work required in the upper body and arms, if practiced regularly, was enough to increase muscle and skeletal fitness. And how regularly did they need to ride to begin realizing that increase? Just once or twice a week!
The biggie
Researchers also noticed the emotional high that fit people always talk about: "enhanced quality of life and stress reduction". This surprised no riders.
Labels:
ATV,
Motorcycle,
off-road
25.1.11
Choosing Your ATV Tires for Your Specific Needs
Any All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) owner needs to be conscious of the many kinds of ATV tires available for his or her purchase. Though most ATVs come with stock tires, a few different varieties of aftermarket versions are available that are suitable for different situations. Those made specifically for street use are not ideal for snow or mud riding. These tires are made for specific terrains and are made by a number of quality brands. Here are some facts on the many ATV tire variations which are offered:
General ATV Tires
Almost every all terrain vehicle comes factory installed with general purpose ATV tires. They are designed to be used in general, all around off roading, but if you lean towards one form of off roading primarily than a specialized tire like one for mud or snow would be your best bet.
Paddle Tires
If you're looking to use your ATV on the sand, then paddle tires are your best option. If you've never seen a paddle tire, just imagine very large balls with paddles. To be honest, they look more like paddles on old riverboats. Even though they're efficient in sand, they're not suggested for other kinds of riding.
Mud Tires
If you're planning on off-roading with your ATV in deep mud conditions, you'll want an ATV tire that is designed to handle it. ATV mud tires are made with large gaps and irregular tread spacing to guarantee a superior grip that rids itself of mud as you ride. In addition, the design of mud tires spins as much as possible to rid the mud from the tire.
Snow Tires
The most unique-looking tire of the bunch is probably the snow tire. Each snow tire features horizontal treads that wrap around the it - much like a snow chain. This design enables the tires to firmly grip the snow instead of helplessly spinning in it.
Trail Tires
Trail tires bear a striking resemblance to their mud counterparts. The only difference is that the treads are slightly shorter and may be closer together. These tires are also made of tougher rubber and are higher priced than most of their counterparts.
ATV Tire Brands
There are a number of quality ATV tire brands to choose from. These include Maxxis, Kenda, STI, Interco (Super Swamper), and GBC to name a few. All of these are good brands to there's no need to worry about making a bad choice. Choosing your tire brand from quality manufacturers just requires some time and planning. Pick the tire that fits your needs and budget.
General ATV Tires
Almost every all terrain vehicle comes factory installed with general purpose ATV tires. They are designed to be used in general, all around off roading, but if you lean towards one form of off roading primarily than a specialized tire like one for mud or snow would be your best bet.
Paddle Tires
If you're looking to use your ATV on the sand, then paddle tires are your best option. If you've never seen a paddle tire, just imagine very large balls with paddles. To be honest, they look more like paddles on old riverboats. Even though they're efficient in sand, they're not suggested for other kinds of riding.
Mud Tires
If you're planning on off-roading with your ATV in deep mud conditions, you'll want an ATV tire that is designed to handle it. ATV mud tires are made with large gaps and irregular tread spacing to guarantee a superior grip that rids itself of mud as you ride. In addition, the design of mud tires spins as much as possible to rid the mud from the tire.
Snow Tires
The most unique-looking tire of the bunch is probably the snow tire. Each snow tire features horizontal treads that wrap around the it - much like a snow chain. This design enables the tires to firmly grip the snow instead of helplessly spinning in it.
Trail Tires
Trail tires bear a striking resemblance to their mud counterparts. The only difference is that the treads are slightly shorter and may be closer together. These tires are also made of tougher rubber and are higher priced than most of their counterparts.
ATV Tire Brands
There are a number of quality ATV tire brands to choose from. These include Maxxis, Kenda, STI, Interco (Super Swamper), and GBC to name a few. All of these are good brands to there's no need to worry about making a bad choice. Choosing your tire brand from quality manufacturers just requires some time and planning. Pick the tire that fits your needs and budget.
Labels:
ATV
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